Im sitting at the Cows End coddling a large cup of coffee, nursing an excruciating hangover, and staring off into space. This guy walks by and looks at me like Im some kind of freak. Fact is I thought he was. About ½ hour later the same guy walks by from the opposite direction, gives me the same look as before. I realize hes trying to see if he recognizes me, and me him. (Note to self: drinking a bottle of wine with the speed and ferocity of a 12 oz can of coke on a hot day is not a good idea). Low and behold its Calvin Green, a good old friend from Toronto. We talked for a couple hours, getting caught up. He told me about Production HQ and what they were doing and their vision. I thought, this guy is so talented why isnt he on a series or doing film after film. He tells me his goal is to make his own projects to define his own future and carve a niche. Its a story Ive heard often. Shit, its a story I hope to fulfill for myself. But in Calvins case it is coming true.

Production HQ

A couple weeks later I met Calvin at Production HQ, got a tour, and met some nice folks. In the meeting he spoke of producing feature films later in the year and that I should stay in touch with him. We all know its an actors job to stay in touch with everyone they meet thats making a movie we might want to be in. And, listen to the person that says those words, because for every ten that say, Im making a movie one just might actually come through and make the damn film. Relationships are everything in our business.

Passage of Time

I hadnt talked to Calvin in probably six weeks, it was mid November last year, and I was meeting with a bit of success, acting. Driving across the 101 from a call back, I thought Shit! You idiot you were supposed to stay in touch with Calvin, CALL HIM. I did, that instant. He was smack dab in the middle of casting THE SLAUGTHER and asked me what I was doing that afternoon. I responded anything you want me to be doing he laughed and said theres a role I might want to come in and read for. I got the low down, got home. Grabbed the sleaziest looking outfit I could put together and hi tailed it over to HQ. Got there read the sides, which at first glance just felt sooo easy. Went in the room read the piece, and made em all feel really uncomfortable. I guess that was the character they wanted. A week or so later while I was shooting another film, Calvin called and asked, What are you doing next week? Once again I answered, Anything you want me to be doing! Only this time he was telling me I was getting a call a bit later from a production coordinator and that I had the role of CARL STEVENS in the film. FUCK YEAH! Thats what I yell at the top of my lungs every time I get a cool role. Truthfully I yell it on all of them. Just got another one recently and yelled those words so loud I injured my throat, in front of the producers. Note to self contain enthusiasm jackass before you loose your voice, permanently!

Mismanaging Time

So, the next two weeks of my life become hell because Im shooting a short film day and night and have a major role, and shooting The Slaughter during the day and night for a week, and sometimes shooting the short film till 4 AM, then sleeping a few hours and going to shoot more of The Slaughter. On one day I had a third booking and did three damn parts on the same day. Not recommended unless ones therapist is within easy reach.

Working with HQ

Jay Lee and his illustrious sister Angela are extraordinary people. Jay works like hes been directing for 20 years and Im not sure, but I dont think hes much more than 29. Angela knows so many ins and outs of producing its intimidating. Damn glad I work for them! Working with Jay was a completely different kind of experience than any other director Ive had on over 130 projects in the past fifteen years. He gets to know the actor, develops his own shorthand, and bingo bango bongo he gets what he needs and it ends up on the screen making the film and performances really work well. Theres no ego at HQ. Producers, executives, and assistants make meals, sweep floors, hold the boom, and help everyone out when they need help. The all care about whats going on and getting the best out of every moment. While we were shooting The Slaughter Calvin would take time from his producing responsibilities to sit with the actors and run the scenes and talk character and situation getting us ready for Jay. It makes a difference when everyone in a production cares about the end result. Make up and special effects were remarkable on the show. The actors and crew all delivered. The net result is a really cool movie thats getting good reviews from festival screenings, and is enjoyed by audiences. When it comes out be sure to get a copy at your local video store. If you like the genre, this one will be hard to beat.

Epilogue

Working on The Slaughter was by far one of the most exciting, fun, friendly, heart warming, and memorable experiences Ive had in fifteen years of doing this thing. The food was excellent! Abbey the resident princess Bull Dog was always loads of fun. Everyone from every aspect of the production had one thing on their minds lets make a good film and enjoy the process, and we did. Its a really nice thing in life when you get to find a new family. Thanks for adopting me HQ ?