An indie Actor's Blog
Posted by WHD | July 8, 2019 9:00 pm
In Memoriam
Robert Wayne
Donnelly, beloved brother, son, and friend, lost his Battle with Life on Saturday, June 22, 2019,
aged 64, passing away in Hospice from complications due to cancer at Enloe Hospital in Chico, CA.
He was born January 24, 1955 in Oroville, CA , first son to Robert Ellis Donnelly and Evelyn Bernice Donnelly (née Clingan). He was predeceased by his parents and several beloved companion animals, mostly cats (Charlie Brown, Entropy, Ishtar, Rhiannon, and Simon, among others, including many family pets (mostly dogs ('Bingo') over the years). He is survived by his sister, Lesa Louise Donnelly, of Anderson, CA, and brothers William Harold Donnelly and Daniel Lee Donnelly, of Chico, CA, a family-"adopted" son-brother and long-time friend of the family, James Benjamin Clark, of Bakersfield, CA, and three companion animals, a cat, Mr. Black, and two Sulcata desert tortoises, Allowishes (Aloysius) and Michelangelo (Mikey).
Recently of Anderson, CA, he also lived in Chico, CA, San Diego, CA, Visalia, CA, the Quincy/Twain, CA area, Massachusetts, and Germany.
Robert was brilliant (intelligent, smart, and extremely well-read), and had a genius-level IQ. He prided himself on being able to usually complete the New York Times Sunday crossword puzzle, in pen, in around 45 minutes. Though not officially degreed, he obtained a Master's Degree level in various fields, and was an autodidact, polymath, and polyhistor. He was a bibliophile, having read several thousand books in his lifetime, fiction and nonfiction, Science Fiction being one of his favorite genres. He was a Rights Activist — supporting and being active in Non-Human Animal Rights (including Animal Welfare, Protection, and Defense), Environmental Rights, Human Animal Rights (Civil Rights, Equal Rights, Human Rights, etc.), and Anti-Vivisection. He was a proud vegetarian (later near-vegan) for over 30 years. He also loved Sky Diving up to the day he almost died in his last jump. (he fractured his ankle in the landing, and the next jump trip he had planned to go on, the plane crashed and all were lost)
Though Robert was plagued (if you will) with the faults and frailties all humans suffer through (he was a strong believer in The Truth), he was also a good person at heart, genuine, decent, kind, caring, generous, thoughtful, helpful, compassionate, and empathetic. (sometimes 'to a fault') Most people would probably describe him as a "Flaming Liberal/Progressive", a designation he was proud of and wore well. (Bernie or Bust!) He had a well-developed sense of humor and sometimes caustic wit that was often wicked, sarcastic, dark, and delved into Black, Gallows, and 'edgy' humor.
Robert loved acting, especially in theater, where he excelled at Mt. Whitney High School in Visalia, CA in the late 1960s under his teacher, Robert Ellis, and also in various community theater productions over the years (several in Quincy, CA). He also acted in several short, independent films ("A Clown's Funeral", "Fly", "A Midsummer Nightmare – The Betrayal", "The Chosen", "3 Keys", "The Last Foxhole", "False Dawn"), and one feature-length film / web series, "Gunrunner Billy Kane". He played the guitar and sang with a wonderful voice.
Robert was a writer, screenwriter, technical writer/editor, and hobbyist artist, and was highly creative in many ways, which was realized in his work, hobbies, and personal life. His work life was eclectic, often choosing jobs and short-term careers because they seemed interesting or he had never done that kind of work before. He attended College of the Sequoias for a year or so in Visalia, CA in the early 1970s. As a Vietnam-era vet, he then joined the Army toward the end of the war, and served for several years. He graduated from the Defense Language Institute (DLI) at The Presidio in Monterey, CA as a Russian Linguist, and was a Traffic Analyst (TA) in Army Intelligence, stationed in Germany. (he would want us to say, "Hello", to all of his Army friends) It was while in Germany he met his ex-wife, "Brandy", who was also in the Army.
After leaving the Army, Robert helped manage a family-run business, Woody's Feather River Hot Springs, near Twain, CA (cafe-bar, cabin rentals, trailer park-campground), later managed Haskin's Lodge near Bucks Lake, CA, and helped manage a Chico pizzaria and bar. He worked in radio as an announcer-host for KPCO in Quincy, CA and KPAY in Chico, CA. He performed voice over work over the years for radio commercials and for many other projects, and was heralded by many as a "great voice". At one point he attempted to join the Peace Corps, but the Peace Corps does not allow people who have worked in "intelligence" to join, so, to further his adventures, he traveled to South America on a private Toucan Study. For a time he worked as a Private Investigator.
He also worked as a Technical Writer/Editor for an early Hospital Software package developer, as a Franchise Package Writer-Developer, and in Ad Sales for Animals' Voice magazine in Los Angeles, CA and Videomaker magazine in Chico, CA. One of his proudest achievements was as co-developer of one of the first (if not the first) online University programs, for which he was interviewed in USA Today. Later he worked as a Computer Tech for a community college in San Diego, CA.
His latest career achievement was as co-owner of Donnelly and Donnelly – Alternative Dispute Resolutions with his sister, Lesa, where he successfully helped many women, minorities, and men in the U.S.D.A. U.S.F.S. and other federal agencies with workplace Discrimination, Harassment, Hostile Work Environment, Retaliation, and Reprisal claims and lawsuits. He was the Communication Director for the USDA Coalition of Minority Employees. As a member of the Coalition he was invited to the White House twice in the past decade.
Robert was not a traditionally religious person, and tended toward "New Age" spirituality. He was cremated. At his request, there will be no funeral or memorial. Just this brief summary-highlights In Memoriam on his personal website, which does not come close to doing him justice.
He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
Requiescat In Pace
Some of you know that Robert was taking a "Home Remedy" treatment (MMS) for his cancer, with which
he achieved great success, and was heading toward a complete Restoration of Health.
That story can be found here.
Posted by RD | August 26, 2011 12:00 pm
Ongoing ...
This intro to my blog will continue to promote The Gunrunner Billy Kane for awhile, along with Crowd-Sourced Casting.
To See What's Happenin' Now ~ see the Projects Page. This will be more of a current blog page about things indie ....
The Gunrunner Billy Kane
We have a winner!
The Rat ... A Crowd-Sourced Casting Call Contest
Intro
First I have to say Thank You to Michael Selig for the opportunity, and for choosing me as the winner of the GBK Casting Call Contest to play the role of "The Rat." The experience was phenomenal !
Thank you also to Lincoln Molin, co-producer for his total support and encouragement throughout the casting process and the filming; it was invaluable. And to Brenda Rex, the wonderful internet marketing coordinator who answered my many emails (as did Lincoln) and who was the reader for the audition.
These people are simply amazing !! They epitomize the passion and dedication of indie filmmakers.
~ ~ ~
I decided to start this 'blog' in order to detail my experience as an actor in The Gunrunner Billy Kane, (see the link at the right) an indie film produced and directed by Michael D. Selig (pronounced See-lig). Michael's production company is Sugartide Films.
This blog is evolving a bit as I go along -- I am writing this because GBK sponsored a Casting Call Contest for the role of The Rat. Because of how the role was cast in a Contest using Crowd-Sourcing I thought it's a concept that should receive more attention; and I wanted to promote that concept, as well as provide whatever blatant publicity I could for The Gunrunner Billy Kane ... ^_^
It's kind of long, but there are reasons for that, so I'll just hope you find it entertaining. If you want to skip all the background stuff about the Contests (yes, there is a new contest now), skip down to Day 1 – Travel Day for the 'daily blog' of the Contest and shoot in the desert.
Crowd-Sourced Casting
Crowd-sourcing is a somewhat new online concept being used to finance indie film (and it's use is growing in other industries). Fans are given the opportunity to participate by contributing whatever they can financially to certain aspects of an indie film project, or other entertainment-related project (which can be in phases like pre-production, production, post-, marketing and distribution, etc.), and contributions can range from one dollar up to thousands. Contributors receive various perks depending on the level of the contribution. From a t-shirt and a poster, to a DVD, a mention in the credits somewhere, or in some cases, up to and including a credit as a producer of some sort. One website promoting crowd-sourcing is www.indie-go-go.com; check them out to get an idea of how it's done.
Michael's Innovative Concept for GBK
Michael was receiving an international response to GBK in general. When he decided to fit this particular scene with the Rat into the film to tie some things together, he saw a potential for broader participation in his project.
They had more than 2600 emails in response to the Casting Call Contest – voters and interested fans! The response was simply phenomenal!
He took this concept and applied it to casting this role in his film. This allowed those with interest in indie film, and with interest in his film in particular, an opportunity to participate by "competing" to get to an audition and actually be cast in a role in a feature-length SciFi post-apocalyptic indie film. It's just too cool for words.
He's probably the first person to do this. It's very innovative, and offers a different experience to indie film people, especially aspiring indie film actors. I have completed three short films. I am currently in production on two more. The Gunrunner Billy Kane was my fifth role in indie film, but more importantly, this contest got me my first role in a feature-length film!
Contestants do not have to even be actors, although most are... or rather were, for The Rat. Anyone who has a passion or who thinks they might like to try something like this has an opportunity to express themselves. It's a very cool thing. And ya just never know.
I found that it allows indie actors to take the audition process a step further.
Instead of just walking in and doing a reading, I have to be creative enough to get myself to the audition to compete with the best people out there for the role - or whomever has the most voters ((grin)). Once I'm there, it comes down to ability, and every contestant is on a level playing field at that point — as we were with Michael. When we walked into the audition, everything was reset. He cast the part based on what you did right there in front of him as any director would do.
And of course it doesn't hurt that Crowd-Sourced Casting like this also helps generate enormous publicity and excitement for a project through the use of social media by the contestants (and winners), as evidenced by the response discussed below.
Not to mention promoting me as an indie actor. ^_^
If you're not reading this on the blog page, the URL is robert.donnelly-house.net (no 'www').
I Won
I got's happy feets...
There are specific reasons I've gone into so much detail about the contest, crowd-sourcing, the casting process, and what it was like being out in the desert in this role.
1) First, I'm doing it because it was a contest, and ... well ... I am the Winner ..... >^_^<
2) Second, before I started writing about all of this — as Michael and Lincoln and I were sitting out under the stars in the desert — I asked Michael if he had objections, or if there was anything he would prefer I didn't mention (I was thinking spoilers). He said not at all, Talk It Up! Especially since they're announcing a new contest.
3) The Third Reason is The New Contest! GBK is having a new contest, due to the overwhelming response to The Rat. There are now going to be Two New Winners of a crowd-sourced contest for GBK. Another first for Michael.
I want all the potential winners to know what an amazing experience something like this can be, as it was for me. And I hope we see a lot more of this in indie film.
The entire experience was truly enjoyable, every minute of it. That was Michael's goal, as he told me often. He wanted whomever was cast as The Rat to mostly just enjoy the experience and the film making process.
Sounds good to me. It worked.
It makes acting in a film like this something more for an aspiring indie actor like me. Not that I haven't enjoyed the roles I've been given, they were great as well. But do keep in mind, I am an 'aspiring' indie actor. I've done a lot of stage work, but I've only been doing indie film shorts for a couple of years, and this is my first feature-length film.
I have no problem saying I'm a novice in the indie film industry. But every thing I get to do helps me perfect my craft, and — one hopes — get more and perhaps larger roles. If ya know what I mean.
I'm hoping Potential Contestants will be interested in hearing what my experience was like, and what theirs *could* be like (if not better but I don't see how) if they win. As I mentioned, it's also promoting me as an indie actor of course, soooooo... pardon my "shamelessness" as Steve Everson says ... lol.
GBK's New Contest
Disclaimer: GBK hasn't officially announced the contest yet as far as I have seen; it will probably be up this week. But Michael said I can talk about it. Still, nothing here can be attributed to GBK, it's all my words. Don't go to Michael and say, "But, but ... Robert said in his blog that you said yadda yadda yadda ...." ^_^
Ok. As I understand it so far, and of course things change often and fast in indie film, the new contest will be Two-Pronged. But wait for the actual announcement for the actual real life specific details of the contest, ok?
I have to interject here, The Gunrunner Billy Kane has officially announced the new contest and the script is up and posted for download - go ahead and read my early version of how I thought it would be if you want. You can find the new contest at GBK News Section
'Desperado' Role Contest
One part of the contest is for a Contestant to be cast in a role in the film as I was. The role is (disclaim, disclaim) a 'Desperado' type character — The character will try to steal gas from Dr. Billy Kane's motorcycle inside the Bubble City.
As examples (disclaim, disclaim and these are just off the top of my head so ... ) maybe a desperate street urchin, or maybe an older brother trying to care for his sick little sister, or a desperate mother or father with kids trying to survive in the Bubble City — or however the Contestant might want to interpret the script when it's put up on the website. There are myriad ways that an individual can see this character and their background.
Look at the background stories of all the Contestants who tried out for The Rat. Every story was different, every story brought a different perspective to the character and how each of us wanted to portray that character. ^_^
Like I said, wait until you see what the actual Contest Description is and what the rules are before taking my word for anything.
Age, ethnicity, body type, everything is completely open ( well, I think Michael said as young as somewhere in early teens, maybe, like a street urchin type, up to 60 or older as long as you don't ... you know ... use a walker or something. Although, that could make an interesting character ... lol.)
The contestant will be responsible for making the best video they can, just as in the first contest, and submitting it to the website. Friends and family and anyone who will put up with your begging and pleading and posting and re-posting and tweets and emails and Whatever It Takes To Get The Role! Will vote for you. I imagine the Top Five vote-getters will be invited to LA to audition for Michael in person. << changes already, Michael has posted the announcement and the Top Ten vote-getters will be invited to L.A. — same with the Guest Director below, the Top Ten >>
Sorry, I'm LOL'ing I write this. I know I bugged the crap out of some of you and of course apologies if I really truly irked anyone. But, shameless promotion pays off. It got me to the audition.
<< insert rolling on the floor laughing smiley here >>
I got the role with my ability and because of Michael's vision of what he wanted for the role and how I fit that ... but I would not have even had the opportunity if not for my family and all my friends...
(( Go for it !!! ))
Director's Contest
Michael's being even more innovative. One person who directs a video of the above scene and submits it to the contest will be chosen by Michael to be a Guest Director (disclaim, disclaim) on the film, get to go to Los Angeles, and actually direct that scene which will then be put into the final cut.
I'm sure the GD will have access to the GBK team and crew people (who might be volunteers like John, Jarrod and Olaf on my shoot and who were wonderful! Thank you again gentlemen!). The GD will have access to GBK's equipment as needed for the shoot as the winning director filmed it (probably in additional collaboration with Michael of course and understanding adjustments would probably be made as was done with my character and dialogue.
BTW, Michael likes adjustments, lol. (( five words into your scene, "Cut. Great, that was great. Wonderful. Really, great. Ok, do it again but now try it this way" or "do more of this" or "you can't give me enough ... " )) I imagine actors with good directors will recognize that. And maybe empathize with it, lol.
And the Guest Director will be shooting the scene with Michael's Canon 5D Mark II HD digital camera. With some really nice lenses and other equipment. Even *I* got to use it! That should be any low budget indie director's dream!!
Even cooler, right ??
I imagine the director will have to look at the scene, and cast someone to play the 'desperado' role for them. The might even want to find a different camera operator. They will be responsible for their shot set up, blocking, props if any (probably not really necessary), lighting, makeup, costume, and ensuring their actor knows his or her lines.
The more creative the director is, I would imagine they would have a better chance. BUT ... wait for the official announcement (disclaim, disclaim).
If it's like my experience, as you can read in the 'daily' blog below, the Guest Director will get to L.A. — probably on their own just like the rest of us had to I'm sure, lol ... and I say again, it's worth it.
Michael was also nice enough to create a couple of additional small scenes and dialogue for my character, some with the lead actress Julianna Robinson. These additional scenes might or might not make it to the final cut — if not, oh well, that's indie film. If they do... great. More screen time. ^_^
I hadn't said this before but let me say it now. I very much enjoyed being directed by Michael, and what he pulled out of me for the scene. Any errors or deletions or poor acting are mine and cannot be attributed to any member of the GBK team or especially Michael. ^_^
Alrighty, then. Time to 'ave a cheeky and get to the Contest reprise and the 'daily' blog, which you would have been able to read 'daily' on Facebook if I'd had any sort of net access. Lincoln's phone was the only one that worked.
The Rat — A Crowd-Sourced Casting Call Contest
The Audition Process
This pic is my costume from the audition video I submitted to the website. Compare it to my final costume standing in front of the '69 Dodge Power wagon I got to drive. (above)
(( All or most of this was written as part of the 'daily' blog ... ))
A lot or most of you know this part. Skip down to the 'daily' blog sections if you don't need to read/hear/see this again. But in case you're not familiar with the background:
GBK held an open Casting Call Contest to choose an actor/actress to play this role. Age range was completely open (18 and older). Contestants were to make and submit an "audition video" from the script provided on the website. Then the contestants did the American Idol-thing and got family, friends and anyone else possible to vote for their video. Originally the Top Five vote-getters would be invited to LA to audition for Michael live in Hollywood.
I found this casting call on www.ExploreTalent.com. It advertised the above as a web series. I wasn't really looking to try out for a feature length film as such, especially in LA. For the past couple of years I've been doing a few indie short films and decided to try and do more, so I went out looking. I thought a web series would be fun to do, even as a one time role. Always a chance it could become recurring.
GBK is one I found and decided to try and audition for. I've done stage acting for more than 40 years, and I've just started acting in indie short films for a couple of years.
My brother Bill (an indie short film director) directed my video for me. He was not only director, he did lighting, sound, construction, props (found almost all the pieces of my costume for me), and general all around gofer. He also edited it (I helped). It looked good – sorry, I have to say that, it did. THANKS BILBO ! The high production values were really due to Bill (I had a little bit to do with it ^_^ ).
In fact, one or two of the other contestants mentioned the 'high production values' – yes, he used those words and thank you Matt – of my video while we were waiting for Michael to show up for the audition on Sunday. I used royalty free video footage and music behind my voice over "background story" in my video; I was the only one who did that. It was not necessary or required, but it was more fun for me and Bill to do it that way and we want to turn it into an actual little five to six minute short film that I might use for my 'reel.' I had planned even more sound effects and decided not to use them; I wish I had.
((( fyi, Matt did nine-minute vlog of his experiences with the Casting Call Contest. It's on his FB page, check it out at Matthew Maitland )))
The role of "The Rat" is a desert dweller in a post-apocalyptic type of world ( the tagline on the webpage: is "think Mad Max meets Frankenstein" ) ... His family was killed by tweakers. The Rat does what it takes to survive, often trading and bartering in the Bubble City. He's a loner of sorts, and his cave is located out in the desert.
Lincoln mentioned on our way back from The Ranch (the desert, see below) that when he first watched my video, he liked that I said in the in the intro to my vid that "no vehicles were actually driven in the filming and no actual weapons were used."
Reason being, in the very opening of my video, brother Bill did such a good dolly shot, it actually looked like I drove up to the camera. And, it looked like I was driving away at the end. KUDOS, Bill, that was his idea. And thank you Lincoln for saying that.
I submitted my video to the online "audition," and a Whole Bunch of Great People voted for me (119 votes). Thank you. Cannot possibly thank any of you enough if you helped me get this role. If you haven't seen the audition video, here it is:
Special thanks to brother Bill, and to Sue Eckhardt, an old army friend from nearly thirty years ago, and some others who reposted my requests for votes and asked their friends to vote for me and help promote me to get this role. It helped immensely.
I'll apologize here for bugging people so much to vote for me, I'm sure I irritated a lot of you and I didn't really *mean* to ..... but, I'm afraid I don't regret it. << grin >>
There was a glitch with the email voting process (for the last four hours, no one could vote, the server had shut down). The numbers had been changing so fast that last day, it was impossible to tell who might have been in, stayed in, or might later make it into the Top Five vote getters. So, to be fair, Michael made the decision that anyone with more than 100 votes at 8pm was invited to Los Angeles (at our expense) for a live audition with the director. This turned out to be the Top Ten vote getters.
I'll interject here, new contestants might be interested: My total cost for getting this role, with buying things for the audition video (new tv/monitor, battery A/C adapter, costume, props and etc. — plus train fare, hotel, cabs etc., plus some food and other incidentals........ the total is somewhere between $750 – $900.
WORTH EVERY PENNY !!!!! or even more.
However - let me come back in here to say I'm not advocating you spend a lot of money on your video. It just happened that we did for various reasons, not the least of which we needed a new tv/monitor anyway and a chunk went to that, for exampe. And the car battery ac adapter to save our batteries.
Because of the nature of the new contest, as with the first one, I don't think it'd be a bad idea to spend a few bucks on a good costume IF you can afford it... and especially considering the description of "steam-punk" type of character.
Michael saved me about $150 in hotel and cab fare by letting me sleep on his floor Tuesday night after we got back from the desert (on a cushion of course, lol ) and giving me a ride to the train station the next morning. Very nice of him to do that.
Ok, here is the daily blog I was writing. I've put this into an openoffice doc to write the above intro and edit a bit, clean up the spelling some ... maybe... I'll put the link on my wall and in Info for anyone who wishes to read this. I might have to break it all up into a series of Notes if I put it up on Facebook. Just come here. It's easier.
I also have a lot of pictures I'll put up in some new albums on FB. And I'll get them all up here eventually.
Hope you enjoy it.
Oh, btw ... I won. ^_^ ...
Saturday 20 August – Travel Day - off to LA
I am writing this now in my hotel room, it's about 10:30 pm. I decided to keep a log of this contest. If I win, great. If not, oh well. It's worth the opportunity and experience no matter what happens.
I just got in a bit ago and got my hotel, this is how I got here....
I took the train from Chico, CA to L.A. on Saturday the 20th. Friday night I could not sleep of course. Finally laid down about 11 pm, slept two hours, got up and finished packing and ready to go. To the train station at 2:30 am, train left Chico at about 3 am.
The conductors were all total a-holes (yea yea I'm keeping it clean). They were rude, abrupt and very unprofessional. I've never taken Amtrak where nearly every conductor was so assbite-ish.
Also, the refrigerators went out in the dining car. "Breakfast" was a box with an apple which turned brown the second I sliced into it (obviously not real fresh); a soggy croissant,which if the ends were any indication, would have been Hard if it hadn't been Soggy; a Dannon yogurt and something else I don't remember. Oh, an orange. Yum.
I didn't feel like peeling a squirting orange all over me, and I don't like Dannon Activa yogurt. I ate four bites of the crappy apple and one bite of soggy croissant, threw the rest away – all meals were complimentary because their refrigerators broke. Also because no sane person would pay for the crap they were offering. At the first stop I bought two egg salad sandwiches, ate one immediately. They weren't all that great either.
Lunch was subway veggie sandwich (lettuce, half unripe tomato, bell pepper, pickle and cuke (limp, not crispy); no mayo, no mustard, just really really dry bread and a bag of chips. The assholes didn't even provide condiments we could put on the bread so it wasn't so dry. Dinner was some crap pizza which I totally passed on because of the Extremely High Quality of the other meals – and I ate my other egg salad sammich. Shittiest train trip I have ever taken.
Got into Los Angeles Union Station just before 9pm ; cab to a hotel ( $40 ! ) on Vine street ($114, cheapest I could find in the area) – was just barely "ok." But it was literally just around the corner from the audition place.
Midnight. Tired. To bed.
Sunday 21 August – Audition Day 1 !
>>> I am writing this Sunday night at the camp and Monday afternoon and evening during breaks <<<
Sunday morning. Awakened at 5 am by someone arguing outside my door on the balcony. ASSbiteS.
I called the desk half asleep and bitched at the desk guy. Couldn't get back to sleep. Three trips downstairs to get coffee (small cups), nothing worth eating at the free continental breakfast.
Cab to Starbucks ($8 with tip for about a mile & o_O things are a little more expensive in LA than when I lived here '86-'92) Sat with my coffee and NYT crossword for a couple of hours. Almost surprisingly I didn't feel very nervous. Anxious to do the thing, yes.
The audition was at 1:30 pm. I showed up about 1pm, Matt Maitland was waiting outside, we talked for a bit. Then Paul Alexander showed up and we went upstairs to wait. The audition was being held in a 'theater complex' with a bunch of tiny theaters that seat maybe 20-100 people that can be rented for performances or auditions and such. All together four other contestants showed, a total of seven out of ten. You can see the list of finalists at GBK News; and on Facebook.
Close to 1:30 pm Michael Selig, producer and director, and Lincoln Molin, co-producer, arrived; Brenda, the internet marketing coordinator was already there and had been on the phone while we waited.
A couple of us had gotten into costume while we were waiting for Michael. Lincoln introduced himself and opened the studio. Michael introduced himself to me (and the others) and said, "Nice costume." ^_^
They decided to take us in alpha order by first name. That placed me next to last.
Michael took us all into the theater and explained everything. Then we went out and were called back in one at a time.
Lotta pacing back and forth, building some energy (well, that's how I do it anyway, lol) and rehearsing my lines. Others were doing similar things, or just doing nothing.
The auditions lasted approximately five to seven minutes for each of us. For mine, I went in, Mike explained a couple of things, asked if I had any questions. I had one: "How's Rocky?" (( general laughter ))
Rocky is Mike's kitty who he mentioned a number of times in his GBK blog discussing his making of The Gunrunner Billy Kane over the past two years (of course I read it! Five times. lol). Michael thought it was nice I thought to ask how Rocky was doing.
8=)
After the first round of auditions, each of the contestants was then called back in and given "adjustments." That is, the director would say, "Ok, your dog just died, your wife just left you, your mother just died, you just had a fight in Bubble City (that was mine) ..." Or something similar. "Now, do those lines again with that feeling in mind."
((( remember I mentioned above Michael loves adjustments — which is a good thing ! )))
He does this to test the 'range' of an actor's ability; how quickly they can change, incorporate and assimilate the adjustment into their performance... if they can do it all. Some can, some can't.
As each of us came out, we would ask, "What was your adjustment? How do you think you did? Did you nail it?" We were all humble ...of course. ;-) Then Mike called us all back in, said everyone did a great job, etc., and chose the actor.
And ... I won! << grin >>
Called my brother Bill first, called my sister Lesa, and texted Sue Eckhardt, an old army friend from almost 30 years ago. She put up the announcement for me on my Wall, as I had no internet access.
It's hard to express the feeling one gets when cast in a role like this. I won't try. Suffice to say, Wow ! Oh boy ! Hot Diggety Possums !! And I still had no idea what it was really going to be like when I got out here.
Immediately after the audition, around 5 pm or so, we went downstairs and worked out who's riding with whom and went to lunch. All of us except one contestant (who had mentioned to us while we were waiting that he had to get back home right after the audition if he wasn't chosen), went to Mel's Drive-In for a late lunch (I had a grilled 3-cheese sammich with fries and a root beer).
It was great sitting around and talking with fellow contestants, listening to Michael and Lincoln and Brenda talk about the film and such. Great waitress too, she was totally sarcastic and very cool. Gave each of us nicknames: Dreads (Travis had dreads); Southern Girl (Alexandria, who was from Memphis); I was GI Joe – I was still wearing my camo t-shirt and jacket from the audition.
After our late lunch, around 6:30 pm I left with Mike and Lincoln to drive about an hour and a half to Ridgecrest, CA. Shopped at Stater Brothers (veggie foods for me and Julianna Robinson << also veggie and the Lead actress who plays Sarah Hawkins >> and incidentals). Then we went to Goodwill.
I took my costume with me that I had put together for my video. Michael decided to use all of it except my t-shirt and jeans (the blue and white camo on the shirt can be more distracting on cam versus olive drab). We used my hat, eye patch and goggles, and my camo jacket. He also liked my makeup.
We bought an olive drab t-shirt, a pair of black boots, olive green fatigue-style cargo pants, and a very nice super cheapo girl's faux diamond ring, set in two small hearts. (You'll see what that ring is for when you watch the movie ^_^ )
We stopped at Taco Bell for a quick dinner (two bean and cheese burritos and a root beer). Then I learned about " 'avin a cheeky." Michael and Lincoln met this Brit once who talked about 'avin a cheeky cigarette (said with a London East End type dialect). So when we could, we took breaks "for a cheeky."
Then another 45 minutes or so to the base camp site at the Pinnacles National Monument, near Trona, CA. It was only about 15-20 minutes to the turn off. It took us about 15-20 minutes of very slow driving on a gravelly, pitted road with lots of ruts and a lot of big rocks sitting on, or poking out of the road. They called the base camp 'The Ranch,' where the RV and Dr. Billy Kane's (Michael's) motorcycle were parked.
Got there, unpacked stuff and stood outside looking at a sky like I have not seen in decades (back when light pollution in towns wasn't so bad and you could see more than just a few hundred stars).
The Milky Way spread across the entire sky, bright as hell. Big Dipper, Sagittarius, Scorpio ... the constellations were clear and bright. Michael, Lincoln and I sat outside for awhile and talked. It was great to get to know Michael and Lincoln, and hear their passion for what they were doing with GBK. And, how excited they were that I was there as the Contest winner, and to do the scenes. The excitement was at least mutual, if not heavily weighted to my side, lol.
They made me start chugging water that night, as it was supposed to be very hot on Monday during the shoot. We 'ad a fynal cheeky and off to bed. I got the Queen bed in the back bedroom, which I would be giving up to Julianna, the lead actress with whom I'd be doing my scenes, on Monday night. We finally got to sleep about 1 am.
Monday 22 August – Day 2: Filming
2036: Somewhere in Western America in and near the Bubble City
Day 1 of Shooting. My second 'day' on set.
Woke up at 5 am. False dawn and sunrise at the Trona Pinnacles State Park is amazing ! ( see the Photo Gallery when done )
As I described in the pic (on my FB page when I got a few up during the shoot), I went right back in and grabbed my cam and started taking pics. The beauty of that desert early morning, or anytime really – even in the heat – is ... well, you know ... you keep repeating yourself. It's amazing.
I put half my costume on, waiting for The Truck to show up at 6 am. No coffee. Arrrggghhhh. But, they had Starbucks double espresso shot drinks, which at least woke me up. I drank two. And a half.
Right about 6 am, this white pickup drives up, along with this huge olive drab 1969 Dodge Power Wagon. It's not a Monster truck – it's just a monster.
Drives like a tank. Looks like something that has been in the desert since the day it was built. John is the owner, he came out with Jarrod and Olaf. The three of them were our crew for the day, and they helped immensely; it would have taken easily twice as long without their assistance. They seemed to really enjoy the experience, too. I'll say, Thanks, guys! And thanks for letting me drive your truck, John!
( I decided to call her Abigale ... 8-] ...... )
<< An aside: John told me once as we were waiting for a shot set up that he'd been hoping I wouldn't be one of those actors who did their own stunts, that is, that I wouldn't be able or willing to drive a big truck like that, lol. That way he would have had to drive the truck in the long distance driving scenes — but, even though I'm old, I do my own stunts. So far. ^_^ Mike told me later that all three of them commented on how well I handled the truck in the driving scenes. A nice compliment. The kind of thing an actor lives for. >>
The morning consisted of me driving. Three different locations, with a lot of long shots driving through the desert, a few medium close shots. Mostly you can barely tell it's me in the truck, I think.
I want to describe this next shot (or series of shots) because it's interesting ( or it is if you have an interest in indie film, at least).
Michael wanted a 'boom shot.' This consisted of setting up a tripod in the back of the pickup to get additional height. Then the camera was placed on the boom. It was positioned very low, near the ground. The boom is a long piece of metal which swings back and forth, up and down, and it's counter-weighted (with barbell weights) to make the movement of the camera smooth.
I drove down the dirt road about a half mile, turned and drove the Power Wagon at speed past the pickup. Lincoln slowly raised the boom as I got close, so the camera came up over the cab of the Power Wagon as I drove past underneath. It's a very cool shot.
Because I'm blind in my right eye, and was wearing goggles, I could not see the pickup on my right side when I got to within 10-15 feet or so from it. I have no peripheral vision to my right eye, and it was worse with the goggles. Michael stood at a spot to the side of the truck behind it so I had a line to use to aim directly at him and ensure I missed the pickup. As I passed the pickup, at a distance of about three feet away, he jumped out of the way (I was going about 25-30 mph) and I drove on about 30 yards and stopped. I then turned the Power Wagon around, and drove it a shorter distance back the other way. Same/similar boom shot, camera rising above the truck as I drove underneath.
We did perhaps a dozen or more takes of these shots. On about the seventh take an F-16 out of China Lake went over the top of us, barely 100 feet above – and it was LOUD! Screaming-jet loud. I actually flinched as it came at me from behind, I couldn't see or hear it, all of a sudden it was there. But that happens when it's traveling 600 mph. It was totally unexpected with the sound dopplering in on me.
BUT... the camera captured almost the entire shot of the jet passing over the top of the Power Wagon ... Totally Cool Shot. On the footage I saw later, you can hear Michael yelling to Lincoln, "Get that jet on cam, follow it!" Lincoln tried and got a lot of the jet on cam but the boom wouldn't rotate enough to get it actually going over us. It will likely be in the movie.
We also went to another location to get shots of me "exiting the Bubble City." There were two sequences. One was of me coming from around one of the Pinnacles and up a very steep hill at speed – at the top would be the entrance/exit membrane to get in and out; all of that will be created using CGI (computer graphics and animation). Then I had to do the same thing with the camera moved back over the hump of the steep hill to catch me 'coming out' over the hill. I almost got air!
We set up two cairns of rocks on each side of the road that I had to drive between; Safety First. That way I knew I wouldn't run over the guys filming on the other side of the hill, below me and to the right, and whom I could not even see until I was already up and over the crest of the steep hill and the hood of the Power Wagon.
I had to keep driving a good 200 yards, and at the bottom of the hill was a sand wash I had to drive through. I didn't need to use 4-wheel, but I had to keep revs up to power through sand about 6" - 12" deep. It was fun ! lol .... I never got stuck while driving the Power Wagon.
Keep in mind, if you will, that it was between 105-110 degrees outside. In the Power Wagon, it was probably 110-115 degrees, especially wearing a boony hat and a camo army jacket, cut off cloth gloves, and goggles. On the footage, I definitely looked like I was driving through a hot desert.
It was about 12 pm at that point, and we 'wrapped' those long/medium distance driving scenes. We then went to another location and shot a scene between Michael (who plays Dr. Billy Kane – he is producer, director, and he stars in the film) and Lincoln (co-producer and he plays Blister, a cohort of Dr. Kane). That took a good hour and half. Then back to the RV (air conditioning !!!) to cool off for an hour or so, relax a bit and have a snack. We were also waiting for Julianna (Sarah) to show up in Ridgecrest about 3 pm.
About 2:30 pm we headed to Ridgecrest. I waited at Starbucks (WIFI !!) while Lincoln and Michael went to take care of a couple of blown tires (first ones they had had in the desert). Julianna arrived, I introduced myself, and we waited for the guys. Julianna is an amazing actress. Quite a beautiful lady too. (see the one bad pic I got of her in the RV with Michael).
The guys came back and we went to Stater Brothers again (extra food for the BBQ that evening as John, Jarrod and Olaf were staying to dine), and back to The Ranch.
'Sarah' and I got into costume, and Michael rehearsed the scene with me first alone, and then both of us, in the RV (air conditioning !!). It was still about 110 or so outside at that point, maybe a bit cooler due to the continued overcast. Mike said it was actually cooler than it had been in months of shooting out there — it had been overcast most of the day, so the heat was somewhat mitigated....... lucky me. Tuesday it got up to 115 in Ridgecrest and 118+ was forecast for Wednesday and Thursday.
Once I had the scene/dialog down to what Mike wanted (Sarah had her character down, of course), we headed out to shoot My Scene – the specific scene that is on my audition video at www.thegunrunnerbillykane.com.
On the way out to the location where Sarah and The Rat were going to shoot their scene, Mike got closeup footage of me driving, with him sitting in the passenger seat. Julianna was in the back. Lincoln and John, Jarrod and Olaf were in Lincoln's pickup.
Once at the location, we set up, rehearsed a couple of times, and did the scene. The takes consisted of Sarah waving me down for a ride, me driving up to Sarah, shooting me in dialog (camera pointed at me with Sarah only partly visible or not at all), Sarah in dialog (cam on her, me just barely visible or not at all), reaction shots from both of us, and so on. We did quite a few takes until we ... errrr ... rather, until I delivered the character Michael wanted to see (( "You can't be angry enough for me!" )) Julianna was perfect.
There were also some takes of both us in the Power Wagon while driving.
Michael was sitting between us in the front – he would lean against me to shoot her (which made it a real pain to try and shift lol), then he leaned against her to shoot me, all in extreme close-up.
My entire scene in the film will probably not be more than five minutes or so, perhaps up to seven minutes — I hope it's that long anyway.
It will depend on what Michael really likes in the end and how he edits it all together. Out of the two to three hours it took to shoot the driving scenes, he may use up to a minute of that footage, using small cuts here and there (disclaimer: I'm guessing here).
It took more than two hours to shoot my scenes with Julianna/Sarah, which is pretty good actually. And since we did multiple takes for each shot of course.
As I mentioned, Michael created a couple of extra scenes with dialogue too. We shot those, where I'm driving Sarah to the Dr. Kane's location, and as I drop Sarah off near Dr. Kane's hidden laboratory cave.
And then we were done and ....
Wrapped !!
It .... was .... fun !! Amazing ... terrific ... one of the most enjoyable experiences I've had in acting. And if I may say, Michael (and Lincoln) seemed to be very happy with my performance.
Back to the Ranch. The weather became nice as the sun was setting, and it was nearly dark when we got back to the Ranch.
The weather was cooling off a bit, breezy, a very pleasant evening with some amazing people – very nice and very intelligent people. The range of things we all talked about the three days or so I was there included psychology, astronomy, astrology, nanotechnology and emerging technologies like biomedicine (particular interests of Michael and what brought about his idea for GBK), the T.E.D Conference, archaeology, the Mayan Prophecies — and of course, Film, especially indie Film.
Out of costume, clean up a bit and BBQ time (see pics). Grilled veggies for Julianna and me — tomatoes, red, green and yellow bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, asparagus and roasted garlic cloves, all rubbed with olive oil and sprinkled with garlic salt, lemmon pepper and black pepper. Julianna prepped and I rubbed/sprinkled. And she and I had veggie burgers. The others had steaks.
That night, after the three crew guys left with the Power Wagon, Julianna and Lincoln, Michael and I sat around talking, picking out constellations (Julianna knows her stars!) and telling stories. After Julianna and Lincoln went to bed, Michael and I sat out under the open sky watching shooting stars, the Pinnacles in dark inky shadows right next to us and in the distance, and talked about all those things I listed above and much more. Interesting man. And one helluva a day.
To paraphrase/quote Johnny Drama in the HBO series Entourage: "Yeah, great day. Great f**king day."
Tuesday August 23 – Day 3: Still Filming
Still a few scenes to finish ... My scenes are wrapped...
>>> this portion was written in the RV in Red Rock Canyon State Park, at Michael's Tuesday night and on the train on Wednesday heading back to Chico <<<
As I write this particular portion, I am sitting in the RV at Red Rock Canyon State Park at about 9 am. It's got to be at least 105 degrees already outside. We're getting ready to go shoot the final scenes for Julianna/Sarah, and between Mike and Lincoln (who plays Blister, Dr. Kane's cohort and a sniper).
Michael and Julianna are leaving to go shoot her scene. Very brief, and she needs to leave by about 10:30 am to get back to L.A. Lincoln is taking a nap as I write this. These guys have been going on very little sleep in ridiculous temperatures, doing set ups (with a lot of wonderful volunteer help fortunately), directing and acting. They're exhausted. But, they keep on keepin' on to get the film done.
It's pretty cool to be a part of it. It's why I love indie acting. It's collaborative and creative and just plain fun — to me anyway, whether I'm in front of the camera or carrying a light to the next set up. Michael and Julianna got back. She's gone back to L.A. We're heading out to shoot the final scenes.
Ok. I think it's about 1 pm. It's about 110 degrees out there right now at least (115 forecast for Ridgecrest today and we're only about 10 miles from there), and Mike made me come back to the RV and the A/C because my stomach started getting a bit queasy ... told me to soak my head, sit under the A/C and chug water, which I did and am doing in-between keystrokes.
I'll finish this tonight at Mike's place if I can. But since I'm sitting here waiting for them to finish the final shot, I'll work on this. I can see them out the window up on those hot rocks. I feel bad not being out there, heheh.
My stomach feels a bit better though. I'm sipping a Starbucks double shot cold espresso drink – it's creamy – in between pounding water from my gallon jug.
This morning we were up at 6 am. Cleaned up the camp, packed everything, semi-cleaned the RV (it's still full of equipment and such) and headed into town for gas. Then we drove here to Red Rock where Mike and Julianna went off to shoot her final scene, then she left for L.A.
Mike and Lincoln finished working out their shot sequence and lines for this scene in the RV (air conditioning !!! ). We went up the hill to shoot the scenes. On the way up the hill over the rocks and sagebrush, Michael warned again of Mojave greens (Mohave rattlesnake – Crotalus scutulatus). Didn't see any. I was beginning to believe they were fictitious.
Scenes looked great. I was able to help as script supervisor – lol, I am taking that uncredited title for this particular unit and all it means is I helped them a bit with getting their lines down (( they had just written them in the RV )). But Michael did have me operate the camera too while he and Lincoln did the scene. (( credit ? credit ? ))
We finished that and moved and filmed some other stuff with Lincoln. I remember standing there thinking "damn it's hot" and "damn, this is f'ing great!"
We got ready to move and change camera angles. Then Michael asked me, How are you doing? and I realized my stomach had just then started feeling a bit queasy so I told him. That's when he made me come back. I didn't feel thirsty, just a tiny bit queasy. I said it might be because I hadn't eaten, but he made me go back anyway.
By the time you do feel thirsty, you are almost in heat stroke. One crew member last year had problems, and another one this year because they didn't do as they were told. I'm guesstimating I've gone through at least three gallons in the past two and a half days.
Honestly, I think it's just because I didn't eat this morning, but it's always best not to take any chances with heat exhaustion or heat stroke. That's how conscientious Mike and Lincoln are, Safety Is First. Which I certainly appreciate. Rather than say pound the water and soak your head and grab that tripod ... he made me go back to the RV.
A requirement for anyone on set was to chug water a LOT — Not an Option — whether you felt thirsty or not. They made me start drinking water Sunday night when we got to the Ranch to super-hydrate for the next day. I did and that might be why I had no problems at all on Monday, I felt great all day, even in the hot truck. Also I was chugging all day long every time I stopped doing something or ended a driving sequence. If Michael told me to turn off the truck while they did another set up, I would get out, take off my camo jacket and (hot) cotton gloves. My jug(s) of water were on the back seat of the Power Wagon always.
Let me say, also, regarding all the driving scenes, especially since I'm blind on my right side, and the way we discovered the goggles limited my vision a bit more than usual, Michael was very conscientious about safety. We talked out every scene before I got in the truck, and he made a point to discuss safety aspects of everything I did for every scene if driving was involved or the vehicle moved at all. I very much appreciate that too.
>>> early Wednesday morning >>> Didn't get this finished last night – more delays put us back in L.A. finally at Midnight. Had to go dump the RV in California City and return it to Mojave. Long drive back to L.A.
We pulled over off the free way, this pickup piled up above the cab with equipment cases and suitcases, ice chests, two flat tires Lincoln had to take back, and a whole chit load of other stuff. Lincoln was actually just onto the on ramp to the freeway. We got out to 'ave a cheeky. Lincoln told one of the most hilarious stories I've heard, I was almost crying. I can't repeat it here though, sorry. LOL
Just at the end of the story, the state troopers showed up, two of them, and bitched at us for stopping there to have a cigarette. They were cool though, said finish it up and be careful. Didn't ask to see licenses or anything. We were done anyway and left.
I got to see some footage tonight. Michael, Lincoln and I sat and watched some of the driving scenes, and my scenes with Sarah/Julianna. It was amazing ! The shots you get with a Canon 5D are phenomenal. Even losing light, Michael was worried about that, as directors always do. But the scenes I have to say looked pretty decent to me. Michael and Lincoln said they were happy with the footage and my performance, so that makes me happy. I love acting. What can I say.
Wednesday 24 August – (Present Day)
I am on the train ready to leave for Chico, so I'll keep working at this on the trip <<<<
OK. This is what happened yesterday when we were at Redrock and Michael sent me back to the RV.
I started feeling fine; probably was not eating and the beers the night before (grin) - and the heat too. Michael and Lincoln finished the final shots at Red Rock and came back to the RV. Both were feeling touches of the heat also. They soaked their heads, stood in front of the A/C. We all cooled down a bit and then headed for Randsburg. Michael took a nap in the RV and Lincoln drove. I drove Lincoln's pickup towing the bike. We parked at an intersection by the highway and took the pickup to Randsburg.
Randsburg is a very small town, small year round population, but a big touristy area. It's an old mining community (hard to call it a town). Most of the buildings are still original, or nearly so, dating from the late 1800's to early 1900's. There is a bar there which is very cool looking, but it's only open on weekends. Michael wanted to look in the windows again and if possible talk to the owner about renting it to shoot a scene inside.
We went into an old diner across the street. Lots of touristy stuff; old pictures; and a counter that was purchased in 1904. The diner is one of the oldest continuously open diners in California, if not the U.S. – since 1896.
We had lunch (grilled cheese and chips with a root beer). Found out probably not worth trying to do anything with the bar. Left Randsburg and drove to California City to dump the RV tanks. Got directions to the dump station, missed and drove about eight miles further than we should. Finally doubled back and found it, dumped the tanks, and unloaded the RV onto the pickup before returning it (see the pics of our packing job from the RV into the pickup). What a job, lol, but we got it all in !!
Got to L.A. about 11:30 pm, went thru Jack In The Box (yet again, grilled cheese, fries and root beer). Ate in the BofA parking lot (they were pulling some cash to reimburse me for a couple of things – this is a non-paid role, unless the film makes money – but they cover expenses while on the shoot, and paid for everything for me – food, drinks, coffee/starbucks, Michael even bought my newspapers, lol.
Also, Michael is allowing me to keep the shirt, boots and ring he bought to supplement my costume. I had offered to pay for it at Goodwill, I said I'd like to keep it so Bill and I had more stuff to use for any future film projects. He said oh, it's yours to keep anyway. A gift for taking the time to come down and do the role for him. Pretty nice of him to do that.
Got to Michael's home, unloaded the pickup. Lincoln had an early flight to Denver where he lives. Michael was nice enough to let me stay at his place last night instead of having to get a hotel... saved me $113 ! And about $30 or so in cab fare. Thanks Michael ! We watched the footage, I got to take a long hot shower, and went to sleep.
We got up this morning about 7:45 am. I slept *very* well, did not wake up once.
We went to Starbucks (venti Estima bold and a veggie breakfast sammich). I got a NYT to take on the train.
Back home after Starbucks and I finished getting my stuff together to leave.
Michael was googling the route to the train station from his house when Rocky finally showed up (Michael was getting a bit worried that she hadn't come around yet; the ladies next door were taking care of her, and he thought Rocky might have been inside with them last night, but she should have shown up by now. Being a kitty person I can fully understand being worried when they don't show up. I'd be frantic.)
Rocky's a gorgeous kitty, almost all white with a raccoon tail (hence, Rocky). Rocky let me pet her and rolled on her back in the yard. Phantom was around earlier, the semi-feral cat he feeds and takes care of. Phantom lets Michael pet him sometimes so he's becoming un-feral. He freaked a bit at me being there so I stayed inside. He's beautiful too, a solid black cat with lovely golden eyes.
I finished packing and off to Union Station. Michael dropped me off, we said goodbye, I thanked him again and now I'm on the train on my way to Chico.
~~ ** ~~
Postscript — Thursday August 24th:
I've edited this a bit, checked some spelling but not all of it. It's what I wrote when I was rushed, trying to get it down on breaks in the RV, or in a hotel room or on the train. Deal with it, lol.
For any future contestants who read this, I hope it stimulates you to get off your derriere and try out, either for the Desperado role, or for the Guest Director slot. Be creative. Be innovative. And get it in early to get the votes !!
For my friends who voted for me, I hope you enjoyed reading about what you helped create for me, and what I was able to create in pursuit of my craft because of your support. I owe you.
I might not do this for a living, but acting has been my personal passion for more than forty years. It sustains and stimulates my creative self, and you helped me do that. Thank you.
Participating in the Casting Call Contest, the process was challenging and fun. As I said, I hope there's a lot more of it in indie film.
Winning a role in an indie film was amazing, as well as challenging on set. I loved it, more than I can express. It was very fulfilling to be involved in this type of collaborative project with dedicated, professional – and totally cool – filmmakers like Lincoln Molin and a director like Michael Selig. Thank you gentlemen.
Both Lincoln and Michael constantly told me, they wanted whoever won the contest/role to enjoy the experience and have fun. I know they will want the same thing for future contest winners. If you are a winner, you have quite an experience coming your way! Enjoy it.
~ rwd
~~ Long Live indie Film ~~
(( more to come on future indie stuff – drop us a line on the Contact page, we appreciate any feedback - ))
