As I mentioned in an earlier post, I attended the special screening last night in Chicago of "Public Enemies" hosted by Universal Pictures.
My guest was Jason DeWitt, movie buff and IT director at Kenneth J. Allen & Associates. The setting was the Lake Street Screening Room, an mini-theater of about 50 seats, 46 of which were unoccupied. You had to be a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the Screen Actors Guild, or a few other industry organizations to be invited.
As the movie industry moves into its awards season, studios are beginning lobbying efforts to garner votes. Universal is pushing four films, including Public Enemies. That's why the special screening. There are two in Chicago, and many, many more in LA.
I suppose including Chicago on the PE screening locations was maybe more out of courtesy than anything, seeing as how Public Enemies was shot mostly in Wisconsin and Illinois, and a few days in Indiana. Because I am a member of the Screen Actors Guild, I do get to vote on the SAG awards.
Anyway, there were only four of us in the theater. Prior to running the film I spoke to the projectionist and asked about the sound. Anyone reading about Public Enemies in blogs or message boards surely have noted the complaints about the sound, and not being able the hear some dialogue.
The Lake Street Screening Room projectionist said, it not the film it's usually theaters. There is a setting for Dolby and often theaters set the volume less than what's called for...and even when they do set it correctly often it's a hair below what it should be, he said.
Now when I attended the Chicago premiere of the film, the sound was perfect. When I saw it in the local theater, it was barely audible.
Last night the sound again was perfect, so I must assume the guy knows what he's talking about.
Seeing the film for the third time was not at all boring. Every time I pick up something new. And I've got to tell you, if Johnny Depp is not at least nominated for an Oscar for best actor then I am convinced the Oscars are a sham.
His range and character development surpass any current actor, in my opinion. And that's not because I have a scene with him in PE. Just look at the characters he's played past and present.
So we'll see soon enough.
Friday, November 20, 2009
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Newspapers and Democracy
The point I was trying to make in yesterday's post was not letting fear interfere or blind you to opportunties beyond your existing situation.
I used newspapers as an example because that's the career I had for more than four decades. I've been through it all in that industry.
Unfortunately for newspapers they got caught up in The Perfect Storm. A bombing economy, fractionalization of information distribution, untold numbers of websites and bloggers most purporting to be offering "true journalism."
It is incredibly expensive to publish a newspaper. Most people have no idea of what it takes to receive that newspaper on their doorstep each and every morning.
And yet newspapers still today offer the "purest" form of journalism in America. Now it's far from perfect. But make no mistake about my point here. The decline -- or worse yet -- failure of newspapers would threaten the fundamental tenents of Democracy. Did you read that? "Threaten the fundamental tenets of Democracy."
So while I do believe that traditionalism contributed to newspapers being behind the curve, it still is in everyone's best interest to insure their survival in some form. Otherwise, Democracy as we know it will no longer exist.
Pure, accurate and objective journalism is the greatest protection we have in maintaining our freedoms gauranteed by the United States Consitution.
True journalism are not sound bites on broadcast television. Or, websites dedicated to happy news. One that I am familiar with doesn't even pretend it offers pure journalism. What it offers is a slice, a fraction of the entire journalism pie.
Journalism encompasses everything from good news, to in-depth news, to news that is a catalyst for change -- good or bad - and so forth. It must be direct, objective and informative.
Be that as it may, it is vital that journalism not only survives, but thrives. This is a call to action. Support media organizations that provide pure journalism. In mosts cases it's newspapers. If that means subscribe, then subscribe. If that means advertise, then advertise.
No one will like the consequences of failing to do so.
I used newspapers as an example because that's the career I had for more than four decades. I've been through it all in that industry.
Unfortunately for newspapers they got caught up in The Perfect Storm. A bombing economy, fractionalization of information distribution, untold numbers of websites and bloggers most purporting to be offering "true journalism."
It is incredibly expensive to publish a newspaper. Most people have no idea of what it takes to receive that newspaper on their doorstep each and every morning.
And yet newspapers still today offer the "purest" form of journalism in America. Now it's far from perfect. But make no mistake about my point here. The decline -- or worse yet -- failure of newspapers would threaten the fundamental tenents of Democracy. Did you read that? "Threaten the fundamental tenets of Democracy."
So while I do believe that traditionalism contributed to newspapers being behind the curve, it still is in everyone's best interest to insure their survival in some form. Otherwise, Democracy as we know it will no longer exist.
Pure, accurate and objective journalism is the greatest protection we have in maintaining our freedoms gauranteed by the United States Consitution.
True journalism are not sound bites on broadcast television. Or, websites dedicated to happy news. One that I am familiar with doesn't even pretend it offers pure journalism. What it offers is a slice, a fraction of the entire journalism pie.
Journalism encompasses everything from good news, to in-depth news, to news that is a catalyst for change -- good or bad - and so forth. It must be direct, objective and informative.
Be that as it may, it is vital that journalism not only survives, but thrives. This is a call to action. Support media organizations that provide pure journalism. In mosts cases it's newspapers. If that means subscribe, then subscribe. If that means advertise, then advertise.
No one will like the consequences of failing to do so.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Fear of career change
Talk about scary. Having been a journalist for more than 40 years, working my way up from reporter to editor at various larger and larger newspapers, the thought of changing careers put fear throughout my entire body and soul.
As the newspaper industry began to tank, it became clear that this was no longer the business I wanted to be a part of. The industry was stagnant with traditionalism. I am not a traditionalist. I'm also not one to step out onto the ledge without a safety net.
The old cliche -- One door doesn't close without another opening -- is so true. The reason many of us don't believe, I think, is because of blinding fear. So if you're blinded, you can't see the open doors in front of you.
So when I took the risk of applying to be an extra in the movie "Public Enemies," that was a huge step for me. Traditonalist I'm not, but conservative I am when it comes to making a living. Of course, applying for the movie didn't really mean anything. I didn't have to give up my day job even if I landed the part.
But when I not only was called in to audition, and was offered a very well paying speaking role ... albeit very short-term ... it began a series of events that opened my eyes to opportunities beyond comprehension.
Obviously I accepted the role ... just see the movie which will be out on DVD Dec. 8th.
But that wasn't going to sustain me long-term.
The newspaper business kept getting tougher and tougher. Two or three rounds of layoffs, not just at my paper but throughout the industry.
Finally I was asked to go part-time. I did for a few months, then a buyout offer was put on the table. I took it, not knowing for sure what was around the corner.
A good friend -- Kenneth J. Allen -- asked me to join his law firm as marketing director. It would be part-time, but it gave me a source of income to sustain other ventures I wanted to pursue.
Working for Ken is absolutely the best. He has given me opportunities to learn far beyond the limited title of Marketing Director. Plus, he's the best injury attorney in the Midwest. Doubt it? Check his website at http://www.kenallenlaw.com/ and look as his results.
Anyway, I wrote a book about my movie experience. However, the book "Public Enemies Confidential: Johnny Depp, Michael Mann, and Me" is no longer available. That's a long story.
I joined SAG ( the Screen Actors Guild). I found two talent agents to represent me -- BMG Talent/Chicago and DeSanti Talents/Chicago. I engaged an acting coach, Matthew Miller in Chicago. And have been to a few national commercial auditions.
And, I'm working on a ton of other stuff.
I guess my point is, open your eyes for those doors that are open and don't be afraid to walk through. I am having the time of my life. I can't remember ever being happier.
Oh, and to Windy.City who posted a flattering comment on my blog...thank you! I don't know if you're a relative, friend, or neither. I only wish I had 10 percent of the looks and charisma of Johnny Depp. I'll talk more about that another time.
As the newspaper industry began to tank, it became clear that this was no longer the business I wanted to be a part of. The industry was stagnant with traditionalism. I am not a traditionalist. I'm also not one to step out onto the ledge without a safety net.
The old cliche -- One door doesn't close without another opening -- is so true. The reason many of us don't believe, I think, is because of blinding fear. So if you're blinded, you can't see the open doors in front of you.
So when I took the risk of applying to be an extra in the movie "Public Enemies," that was a huge step for me. Traditonalist I'm not, but conservative I am when it comes to making a living. Of course, applying for the movie didn't really mean anything. I didn't have to give up my day job even if I landed the part.
But when I not only was called in to audition, and was offered a very well paying speaking role ... albeit very short-term ... it began a series of events that opened my eyes to opportunities beyond comprehension.
Obviously I accepted the role ... just see the movie which will be out on DVD Dec. 8th.
But that wasn't going to sustain me long-term.
The newspaper business kept getting tougher and tougher. Two or three rounds of layoffs, not just at my paper but throughout the industry.
Finally I was asked to go part-time. I did for a few months, then a buyout offer was put on the table. I took it, not knowing for sure what was around the corner.
A good friend -- Kenneth J. Allen -- asked me to join his law firm as marketing director. It would be part-time, but it gave me a source of income to sustain other ventures I wanted to pursue.
Working for Ken is absolutely the best. He has given me opportunities to learn far beyond the limited title of Marketing Director. Plus, he's the best injury attorney in the Midwest. Doubt it? Check his website at http://www.kenallenlaw.com/ and look as his results.
Anyway, I wrote a book about my movie experience. However, the book "Public Enemies Confidential: Johnny Depp, Michael Mann, and Me" is no longer available. That's a long story.
I joined SAG ( the Screen Actors Guild). I found two talent agents to represent me -- BMG Talent/Chicago and DeSanti Talents/Chicago. I engaged an acting coach, Matthew Miller in Chicago. And have been to a few national commercial auditions.
And, I'm working on a ton of other stuff.
I guess my point is, open your eyes for those doors that are open and don't be afraid to walk through. I am having the time of my life. I can't remember ever being happier.
Oh, and to Windy.City who posted a flattering comment on my blog...thank you! I don't know if you're a relative, friend, or neither. I only wish I had 10 percent of the looks and charisma of Johnny Depp. I'll talk more about that another time.
Monday, November 16, 2009
"Public Enemies" Blu-Ray DVD
Even though the "Public Enemies" DVD will not be released in the United States until Dec. 8th, I had the opportunity to get a preview last Saturday.
My friend and fellow actor Robert Hollingsworth ordered a copy from the UK, where it was released on Nov. 2. Having seen the film twice already -- once at the Chicago premiere and later on opening day, July 1, 2008 -- we watched the behind the scenes commentary by Director Michael Mann. One word describes it: fascinating.
For anyone who doesn't know the story of bank robber John Dillinger, Mann does a brilliant job of narrating the film. Yes, some web posters describe the commentary as boring. But, having been born in Chicago near where Dillinger was shot and killed, I have an inherent interest in the life, and death of Dillinger.
Mann moves through the film describing actual places, such as the Crown Point Indiana Jail, where Dillinger escaped, to non-authentic scenes where he clearly points out the filmmakers took literary license.
I did not have time to watch the movie, but I will later this week in Chicago where I was invited to attend a special screening hosted by Universal Pictures. It will be my third viewing, and after hearing Mann it will no doubt offer a much deeper appreciation for this film, even though I enjoyed it the first two times.
It will be interesting to see if Universal shows us the DVD version, or the original theatrical film. They differ some in that some scenes in the DVD are longer offering more continuity and a less choppy movie. Of course the DVD version is about 20 minutes longer.
For disclosure, I am Reporter #1 in "Public Enemies."
My friend and fellow actor Robert Hollingsworth ordered a copy from the UK, where it was released on Nov. 2. Having seen the film twice already -- once at the Chicago premiere and later on opening day, July 1, 2008 -- we watched the behind the scenes commentary by Director Michael Mann. One word describes it: fascinating.
For anyone who doesn't know the story of bank robber John Dillinger, Mann does a brilliant job of narrating the film. Yes, some web posters describe the commentary as boring. But, having been born in Chicago near where Dillinger was shot and killed, I have an inherent interest in the life, and death of Dillinger.
Mann moves through the film describing actual places, such as the Crown Point Indiana Jail, where Dillinger escaped, to non-authentic scenes where he clearly points out the filmmakers took literary license.
I did not have time to watch the movie, but I will later this week in Chicago where I was invited to attend a special screening hosted by Universal Pictures. It will be my third viewing, and after hearing Mann it will no doubt offer a much deeper appreciation for this film, even though I enjoyed it the first two times.
It will be interesting to see if Universal shows us the DVD version, or the original theatrical film. They differ some in that some scenes in the DVD are longer offering more continuity and a less choppy movie. Of course the DVD version is about 20 minutes longer.
For disclosure, I am Reporter #1 in "Public Enemies."
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