Things have been going good for me recently…the highlight would have to be being cast in an episode of Flashpoint! That’s right, I played a “bad guy” named Mike, and got to be a part of some fun action sequences! Did I get to shoot a gun? Yep, a real one, but with blank bullets. The one featured in the picture on the left isn’t the one used, that one is fake. You’re gonna have to watch the episode to see the real one!

It was one of the biggest sets I’ve been on so far, in terms of sheer amount of people and organization involved. So much happens behind the scenes of a day (out of usually seven) of shooting an episode for this show. It was great being a part of it (I had three days on set: March 5th, 8th and 9th).

Directing the episode (named “The Other Lane”) was a funny and passionate Erik Canuel. As a part of the arms dealers, I played alongside Ian Tracey, Colin Cunningham, Stefano DiMatteo and Jeff Parazzo. As for interacting with the good guys (the “SRU” team as they’re known in the show), I ended up having a confrontation with Amy Jo Johnson and David Paetkau (not in real life, but in the episode of course)!

Everyone was a pleasure to hang out and work with. We had some long days and nights, but in the end I was doing something that I really enjoyed. Since I had a small part, I mostly had free time on set, so I caught up on some reading, etc. It was kind of like waiting for a awesome roller-coaster ride… In the end, when you get your time in front of the camera, it was all worth it. Actually…okay I had more on set time than it may seem, but the analogy still stands. I had a blast! Speaking of, check out these videos of Colin performing some cool magic tricks with forks!

Although exciting, those awesome three days weren’t all that I’ve done since the last time I wrote an update. I had an amazing time shooting an internet video (coming soon) for Dentyne, had a role in a film like training video, played a part in other corporate videos and events, had a few voice-over jobs, and landed some print work! As I had mentioned before, the last few weeks have been good!

About a month ago in November, I participated in and wrote about a music video for The Rural Alberta Advantage. Directed by Ante Kovac, this video is the band’s first, and was created for their song Drain the Blood. The band members are featured as the “surveillance team” in the white van, while I play the man in the couple being monitored by the band. Go here for a direct link and higher resolution, or check it out below!

UPDATE: This video has been shelved and unfortunately won’t see the light of day (even I didn’t get to see it). However, if you’re a MG fan, you can see my short film Forsaken which almost serves as a music video for one of his “B-side” songs.

A few weeks ago, I wrote about my role in a music video shot by director Ante Kovac and mentioned a couple of artists he’s directed videos for, notably Matthew Good, one of my favorite musicians. Something I didn’t mention was that, on set, DOP Michael LeBlanc told me he was going to shoot Matthew Good‘s next video. I have to admit, this got me a little excited. So I asked him to see if there was a role in it for me and that I’d love to be a part of it, adding that I would even be willing to volunteer my time.

Later in the month, I was on the Internet and found out who was directing the video! It was Scott Cudmore and I was able to confirm this information straight from Matt’s blog entry. So I emailed Scott to increase my chances, expressing my desire to be a part of the video if there was a role I could fill. Well eventually, he emailed me back and said he’d be interested in having me. He actually talked to Michael and saw some early footage of the last music video I was a part of, which was actually a band Scott worked with before! Yes, I’ve said it in the past and I’ll say it again… small world!

So Monday, I got picked up from just West of Downtown Toronto. The guy driving us was actually in a band himself, Gavin Gardine from The Wooden Sky. A young woman named Lee, playing the lead female role, also came on board with us as we drove past Hamilton, to Ancaster. After about an hour and a half, we arrived at the motel where Michael, Scott and a small crew had begun prepping for the shoot.

Once we got started, I got the feeling that the video was gonna be intense and turn out great. Overall the shoot went well, highlighted by Michael‘s excitement when getting some great shots. When Lee was wrapped up, Gavin drove her back while I stuck around and got my last shots in. When I was done, I helped out as they shot a few more things that needed to get done before we wrapped. It brought me back to my early days where I used to be involved in shoots with small crews, where actors weren’t just actors, but helped out, doubling as crew members. Don’t get me wrong, I didn’t do that much, just helped out here and there, when I could.

I’m really happy I was involved in this shoot, as not only did I work with great and talented people, but I was able to fulfill my wish to be involved in a music video for Matthew Good, which was something I wanted to do since I decided to pursue acting!

By the time I got home, it was Tuesday morning and I had to get ready for a commercial shoot. So without really sleeping, I showered, shaved, ate and went over to the studio. Despite the lack of sleep, I did great and had fun, met some cool people and was done in no time!

Last week I shot a print campaign for Twixrix, a vaccine to protect against contracting both hepatitis A and B. Everyone on set, from the people representing the product and ad agency to photographer Darrin Klimek and the crew were great to work! Had lots of fun during this one, and was even offered a ride back home (I had taken the subway to the job and one of the guys was headed to my area). Anyway, it should be released by the end of the year, in magazines, brochures and on the Internet. We went through a lot of pictures, angles, setups and different expressions that I can’t tell you exactly what to expect, but in all cases I play a chef, dressed in an all white chef’s outfit, complete with hat.

I also went back home (Ottawa-Gatineau area) for the Thanksgiving weekend, but it wasn’t all just pleasure. Well maybe it was, because the audition I had, along with the little photoshoot I took part of were both very enjoyable. First I auditioned for Parktown Productions‘ upcoming feature length film and was happy to see some familiar faces. You may know them as the producers of the Live 88.5 commercials (Bathroom, Stereo) and the Calvin Klein Grand Prize winning shot film “2@2“, both which I act in. Then I met up with Kevin McMillan (who I’ve also worked with before) to take some pictures for his promotional materials he’s putting together to get funding for his TV pilot that he wants to shoot in China! If this goes through, Kevin has offered me one of two lead roles.. which would be a blast to shoot. Combining acting and traveling.. awesome!

Other than that, I still audition on a regular basis and doing great! I actually just got news of a callback for a short film I auditioned for before the weekend. Will keep you updated as usual!

Episode 12 of the 5th season of F2: Forensic Factor titled “Picture Perfect” is airing tomorrow, Friday August 21st at 10:00pm ET then later on at 2:00am ET on Discovery Channel Canada! In this episode, I play the role of the late George Patisso.

For more information about the show, check out the F2 page on the Discovery Channel website. You can also read about my experience on set as well as auditioning for the role in my post titled F2: Forensic Factor shoot. Hope you enjoy this episode!

Just last week, I was able to get my hands on the 2008 TV movie called “The Watch”. The reason being? I had an uncredited appearance in it! This means you won’t find this in my resume or the movie credits.. but this is more than just a background role. I have non-verbal interaction with the lead along with a shot of just me. Check out the clip below!

I’m referred to as “Marathon/Finance Guy” by Andrea (Elizabeth Whitmere) while talking to her friend Cassie (Clea DuVall). This scene was shot in 2006, was directed by Jim Donovan and written by Ben Ripley.

More information on IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1166118/

Yesterday I wrapped up my role of George Patisso on Season 5, Episode 12 of F2: Forensic Factor directed by Laurie Lynd.

Let me start by going back to the audition. First of all, I knew the casting director Crystal Kramer, and I tend to do well at her castings.. although I hadn’t booked a role through her yet. I always seem to “come in second” for the roles I was going for. Anyway, I got to the building and found the person who I was auditioning with. He seemed familiar, but only later did I realize why. It was Anwar Knight from CTV News. He and I ran through our scene until it was our turn to go. This really helped me get ready for the audition, and when we were called in, we both did great and that one take was all they needed. A few days later, I got the news that I was offered the role of George Patisso!

I was needed on set for two days. The first one was on Tuesday, and consisted of a full 12 hour day. This is where most of the scenes involving my character were shot. My second day consisted of an evening call time, with only one scene to shoot.

It was a great experience and I met some awesome people. Despite the gruesome content of the show, the other actors and the crew filled my day with laughs and good times. Check out the picture, taken as we’re hanging out, getting ready to shoot a morgue scene. I’ll let you guess my role in the scene, based on the fact that I was waiting around in a bathrobe.

However, it wasn’t all laughs. We also had some more serious and reflective moments. This show is a docudrama, with reenactments of real events where people were killed. We all felt sympathy for the the friends and family of the people who’s murders are covered by this episode of the show… My heart goes out to them.

First off, Yesterday’s post was in fact an April Fools. I’m still holding on to my acting career!

Actually, on Monday, photographer Robert Gagnon shot me for the cover of an upcoming Harlequin book. I forget the name of it, but know it should be released in October 2009. We shot two main looks for the character. First his handyman side (complete with tool belt) then with a more cowboy look to him (no tool belt, but a hat this time). It went great and everyone on set was pleasant. Hope to work with Robert and his team again!

If you were wondering about the Doritos Guru contest, my commercial entry didn’t make the top 5. However, I’m still very happy with how things went and the way the video turned out. I’m very thankful for everyone involved in this experience, and the support I had throughout this contest! Filmmaking is definitely something I want to continue to peruse. As for this video, you can now watch it on YouTube in HD!

Watch: YouTube[HD] (30 seconds)

Well maybe not just “directorial”.. I produced, directed, wrote, shot, edited, cast, etc. my very first project this past weekend! Couldn’t of done with without everyone involved.. a big thanks to all!

Check out my new Production page for more details, including a list of people’s contribution to the project, on the page I put together for my Doritos Intense: Snack Guru commercial entry for the Doritos Guru contest!

Click the link just under the picture to watch and vote (via the thumbs up image when you get to the page) for my commercial. You can vote up to once a day and leave as many comments as you wish. If you’re on Facebook, be sure to join the group to help spread the word. Your support is greatly appreciated!

I’ve finally put together my first production.. and it was awesome! And I can’t thank my wonderful team enough! Without those of you who helped me by being in it, or lend a hand behind the scenes and on set, this wouldn’t of been possible. This means so much to me, especially being a first. It’s something I’ve been passionate about for longer than I even realized, and it was amazing to be able to actualize my vision.

I always thought it would of started with a short film but it turned out to be a thirty second commercial entry for a contest. But not any contest.. $25,000 grand prize and 1% of future Canadian sales? Talk about motivation! Voting ends March 18th so please do your best to vote daily, comment and spread the word!

I’m happy to announce that the Live 88.5 TV commercials are now on the air! They’re also available online on YouTube, posted up by Parktown Productions.

Check them out below! You can play them straight from here, via the play icon, or by going to it’s YouTube page by clicking the commercial’s name below the video.

Feel free to take a look at their YouTube account parktownpro for more of their work.