The Joy of Acting

Well, today I can finally post my first entry with the sole tag of Actor attached to it. Two of our main roles, Arlington and Claire, were pretty much confirmed as far as the actors go, but today was the first time we were able to sit down with each one and read through the script - and basically make it official. Let me tell ya - I had a complete blast the whole day.

First, we met with our Sheriff Arlington - Jim. He's a great guy, and we had alot of fun when we first met him weeks ago, and the read-through with him today went great. Both of our actors today brought things to their characters that never even crossed my mind - and I've said before that that's what I'm looking forward to as the writer - but Jim's take was even more varied from what I originally thought it would be. It works perfectly, though, and it's even better than what I had intended. Then, after he left, our lead actress for Claire came in - Jaclyn. I first met her in an acting class a few years ago, and we hit it off really well. She ended up moving out of the area for awhile, and a few months ago when Nick and I were first thinking about casting, I sent her an email to see if she knew of any actors from when she lived down here. It ended up that she was actually moving back down to the area - and that was just a perfect coincidence. Like Jim, she brought some really interesting things to the character, and it was fun seeing it all come to life. Since she is playing such a crucial role in Paul's redemption of sorts, it's important that she and Paul are able to have a deep connection, and while I felt it as we were acting ( a credit to Jaclyn's ability combined with how well we get along anyways) - Nick said that it comes across perfectly, and that made me really happy to hear. Speaking of which, I was able to see my friend Nick really start to show his director's voice with us actors, and it was great. Haha, I sound like a mom, but it made me proud. But, really, what excited me the most about today, was the acting itself.

I love movies, and I love having fun as an actor. Being able to go through scenes, and talk about them, and figure out motivations and just every little thing that goes along with being an actor - it all thrills me to no end. Up to this point, I've made movies with friends, and it's always been pretty fun, but I have not yet had the chance to really work over a script this intimately with true actors who are just as passionate about it all as I am. I am not talking down about any of the friends I've done movies with - I loved it all, but it's just a different thing entirely when you get actors together. I tell ya - it was just such a freaking blast. If either Jim or Jaclyn stop by here, I'd just like to say thanks guys...I'm glad you're able to be a part of this fun little journey with us. But, really...the best part - is that this is just the beginning.... :)