(Once Again) The Weekend Wrapup

On Friday, Rod and I went to a networking session at Crystal Johnson's house. Crystal Johnson is a good friend of Rod's who is in his short, Rock and A Hard Place, and she is also in What Goes Around. She also has a listing on IMDB.com. I want to be on there so bad! I met some artists and a guy who designs custom T-shirts (gotta get with him so I can be uniquely fly at some of my premieres), and got some sound financial advice. I wish I had been more sociable. I was still down about my premiere, and a little sick. Actually, true confesssion time: I got real down and depressed about some pople's thoughts about the movie and the way I came in all rowdy, and I was seriously considering leaving the acting game. Rod told me to learn from this, don't get the big head anymore and just to keep at it. Also, he told me to start writing my stuff.

Saturday, I went to Arnold Edward's Halloween Pary/surprise party for his girlfriend, Dana Hinkle. Arnold dressed as Marv from Sin City. Dana was Rainbow Brite. Tiffany Pemberton was a very sexy Alice in Wonderland. I came as my damn self. Will Bennett (Harvest Moon, Just the Two of Us) was there, as was David Lee, director of Slow Down You're Dating Too Fast!. Oh, yeah, he does sports for Fox 13 as well. Aaron Jones (Grim Sweeper, PA Pretender) was there, as was Ashley Davis (PA Pretender, Delusions), MY AGENT Forrest Pruett (Delusions, Slow Down, too many damn indie films to mention). We played Arnold's goofy Halloween games. I was like, "Damn, shouldn't Arnold be focusing on..I don't know...the next script. This guy shouldn't have this much free time". Krista Finley (PA Pretender, intern on Black Snake Moan) was also there. It was cool. We chilled. Next, I went to the Memphis premiere of Shutter. It is a very good horror film. It starred several Indie Memphis regulars: Sarah Ewell (Delusions, Slow Down), Jeannette Comans (Other Way Round), John Still (Poor and the Hungry, Hustle and Flow), and Michael McClendon (Slow Down, Just the Two of Us). The film was dark and twisted, but looks good. I was proud of my colleagues. They kicked butt. I also spoke to Jeremy Benson and gave him my card. I stay hustling, baby.

Sunday was crazy. We filmed with the oldest girl playing Keenon's daughter, Ashley. Selina was cooperative, and we really made progress. We filmed at Keenon's house. I had to make a run to Church's Chicken to buy two two-pieces that were used as props. Later, we took over a checkout line at the Save-A-Lot on Park and Getwell. We actually had permission. Rod brought us yet another talented up-and-coming actor, Mikaila. She played a cashier. We got two cashiers and their manager to be in the movie as well. I had forgotten the pole for the boom mic, so we had to use a broom stick. Indie filmmaking at its finest, baby!!! We needed a young child to portray Ashley as a baby, so we took a boy and put him in a dress. I pray that we don't scar the boy for life. Next, we went to a convenience store which I will not name and we shot guerilla style. Permits? We don't need no stinking permits! In and out in under an hour. And, I bought a t-shirt. It was all good. After that, I picked up Bryan and rolled over to my friend Shomari's house and watched scary movies. I stayed for Aliens vs. Predator and Saw. After that, I had to bounce. I was fatigued. Today, though, we should be back on Keenon's film. All that politicking and rubbing shoulders was cool, but I am back in the mix. I love cinema. I have to be surrounded by it. It's my life. Be easy, readers.

New projects

Well, even though my first feature wasn't what I hoped it would be, Bevan Bell (Cowboy's Silver Lining, Slow Down You're Dating Too Fast) has assembled a great trailer for the currently-in-production movie Divine Manipulation of the Threads. The trailer looks very slick and I am proud to be a part of this production. The trailer can be seen at www.rustedsunfilms.com. I am grateful to still be working, even on the indie level. I can't wait until this project is wrapped.
Be easy, readers, and live your dreams.

Dollars and Signs: The Day After

My big feature film premiere was last night. I arrived late, but they didn't start on time. Well, the movie received...mixed reviews. I thought one of my big scenes that went over well in a screenig back in July would go over well this time. It didn't. Of course, the earlier screening was for people involved in the movie. Maybe we were biased. A lot of my friends and family did not understand the movie. My brother couldn't make it. One of my coworkers was turned away. I also didn't get to celebrate afterwards like I wanted to. It's all good, though. I was also disappointed by the fact that many of my peers whom I have supported could not be there for me. That hurts a little bit, but peole have their own lives, I guess. I am sad, but I guess that it needed to happen. I was getting arrogant and cocky. I was starting to believe my own hype. I was really getting the big head. I came in the theater talking junk. I claimed to do this for the love, but I was also doing it for the accolades and the fame. I can't count on that. I see that now. I have to do this for me. That's the only way that it will stay pure. First of all, shout outs to the people that came: Rod Pitts, Bryan Newcomb (Delusions, Just the Two of Us), Keenon Nikita (director, Just the Two of Us), Lavita Brooks and April Hale (Just the Two of Us, The Survivor). Madeleine Rogers ("Crowns") and Denna Greer (What Goes Around) were also there. My friends Paul West, Nick Jones, Terra Hollis, Wanda, Terrica Ezell, and Damarico Fowler were there. Extra special shout out to my family members: My mother, Lillian McGhee, my aunt Mary, my cousin Kaci, my cousin Nakia and her son Little Randy. I guess the people that needed to be there were there. I'll bounce back. I'll be better. At least people thought I did good. It was definitely a learning experience.

Indie Memphis: "Slow Down You're Dating Too Fast!"

The premiere of Slow Down was hot! Several of the stars/Indie Memphis regulars were there. I sat by Rod and Bryan, Ms. Arnita Williams (What Goes Around, Other Side of the Pillow), and Vincent Moore (The Poor and the Hungry, Just the Two of Us). Arnita had a funny part in the beginning and she was in the credits. She was pleased. Her mother and younger sister were in the place. The movie had several Indie Memphis regulars. Bevan Bell (Delusions, Cowboy's Silver Lining), My Agent Forrest Pruett (Glorious Mail, Delusions), Jon Sparks (www.jonwsparks.blogspot.com), Jen Morris (Just the Two of Us), Diedre Tolliver, Sarah Ewell(Shutter, Delusions), Tiffany Pemberton (Delusions, Third Wheel Date), and others. Arnold Edwards, director of PA Pretender, was there to support M. David Lee, director of the movie and sportcaster for Fox 13. I was introduced to an actress named Mandy. Michael McClendon( Just the Two of Us, The Garden) was in attendance and he was in the movie. It was cool to see the whole Indie Memphis community out and supporting this film. It was really funny. I tried to be in the movie, but it didn't work out. It's cool, though. I did give David Lee my card, and maybe we'll work together soon. I am really hype,now. It's time for my film debut, baby!


AND NOW, another Markus L. Seaberry's shameless plug:

Dollars & Signs In the great American city of Memphis, TN, three "businessmen" are struggling to succeed. Carlton has an image to maintain and a family to feed. Mike and Dave have regular folks paying them to stand up against corporate greed. Along the way the three will meet, heads will bump and lives will change. 2005. Director: Brandon Hutchinson. HT Narrative Feature, 78:00.This film will be shown on Thursday, October 27, at 6:30 pm at the Muvico Peabody Place. The admission is $6.00. Please support. My mama gon' be there, and you should, too!

Please come out and support me. whether you know me or not! Celebrate, good times, c'mon!!!!

Mississippi Filming

Yesterday, I took a break from the Indie Memphis Film Festival to assist Rod in shooting April Hale's short, The Survivor. We filmed at the Olive Branch airport. We passed by it once and wound up in Tupelo. Dear Mississippi people, here's a tip: It would help if you had street signs at major intersections. No rush, it's just how EVERY OTHER CITY (except Memphis) does things. Think about it. They mainly had these small planes called Cessna planes. We were hoping for something larger. We shot scenes of April and her family (playing other passengers) coming out of a terminal. Also, we shot scenes of April and her family in this hangar. It was cool. I would have never gone there on my own. Moments like this remind me of why I do this. It was great. We also shot at the U of M Communications building, or, as I like to call it, our second home. Lavita (Vita Loca) came through, as did Learyn to do makeup and play a small role. Jason, her husband, also assisted with makeup. April is an attractive girl, and Jason and Learyn had her looking bloodied and bruised. It was crazy! I also met another model/actress named Mercedes. She played a nurse. I reprised my role as the non-speaking orderly(Yaay!).
We had a real nurse who delivers babies in our midst. Her name was Alexis Green. She auditioned for Spin Cycle (www.geocities.com/pittstopproductions) and Rod brought her in for this film. She was cool. Her and April started singing that godawful song, "Hard Out Here For a Pimp", from the great movie Hustle and Flow (hi Craig!!!). I told them that I would have to go play some Common (www.okayplayer.com) to forget that hideous song. Alexis told me that I should move. I told her that I will change Memphis. I then recited some of my rhymes. I think I got her to see my point. Okay, tangent time: There is more to Memphis and southern hip-hop than Hustle and Flow. There are several people in this town, like, say, the Iron Mic Coalition (www.ironmic.net) or Tunnel Clones or Kevin Youngblood (Ptah), or even Elijah Walls on the gospel hip-hop tip. We have more to say than "Whoop That Trick". Okay, end of tangent.
Alexis says that she wants to act. I will let her know when opportunities arise. Man, Pittstop Productions has come a long way from just being Rod and myself. Thank God. We have a tight squad. Beware my crew! Pittstop Productions is a family and we are the future of filmmaking. We will make our mark on Memphis and the world. Filmmakers, I will give you advance warning, Pittstop will definitely have something in Indie Memphis next year. They might as well reserve the spot. It's on, baby!!! I am reenergized yet again. I love the arts. Be easy, readers, and live your dreams. Peace.

Shameless Plug Time!

Arnita William's film:

"Slow Down ... You're Dating Too Fast!""Slow Down ... You're Dating Too Fast!" by writer-producer- director-dp-editor-cook M. David Lee III is premiering at the IndieMemphis festival Wednesday, Oct. 26 at 6:30 p.m.The digital film uses a modified version of the Dogme95 Principles and a portion of the screenplay is based on improv with actors who developed their own characters.The story is based on an article David readin 2001 about the Speed Dating phenomenon. It's his second feature shot in the Mid-South and the third one he's had in the IndieMemphis festival.There are 32 speaking roles, all Memphis and Mississippi actors and crew. It was filmed in six days over a one-month period entirely in Memphis, Midtown, Cordova and Hernando Miss.More info is at David's web site.

Markus "The Mother Lovin' Man" Seaberry's Feature Length Debut:


Wait for it......

Wait for it......

Here it is!

Dollars & Signs In the great American city of Memphis, TN, three "businessmen" are struggling to succeed. Carlton has an image to maintain and a family to feed. Mike and Dave have regular folks paying them to stand up against corporate greed. Along the way the three will meet, heads will bump and lives will change. 2005. Director: Brandon Hutchinson. HT Narrative Feature, 78:00.This film will be shown on Thursday, October 27, at 6:30 pm at the Muvico Peabody Place. The admission is $6.00. Please support. My mama gon' be there, and you should, too!

Dollars and Signs Premiere Countdown: 1 Day (Yeah!) and Counting (WooHoo!)

Indie Memphis Monday

I saw even more movies yesterday at Indie Memphis. I watched a series of shorts that were hilarious, in particular Pickle Power and Below Average. Pickle Power is about an underachiever in this family of overachievers who decided to enter a pickle-eating contest. It is very funny and it has a Karate Kid reference. As an 80s child, I loved that. It was directed by Benjamin Epps. Below Average is about a geeky kid in the 80s. It was directed by Chris and Natalie Boyatt. They had cool 80s music like Hall and Oates and Michael Bolton. They also used old footage of Championship Wrestling. There's nothing like Memphis wrestling! And, they had a came from my fellow Black Snake Moan extra, Jorge Contreras. They plan to go to LA and convince some peopleto give them funding for a feature-length version. I hope it happens. I have already submitted my resume and headshot to them through the e-mail. I stay hustling, baby!

Bubble was another interesting film. It was directed by Steven Soderbergh and written by Coleman Hough, the writer of Full Frontal. It was about people who made dolls in a factory in a small midwestern town. The unique thing about this film is that it did not use trained actors, but people from the town. Also, the script was loosely structured. It was a good movie, but I'm not too keen on them not using real actors. Reality TV is taking enough jobs from actors. But, it was a good movie. I am supposed to work with Rod and finish April's short, but if that's called off, I'll try to catch some more films.

Shameless Plug Time!

Arnita William's films:

The Other Side of the Pillow"The Other Side of the Pillow" has been accepted into competition at this year's Indie Memphis Film Festival. Screening times: Tuesday 10/25 at 6:30 p.m. This is from Memphis filmmaker Sarah Fleming and her Piranha Empire Productions. It's produced by Sandi Russom and written by Pat Dugan and Spencer Pharr. Do not miss.

"Slow Down ... You're Dating Too Fast!""Slow Down ... You're Dating Too Fast!" by writer-producer- director-dp-editor-cook M. David Lee III is premiering at the IndieMemphis festival Wednesday, Oct. 26 at 6:30 p.m.The digital film uses a modified version of the Dogme95 Principles and a portion of the screenplay is based on improv with actors who developed their own characters.The story is based on an article David readin 2001 about the Speed Dating phenomenon. It's his second feature shot in the Mid-South and the third one he's had in the IndieMemphis festival.There are 32 speaking roles, all Memphis and Mississippi actors and crew. It was filmed in six days over a one-month period entirely in Memphis, Midtown, Cordova and Hernando Miss.More info is at David's web site.

Markus Seaberry's Feature Length Debut:

Dollars & Signs In the great American city of Memphis, TN, three "businessmen" are struggling to succeed. Carlton has an image to maintain and a family to feed. Mike and Dave have regular folks paying them to stand up against corporate greed. Along the way the three will meet, heads will bump and lives will change. 2005. Director: Brandon Hutchinson. HT Narrative Feature, 78:00.This film will be shown on Thursday, October 27, at 6:30 pm at the Muvico Peabody Place. The admission is $6.00. Please support. My mama gon' be there, and you should, too!

Dollars and Signs Premiere Countdown: 2 Days and Counting

My Indie Memphis Weekend

This weekend has been crazy. Let's start with Friday:

I made it to the Center for Southern Folklore for the opening ceremony. Man, I saw so many people. I saw my director, Brandon Hutchison, for the first time since the advance screening I had to beg to get in. I talked with Ruby Wilson, who said that she remembered me from my days as an extra on Black Snake Moan. I met Corey Cicci, who is in the brilliant indie film Among Brothers. I met Brian Gordon, artistic director of the Nashville Film Festival. I also met Charlotte Magnussen, director of the Magnolia Independent Film Festival in Starkville, Mississippi. I met Bob Pest of the Ozark Foothills Film Festival. All of their info was passed on to my good buddy Rod Pitts (www.geocities.com/pittstopproductions) . Hopefully, once What Goes Around is edited, we will be ready to send it out to these southern festivals. The film Loggerheads was shown that night, and it was entertaining. Bonnie Hunt was had a very dramatic role, and one of the actors, Michael Kelly, was there to engage in a Q and A session. I spoke to him briefly afterwards. I will rent Dawn of the Dead because he asked me to. After that screening, there was a party at Laura Hocking's house. She is with Oddly Buoyant Productions (mail@oddlybuoyant.com) . I hobnobbed, chilled, and I met Coleman Hough, who wrote Full Frontal. I told her that I had seen parts of it. She encouraged me to rent it again and watch it all. Bevan Bell and Christine Connolly (www.rustedsunfilms.com) showed up, and the place was jumping. I even chatted with David Merrill, locations manager for Black Snake Moan. He plans to start work on a film soon, people. I left the party at midnight because I thought I had to shoot a short with Rod at 9 AM.

Saturday, we did NOT shoot. I made it to the Muvico around 1 Pm. Lavita (Vita Loca) was volunteering. Arnita Williams was in the place, as well as Vineet Thanapar, who is directing me in Mail Call. We all attended this workshop taught by Kelley Baker, the Angry Filmmaker. He distributes his movies through his website and college tours. He has no distributor. He is totally DIY and brutally honest. Then, there was a panel discussion with Morgan Fox (Away (A)wake), Coleman Hough, Kelley Baker, and others. I hung around for a bit afterwards and chatted with Tommy Kha, a young filmmaker. That kid's got some great ideas and he's gonna
do big things. I went to my friend Paul West's birthday celebration for a minute, and then I bounced back over to Muvico for the awards ceremony. Dollars and Signs got nothing! I was happy for the ones who won, blah, blah, blah. After that, I went to the Awards show after party at Earnestine and Hazel's. It was cool, but my actor friends (Lavita and Arnita) were not there, so I kinda hung around. I chilled with Bevan and Christine and Chris and Natalie Boyatt, but after a while, I felt left out. I cut out about midnight.

Sunday, I supported my good buddy Aaron Jones in the University of Memphis' production of In The Blood, which is an urban retelling of The Scarlet Letter. It was funny, but gritty and dark. Aaron was hilarious, but he normally is. I went to the U of M library and campaigned some more for my film with my former coworkers. Later, I scooped up Bryan and Rod and we went down there to support Arnita. The short film she did, Other Side of the Pillow, had its first showing. It was kinda weird, but cool. Arnita was hilarious as Grocery Lady. You should check it out this Tuesday. Man, I have really got to start writing. I think I have something to say. Tonight, I check out Natalie and Kris Boyatt's film Below Average and at 8:30, I am checking out John Harvey's Cleaver and Anthony Flessas' Silence of Mind. I am considering auditioning for these guys' next projects, and I can't wait to see these movies.

Shameless Plugs:

Arnita William's Films:

The Other Side of the Pillow"The Other Side of the Pillow" has been accepted into competition at this year's Indie Memphis Film Festival. Screening times: Tuesday 10/25 at 6:30 p.m. This is from Memphis filmmaker Sarah Fleming and her Piranha Empire Productions. It's produced by Sandi Russom and written by Pat Dugan and Spencer Pharr. Do not miss.

"Slow Down ... You're Dating Too Fast!""Slow Down ... You're Dating Too Fast!" by writer-producer- director-dp-editor-cook M. David Lee III is premiering at the IndieMemphis festival Wednesday, Oct. 26 at 6:30 p.m.The digital film uses a modified version of the Dogme95 Principles and a portion of the screenplay is based on improv with actors who developed their own characters.The story is based on an article David readin 2001 about the Speed Dating phenomenon. It's his second feature shot in the Mid-South and the third one he's had in the IndieMemphis festival.There are 32 speaking roles, all Memphis and Mississippi actors and crew. It was filmed in six days over a one-month period entirely in Memphis, Midtown, Cordova and Hernando Miss.More info is at David's web site.

Markus Seaberry's feature length debut:

Dollars & Signs In the great American city of Memphis, TN, three "businessmen" are struggling to succeed. Carlton has an image to maintain and a family to feed. Mike and Dave have regular folks paying them to stand up against corporate greed. Along the way the three will meet, heads will bump and lives will change. 2005. Director: Brandon Hutchinson. HT Narrative Feature, 78:00.This film will be shown on Thursday, October 27, at 6:30 pm at the Muvico Peabody Place. The admission is $6.00. Please support. My mama gon' be there, and you
should, too!

Dollars and Signs Premiere Countdown: 3 Days and Counting

2 Movies in the Can

It's official. Delusions, directed by Robert Saba, is finished. I am a featured extra. Yes!!!! I have been doing this since the Spring of '04 and I didn't have any finished films last year. I felt like the invisible man. All the great acting in the world doesn't matter if people never see you. We have a cast and crew showing next month. I won't reveal the date or location, but you know I'll let you know how it went. YEEEAAAHHHH! I'm finally getting seen! Thank you God!!!
I'm on the way, baby!!!!! Who's stopping me now? And I am on pace to have five films done before the end of the year. Gotta keep hustling, though. Wrap parties and premieres rock!!!! Forgive the exclamation points, but I'm happy. Peace.

A Little Theatre, and now the Hustle Begins!

Last night, I saw the production of Aida at Playhouse on the Square. Krissi Cain was in the lead role, and she was awesome! Krissi Cain is in the movie Chapters (www.chaptersthemovie.com) and she will be in Spin Cycle. I am so glad that Pittstop Productions is able to work with such a talented actress. Hell, when I think about it, the whole cast of Spin Cycle is tight...even me. Yeah, I said it! So what! I believe in me and my crew. Today marks the start of the Indie Memphis Film Festival. The opening reception will begin at 5:30 at the Center for Southern Folklore. The opening night feature is Loggerheads. I will go and hobnob and network. At the risk of being arrogant, I feel like I am Memphis' best-kept secret, and it's time to let the secret out. I plan on making Indie Memphis my cinematic barmitzvah. That's the Jewish party that marks thirteen year-old Jewish kids' passage into manhood. I'm neither Jewish nor thirteen, but I am no longer a rookie in this game. I'm in a major production (Black Snake Moan), I have a talent agency (www.ctorsfirst.net), and I have a film in Indie Memphis. I thank God for the success. Now comes the other hustle: marketing myself. I am a firm believer in shameless self-promotion. Hello world, meet Markus Seaberry. I think I'm one of the best actors that they've never heard of. It's my season, man. It's my time to shine. Gotta get out there. I can't wait. Be easy, readers.

Shameless plug time :
Support me and my good friend Arnita Williams. Here are our movies:

Arnita William's Films:

The Other Side of the Pillow"The Other Side of the Pillow" has been accepted into competition at this year's Indie Memphis Film Festival. Screening times: Sunday 10/23 at 9 p.m. and Tuesday 10/25 at 6:30 p.m. This is from Memphis filmmaker Sarah Fleming and her Piranha Empire Productions. It's produced by Sandi Russom and written by Pat Dugan and Spencer Pharr. Do not miss.

"Slow Down ... You're Dating Too Fast!""Slow Down ... You're Dating Too Fast!" by writer-producer- director-dp-editor-cook M. David Lee III is premiering at the IndieMemphis festival Wednesday, Oct. 26 at 6:30 p.m.The digital film uses a modified version of the Dogme95 Principles and a portion of the screenplay is based on improv with actors who developed their own characters.The story is based on an article David readin 2001 about the Speed Dating phenomenon. It's his second feature shot in the Mid-South and the third one he's had in the IndieMemphis festival.There are 32 speaking roles, all Memphis and Mississippi actors and crew. It was filmed in six days over a one-month period entirely in Memphis, Midtown, Cordova and Hernando Miss.More info is at David's web site.


And now for the great film starring Markus Seaberry:

Dollars & Signs In the great American city of Memphis, TN, three "businessmen" are struggling to succeed. Carlton has an image to maintain and a family to feed. Mike and Dave have regular folks paying them to stand up against corporate greed. Along the way the three will meet, heads will bump and lives will change. 2005. Director: Brandon Hutchinson. HT Narrative Feature, 78:00.This film will be shown on Thursday, October 27, at 6:30 pm at the Muvico Peabody Place. The admission is $6.00. Please support. My mama gon' be there, and you should, too!

Dollars and Signs Premiere Countdown: 6 Days and Counting

Support Me..and My Friends

Okay, these are the times that my good friend, Arnita Williams, is having her movies shown at the Muvico Peabody Place during the Indie Memphis Film Fest.

Arnita Williams' Films:

The Other Side of the Pillow

"The Other Side of the Pillow" has been accepted into competition at this year's Indie Memphis Film Festival. Screening times: Sunday 10/23 at 9 p.m. and Tuesday 10/25 at 6:30 p.m. This is from Memphis filmmaker Sarah Fleming and her Piranha Empire Productions. It's produced by Sandi Russom and written by Pat Dugan and Spencer Pharr. Do not miss. http://jonwsparks.blogspot.com/

"Slow Down ... You're Dating Too Fast!"
"Slow Down ... You're Dating Too Fast!" by writer-producer- director-dp-editor-cook M. David Lee III is premiering at the IndieMemphis festival Wednesday, Oct. 26 at 6:30 p.m.The digital film uses a modified version of the Dogme95 Principles and a portion of the screenplay is based on improv with actors who developed their own characters.The story is based on an article David read
in 2001 about the Speed Dating phenomenon. It's his second feature shot in the Mid-South and the third one he's had in the IndieMemphis festival.There are 32 speaking roles, all Memphis and Mississippi actors and crew. It was filmed in six days over a one-month period entirely in Memphis, Midtown, Cordova and Hernando Miss.More info is at David's web site.

Markus Seaberry's film:

Dollars & Signs
In the great American city of Memphis, TN, three "businessmen" are struggling to succeed. Carlton has an image to maintain and a family to feed. Mike and Dave have regular folks paying them to stand up against corporate greed. Along the way the three will meet, heads will bump and lives will change. 2005. Director: Brandon Hutchinson. HT Narrative Feature, 78:00.
This film will be shown on Thursday, October 27, at 6:30 pm at the Muvico Peabody Place. The admission is $6.00. Please support. My mama gon' be there, and you should, too!
Be easy, readers.

No Respect like Rodney Dangerfield

I have a correction to make: Dollars and Signs, the great movie that I am in, is now being shown on Thursday, October 27. It was on Monday, October 24, at first, but they moved it. I have been rushing trying to let everybody know. The new date is Thursday, October 27, at 6:30 at the Muvico Theatres downtown in the Peabody Place. The admission is $6.00. PLEASE support your boy. If you know me, if you kinda know me, if you went to grade school with me, if we fought over an ice cream sandwich back in the day, whatever. Even if you hate my guts and plan to boo throughout the entire movie, that's cool, too. The new date, ladies and gentlemen, is October 27. This is my first public screening of a feature length film. My mama gon' be there, and you should, too! Be easy, readers.

The Audition

I came to the audition late. I sat there and watched a few actors. It's amazing: :Learyn called several radio stations and we only got 17 people at the most. There were a few good people at the audition. Keenon was looking for people for the final stretch of Just The Two of Us, as well as Drug Related and Spin Cycle. I just hope that these people maintain their hunger. It's all fun and games until the shoot goes into the wee hours. You find out who is really dedicated then. Hopefully, we can find some winners. Only one dancer came out for Ashley's video. Oh, well. We'll make it work. Man, I hope that we can finish soon. All these projects are getting to be overwhelming. I can't stop, though. I'm a little obsessed. I do plan to pull back soon, if only to renew friendships outside of acting. I miss my other friends, too. It'll work itself out, though.
Be easy, readers.

The Infamous Weekend Recap

On Friday, I had my first commercial audition. I have got to remember to ask Forrest questions like the name of the company and if it's speaking or nonspeaking. I saw a lot of Actors First people there, like Jon Sparks (www.jonwsparks.blogspot.com). They took my picture, told me to turn around, and asked me what my favorite barbecue was. I said Hunt's. If i had known the company, I could have...embellished. Oh, well, I can't get everything. I try to get everything, Lord knows I do. On Friday, Rod Pitts and I worked on this short with April Hale, another phenomenal actress and Pittstop Productions all-star. Her mother wrote this very powerful piece. It will move you. Hopefully, we will submit that piece and What Goes Around to the Nashville Film Festival. Maybe. Don't quote me on that. I played an orderly. I had to got to thrift stores and find scrubs. Jason Dancy was in our short and Learyn was our makeup person. It was cool.

Saturday and Sunday, I was back on Divine Manipulation of the Threads. I was thugging out again. Jovan and I were thugs again, and there was an...interesting scene with Muck Sticky and an actress from Nashville. I also got to give an interview afterwards. We were shooting at a warehouse on Crump, so I mentioned that this summer has been my hood world tour (Westwood, Tchulahoma, Crump). I also talked about the spooku nature of the warehouse and how I am finally not playing the goofy guy. Yes!!!! Diversity extends careers, people. Christine Connoly and Bevan Bell and the rest of the crew were cool. Jovan (Just the Two of Us) was thugging out as well. On Sunday, we were joined by a guy named Howard, a guy named T, and a guy named Jesse. Jesse is an actor and a singer. He's big on creativity. I could relate. I gave him my info and invited him to Keenon's audition today. I hope he shows up. We need some more hungry, young actors in the Pittstop Productions/Nikia Entertainment family. The auditions should be cool. Hopefully, we can find some fresh new talent to exploit....er, I mean, use in our films. Heh heh. Be easy, readers.

Announcement-Upcoming Casting Call

Shawshank Casting and Ocean Gate Pictures:

Auditions for Keenon Nikita's "Just the Two of Us" music videos and Keenon's next film will be on OCT. 17, 2005 at Zinnie's East-1718 Madison from 5-9 PM.

Dancers: Ages 15-35 welcome. Please dress comfortably and come prepared to perform a 1 minute routine. *Dancers may be required to travel.

Actors/Actresses: A headshot and resume are welcome but NOT required. Actors should prepare for a cold reading.

Call Nick: 901-949-2457 for more information or if you have any questions.

*RSVP is not required for this event. Please tell a friend.

If you've got what it takes......Bring It!

Chillin' with Keenon and Rod

We didn' film, but we chilled. We got into a discussion about Hustle and Flow, the impact of that film on this city and the perception of Memphis by outsiders. Once again, Keenon and Rod schooled me about the other side of love. The DARK side. It was cool, though. Today, I have my first commercial audition for a barbecue company. It's time to get paid! I pray that I will be successful. Then, Rod and I will film a short piece with April Hale, another one of our Pittstop Players. She's cool, and she's hungry. That's all we ask, people. Just be eager and willing. Tomorrow, I'm a thug again for Bevan's film, Divine Manipulation of the Threads. Gotta get my black tee and blue tee ensembles together, We thuggin, maine! Gotta get my Memphis accent tight.

In other news, buy the Alicia Keys unplugged CD. I bought the CD and DVD combo. It's hot!!! I'm listening to it now!!!!


Last bit of news:
I will now start the countdown to the Dollars and Signs screening on Oct.24 at 6:30 at the Muvico theatre downtown at the Peabody Place:
We are now at 10 days and counting. It only costs $6.00. If you know me, if you kinda know me, if you're cool with me, if you want to be cool with me, come on out. In the words of Rick James, "Enjoy yourselves! It's a celebration, b**%hes!"
Ya'll be real easy. Peace!

Filming with Keenon and Rod

We filmed on Just the Two of Us at the library. We brought back Learyn and Jason, who were in earlier scenes. I think I was tired. Once again, I did something silly and everybody clowned me. I was getting agitated. I kept saying, "I don't get treated like this on other sets". Then, everybody reassured me that they like me. I guess I was bugging. We shot quite a few little extra scenes. Tonight, we'll probably shoot more. We are getting close.

In other news, I have now officially joined with Actors First, a talent agency run by another Indie Memphis veteran Forrest Pruett. I have my first audition tomorrow for a barbecue commercial. It's all good, baby! I am still an artist, I still do it for the love primarily, but a brother need to get paid! Times is hard!! Oh, well, I pray that I am successful tomorrow.
Oh, yeah, check out www.actorsfirst.net and check out the agency. Gotta get that paper, mane! Be easy, readers.

Hobnobbing with the Film Commission

I attended the public hearing about bringing more productions to Memphis that was at the Botanical Gardens yesterday. John Sparks (www.jonwsparks.blogspot.com) can give you more information about the actual proceedings. I'm just gonna drop some names. Bevan Bell, director of Divine Manipulation of the Threads recorded the press conference part for New 3. Christine Connolly of New 3 and AD on Divine Manipualtion was also there. I ran into my girl Angela Davis (Third Wheel Date, Just the Two of Us) was there, as well as Vincent Moore (Poor and the Hungry, Just the Two of Us), Arnita Williams (What Goes Around, Other Side of the Pillow), and Michael McClendon (Divine Manipulation, Third Wheel Date). Of course, John (The Man) Sparks was there. I invited everybody to Indie Memphis on Monday, October 24, at 6:30 PM, if they could make it. You know, that IS the day that Dollars and Signs is being shown. I also ran into E. Anthony Boco. He's a member of SAG. That's Screen Actors Guild, people. He's SO official. I talked to David J. Bennett, who is the Executive Drector of the Film, Entertainment and Music Commission. Arnita and I talked to him about Craig Brewer and Craig's films. I tried to network, but I am out of cards. I must correct that. It was cool, and I am glad that I got to network. It was a cool event. Hopefully, Memphis can get more projects.
Thank you to all the legislators that are fighting to bring more productions to Memphis. We greatly appreciate it. Be easy, readers.

Filming at Keenon's House One Mo' Gin

Yesterday, we filmed at...you guessed it, Keenon's house. It was a quick scene between Keenon and Travis Stone. Man, that guy is a good actor! We also showed him other scenes from the movie and played some songs for him. Travis has a group currently called Empty Shelf. Keenon invited them to be on the soundtrack. They are also on the soundtrack to Slow Down, You're Dating Too Fast, David Lee's masterpiece that will also be shown at the Indie Memphis Festival. I told Stone about getting on Black Snake Moan and my Indie Memphis screening. Travis went to Shreveport on Friday and auditioned for Road House 2. He also auditioned for Thief, an F/X production starring Andre Braugher (Glory, Homicide: Life On the Street). He felt good about Road House 2. Good luck, Stone. I'm glad to see my people getting it. Memphis has some phenomenal actors. Hopefully, this hearing that I'm going to today will lead to Memphis offering incentives for other production companies to come here. I would travel to Nashville or Shreveport if I had to, but it would be cool if somebody besides Craig Brewer would bring productions to Memphis. Hopefully, we can make that happen. Be easy, readers.

Indie Memphis, baby!!!!!

Man, I have gotta quit complaining. Or, maybe I should start complaining. When I gave up on Black Snake Moan, I received a call. When I gave up on the Indie Memphis Film Festival, I learned that Brandon Hutchisson's film, Dollars and Signs, is in Indie Memphis. I have a small, profanity-laced role in that film. Oh my god!!!!! I am so happy!!!!! Almost two years of dream chasing that began with auditioning for Forty Shades of Blue has brought me to this point. Man, I am so high right now. I have wondered did my work mean anything if it's never seen? Up until this point, I had only one finished project. That project is entitled PA Pretender, and let's just say it's not a good look for me. This will be my first public screening of a feature length project. This is also my first finished feature length project. Wow. I have wanted this so bad. I have compromised myself at times for this dream. I have alienated others. I am sorry I have done these things, really. I have neglected family and friends in the pursuit of this dream. I have greatly minimized what little social life I had. I do need more of balance, but with the exception of a few projects, I have few regrets. To those people who don't see me any more, I apologize. Following dreams aren't always convenient. I will try to work on that. The Dollars and Signs screening will be on Monday, October 24 at 6:30 PM at the Muvico Theatre at the Peabody Place downtown. Man, it feels so good. I do this for the love, but I do want to be seen. I also want to do this for the rest of my life. My dream is coming true. Gotta live your dreams, people. Be easy.

Hunger for More

I hate days when we do not film. I just have to keep busy, man. This inactivity is getting the better of me. I need something to take my mind off the loneliness and the frustrations from my day job. Also, I am trying not to focus on the fact that none of the movies that I am in are finished, so, no Indie Memphis exposure for me. I am pissed about that. I can only hope that next year will be big for me. Oh, well, there's still the Memphis International Film Festival to hope for. Hopefully, we'll film tonight. Oh, yeah, check out www.chaptersthemovie.com . It is an urban tale that is hip-hop inspired. I also notice that Krissi Cain is in it. She is currently lighting up the stage in a production of Aida at Playhouse on the Square and she is a member of the cast for the next great Pittstop Productions feature, Spin Cycle. I hope to be a part of these guys' next project. Oh ,well, it's a short one today. Be easy, readers.

Hard Decision

I read the script to the aforementioned horror movie and I decided not to do it. I think I may be in danger of doing too much. I really need to slow down and realize that I can't be in everything. Filming may be my drug. It's certainly addictive. Of course, the last film that I turned down (Stories From the Black Hair Dialogue) actually got finished. I chose to go with a better role in Third Wheel Date, and it was postponed. It's hard to tell, but you've got to go with your gut. Yeah, it would've been nice to be in a finished feature film, but I have to go with what feels right. I can't just take every role just to be out there. Also, I have got to start on my own work. I can't be in every movie, no matter how hard I have tried. I have got to find a balance. Maybe next year, because I still have a lot of productions. Be easy, readers.

Weekend Wrap-Up

As I sit at my office desk, I am weary from the events of this past weekend. Everybody says I take on too many projects, but they don't understand the feeling I feel when I am filming. I feel so free, and I have been unable to replicate that feeling in real life. Does that make me obsessed? Possibly. Enough philosophy, I know my readers want to know what crazy cinema exploits I had over the weekend. OK, here goes:

On Friday, Rod and I worked on Keenon's film Just The Two of Us. It took us about an hour to get the girl playing the younger Ashely (Hannah) to say "Don't cry, daddy, it's Christmas". Gotta love the kids. I believe that children are the future...just not in any of the damn movies that I'm directing in the future. Children will be on my set no more than two hours total. I will give them ice cream and return them to their parents and run off in the other direction. Everything they say about kids and pets...Oh, it's true! It's damn true!

Saturday, I met with Mark Jones. He offered me the part of Clark in Fraternity Massacre on Hell Island. The movie starts filming next month on Mud Island. That's hot! I would film in the middle of November. My character, Clark, has about four lines, but he is in a few scenes in the background. I've never done a horror film. This is cool. I must read the script. I hollered at Rod for a second afterwards, then I went to a very cool r&b showcase with lots of up and coming talent. Get to know the name Paul West as a producer. He's awesome, and he's my friend, so I am biased. The man has talent, though. Also, get to know the name Thomas Spurlock. He's a part of my musical family which I can't name yet, but when we come, look out! I also met a filmmaker named Deaara. She directed a film called The Forgotten Ones. We exchanged numbers because she is working on a new project. I will definitely be at that audition and let my people know. I also met an inspirational singer named Radiance. She will also be added to my e-mail list. It's all about community, people! My night ended at Denny's on Union hanging with Paul West, his girl Denna, and the rest of my "wrestling" crew.

Sunday, I started work in Bevan Bell's Divine Manipulation of the Threads. I played a thug. Those who know me may doubt my abilities to be a convincing thug, but check my outfit: A 4X white tee and fitted white cap with no logo(Thanks, Foot Locker outlet), a big cross (Thanks, big bro), baggy jeans and Nikes. I was thugged out, maine! Maine, what! Okay, let me calm down. I signed another darn confidentiality agreement, so I can't say anything, but I did meet this guy named Jovan who will be in the next Pittstop Production, Spin Cycle. Cool dude. He's on the e-mail list. Gotta make contacts, people. Let's help each other come up. I also met Nick Burchett, who is another filmmaker in this town. His film, Chapters, will be shown at Muvico soon. OF COURSE, I gave him my information. Hope to work with that dude soon. I also did scenes with the infamous Muck Sticky, everybody's favorite vulgar rapper and Indie Memphis regular. Check him out at www.mucksticky.com. We will continue to film in the weeks to come. I congratulated Bevan on his Black Snake Moan experience and I shared mine. Yes, I'm still happy about it, and I'm not ashamed. Okay, maybe a little. Later, Rod and I were scouting locations for April Hale's secret project which I must be a part of. Can't say any more about that. Later, I reunited with my "wrestling" crew at my friend Shomari's house. We watched a wrestling pay-per-view. Good times, people. Hopefully, I will do sound and lighting on Keenon's film tonight. We're getting close to the end. Hopefully, within the next few months, Just the Two of Us will wrap, What Goes Around will get edited, and Spin Cycle will begin. I just want to finish a project. I want to go to a wrap party. I want to attend a screening of a finished film. I have yet to share these experiences. Lord willing, it will happen soon. I must love this, cause I've only gotten paid once so far. I won't give up, though. This is my dream. Be easy, readers.

Looking Ahead

I am at work, my boss is away, and 112's self-titled debut is playing in the background. I'm feeling good. Got reacqainted with a guy named Sean Lasley yesterday. He works at Spin Street on Poplar. We chilled, discussed music, mainly hip-hop, and he said that he's been working on a script. I will have him meet up with Rod Pitts soon. Gotta come together, people. Also, I hear that everybody's working on scripts. Arnita, April Hale (Just The Two of Us), and Rod's friend Shantriece. I gotta get Bryan, my man Fowler, and Ken Hill together. Our project, which will henceforth be known as the ABS Project, must come to fruition. Rod says that I will be left out. Markus Seaberry doesn't get left out! I will get on that today. Today, I should do sound and lighting on Keenon's film. Tomorrow, the meeting about Fraternity Massacre on Hell Island and my friend Paul West's R&B showcase at the Center for Southern Folklore, 119 S. Main, at 7:30 (shameless plug). Then, Sunday is Divine Manipulation of the Threads. I will be the best thug ever! Wow, I never thought I'd type that sentence. Man, I love being on set. It can be big-budget like Black Snake Moan or indie like Just The Two of Us. I have to create. It is essential to my life. Be easy, readers. Live your dreams.

We Major

I FINALLY got a call to be an extra on Black Snake Moan. Longtime readers of this blog can recall my near misses with this darn movie. I got the call Sunday night. I said some words that can't be repeated, danced several happy jigs, and yelled. I felt very comfortable because I knew several people involved in the production. Krista Finley (PA Pretender) is an intern on the film. I chilled with the homegirl Arnita (Westwoood!), who is a stand-in for Epatha Merkerson and another actress. She was also an extra in our scene. I also chilled with the homeboy Eli, who was an extra in our scene and a stand-in. I also had friends among the regular extras. Vincent Moore (The Poor And The Hungry, Just The Two of Us), Naseera Lewis (What Goes Around, Just the Two of Us), and my good buddy Mario's girlfriend Tatiana Taylor and her mother. I also saw three more people from Bryan, Arnita and myself's first callback. One guy from my callback that was in Hustle and Flow got a speaking role. I also met an older actor named Ken who was an extra in Walk The Line. I also hung with this guy named Ken who acts and does great poetry. Vincent took a lot of girl's names down as potential cast members for his upcoming project, Drug Related. I keep pestering him about playing a hood or a thug. I think I'm working his nerves. Sorry, Vince. I met a lot of cool people: Vilori, Latoya, and Shawanna, ya'll my peoples. B Team in this piece! I apologize to the people whose names I forgot.

None of us were used on Monday. They sent everybody home with the exception of Ken and myself. By 8:00, they sent us home. Tuesday, they brokle us off into groups. My groups, the Bananas, were used sparingly. I didn't care. I got paid, I have a credit in a major motion picture on my resume, and I enjoyed myself. Oh, yeah, on Tuesday, my girl Angela Davis and her mother joined our extra crew. We were also joined by radio personalities Don and KJ of Power 99. They were cool. I was in a scene with Samuel L. Jackson, Christina Ricci, and Ruby Wilson. How cool is that? I signed a confidentiality agreement, so I can't get specific, but it was cool. I met Craig Brewer for the third time (maybe he'll remember me now). I mentioned that I was in Keenon Nikita's film. Keenon was in The Poor And The Hungry. Yes, I dropped his name. No, I'm not ashamed. I had a brief conversation with John Singelton. Here is a transcript:

Me: What's up, mane?
John Singelton: What's up?
Me: You good?
John: What?
Me: You good?
John: Yeah? How all ya'll doing?
Me: Hey, Four Brothers was off the chain.
John: Thanks.

When you don't have an agenda, keep it brief, people. I had a good time, I had a blast, and I thank God for the opportunity. It was fun to play in the majors for a minute, but now it's back to work and the minor leagues (inependent films). Lord willing, I will be back. I needed to see what I could have if I don't give up. Until the next one, I'm back on the indie film grind. I should start Bevan Bell's Divine Manipulation of the Threads. It is a heist film. There is a character named Duke that has a gang of thugs. I am a thug. My brother gave me cross. I hope Bevan okays my bling. I will also have a brief meeting to discuss my role in this horror film Fraternity Massacre On Hell Island. October and November should be wild. Hopefully, I will do sound and lighting on Keenon's film tonight. Gotta keep working. I have actually seen what I'm working for now. Gotta push even harder. I'll sleep when I'm dead. Be easy, readers. The dream still lives.

Early Weekend Wrap-Up

I am typing this on Sunday from a computer at the University of Memphis. It's better that you don't ask how. Okay, here's the weekend so far:

Friday, Rod and I worked on Keenon's film. We had a quick shoot with Travis Stone and April Hale at Keenon's mother's house. Other cast members couldn't make it, but it's cool. Saturday, we shot at Keenon's house with the girl who plays Keenon's daughter at age 8, Selina. It was a fairly quick scene. I wanted to kick it, but I was tired from waking up at 7 AM. Plus, I had a 9AM shoot. I crashed, woke up at 4:45, and started getting ready. Picked up Bryan, who printed more headshots for me. I need to send 20 to Forrest Pruett at Actors First (actorsfirst.net). A brother needs to start getting paid for this! I dropped Bryan off at the Mid-South Fair to work and made it to the Cooper-Young Area over John Fuess' house where we filmed on Mail Call. My films were quick. Vineet bought me and this other guy some coffee. I play a board game geek named Willie. My scenes involved putting junk in my car, speaking to the mailperson (played by Indie Memphis vet Carole Rowland), and scowling at my boardgame competitor, Yuri. Yuri was played by a guy named Patrick. Everyone was cool. I wrapped, and rolled over to Brian Pera's shoot, Other Way Round. I was an extra in a party scene. More Indie Memphis All-Stars were in the building: Sarah Essen, who is in Mail Call, Delusions, and should be joining the cast of Just the Two of Us. I also ran into Michael McClendon, from Third Wheel Date and Just the Two of Us. He said that he reads my blog. I knew my readership was bound to increase after Jon Sparks (jonwsparks.blogspot.com) posted a link to my blog on his blog. Yeah! new readers! Woohooo! Okay, I'm calm. I also chilled with the homegirl Arnita (Westwoood!) and my girl LaVita (Vita Loca). They got bumped up to speaking roles. I was j (jealous), but happy for them. I also chatted with Ebony and Asia, two more up and coming actors. One of them was an extra in Hustle and Flow. I am j again. I also met this dude named JP who went to school at Ole Miss for acting. Respect, brother. We need to use that cat in some Pittstop Productions films. I also met this guy named Juan Corrigan. He will find us some Hispanic-speaking females for Spin Cycle. He also seemed hella cool. I came, I chilled, I drunk water and had crackers. Pretty good day. Now if only Black Snake Moan would call me for that juke joint scene. Ah, well, there's still hope. Now, I just got offered a role in Fraternity Massacre on Hell Island. It's an indie (no pay), but who cares! The pay will come. I'm living this dream,. people. Be easy, people.