So I’m getting some comments from a few filmmakers who apparently don’t like my Post. Here’s the deal. Actors don’t ask for much. I would work on a project as long as it was under an indie Union contract and compensated the minimum. If you don’t know what that is…look it up. But that would require work. You might have to fill out some paperwork and send that off to the union. Whew. That would be tough. And from the filmmakers who don’t want to do that. Good luck with your project. You want the best DP, editor, sound mixer, gaffer etc. but when it comes to actors, the face of your film, you always seem to cut corners. And if you sold your project and it actually made some money, you wouldn’t even think twice about compensating the face of your film. The actors. Don’t get me wrong. I believe all crew and cast should be compensated for their time and effort. Not just the actors. I also get that you want to get out and make films. To get the experience. My point is this. Don’t be upset when you ask someone who has worked in the field for almost 2 decades and done some decent work to just jump on board. There are plenty of actors out there that will work on your next blockbuster. For Free. I get it. I just don’t want to do that anymore. And if you feel that I am holier than thou: so be it. Let me know when you’re next masterpiece hits theaters so I can go to the theater and cry in my popcorn for not working on the film.
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I’m sorry.
I’m sorry that I am an actor.
I’m sorry that I have a mortgage, a car payment, electric bill, cable bill, and health care expenses.
I’m sorry I have 5 kids who are hungry, cold, and need an education.
I’m sorry I have spent the better part of the past 17 years working on my acting craft. Driving thousands upon thousands of miles to get to auditions, classes, workshops, and callbacks never making one penny. Usually putting out a few.
I’m sorry that when doing these things I am away from my family.
I’m sorry that I believe in Union work and pay.
I’m sorry that I have a wife who does not want me to work on projects for FREE.
I’m sorry that ten years ago I would have done it.
I’m sorry I cannot spend the next thirty days or my weekends or even one workday working on your film for FREE.
I’m sorry. Your film will probably be awesome.
I’m sorry I will miss out on that.
I’m sorry if you think I do not love what I do.
Again.
I’m sorry.
Respectfully,
Ken
Ken gives awesome tips on what makes a great headshot and gets you in the Casting Director’s door!
Ken answers the question…What should go on an actor’s resume?
Wow! We did it. We won “Best of Baltimore” for the 2013 Baltimore 48 Hour Film Project with our entry “Cordially Invited.” What a fun weekend of shooting and creating this clever little piece. This project is definitely the epitome of the collaborative art…filmmaking. We had such an incredible group of folks who participated and each person stepped up to the plate and hit a homerun. Thanks to all who participated, cast and crew.
I had the pleasure of directing this fine band of creative’s as well as shooting and finishing the edit. I knew from the start that we would create something great when we pulled our genre from the hat and it was dark comedy. I called it in the car ride on the way over. I said we would pull comedy. We did. It just turned out to be of a darker version.
I think the hardest thing we had to decide all weekend was where to shoot. My studio or Herbert Mann’s, which is right next door to mine. Once we made that decision everything started to flow and it all came together. The writers came up with a funny script and were tweaking it throughout the day. The crew moved quickly changing set ups and relighting and kept up an amazing positive attitude throughout. The cast worked in between scenes and shots rehearsing so when we were ready to shoot we got what we needed in 3 or 4 takes. It was a total team effort. Was it exhausting? Yep. But it was well worth the effort. We had done other 48 projects in the past and they were fun too. But this one was special.
A special shout out to our star, Maddie Howard, who won the Best Acting Award for her portrayal of Abbey Tuesday in “Cordially Invited.” She did an outstanding job and carried the piece. Not easy for any actor let alone one in middle school. Expect to see her at your local movie theater soon!
And kudos to our crack graphics squad who took home the Best Graphics prize! Awesome work Meg Freeburn and Chester Stacy!
Next stop- FILMAPALOOZA!!!
Here is the link one more time if you didn’t get a chance to see it at The Charles Theater!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wr6ZMQlen-c
Some of the cast and crew of Cordially Invited with Baltimore director/host Rob Hatch at The Best of Baltimore at The Charles Theater!
Last week I had the opportunity to work on the Netflix series “House of Cards.” It stars Kevin Spacey and Robin Wright. As you can see in the photo I was fortunate enough to have a principal role as Vice Chief of the Air Force. It was only a few lines but it was a really nice scene with Robin Wright. Wow!!! Is she beautiful! I kept thinking to myself the whole time, “Run Forest! Run!” and of course, “As you wish!” She is in two of my favorite films of all time and here I am working with her. It was an honor.
An honor which I really earned.
I don’t say this to be cocky. I say this because I auditioned for this show a grand total of 19 times! I guestimated that I spent over 50 hours of my life trying to get a role on this show. I can’t even tell you how much I spent in gas, tolls and time away from work/family to go to the auditions. But that is the life I have chosen. The life of an actor. Persistence is the key to success at anything you do in life. Thomas Edison was at 10,000 tries at the light bulb before he had a success. For my friends out there who heard me complain about how many times I had to audition thank you for humoring me. In the end, after all was shot and done, I walked away with another incredible life experience that makes me who I am. Hopefully I can pass on some of the things I learn to my children. Maybe even to other actors who are trying to make it and get that break. Or maybe just someone who needs a boost to hang in there long enough for good things to happen!
They will!!! If you put in the work and put forth the effort. And I would have gone back for #20 too. Just saying.
Ken
We spent the weekend of June 14-16 shooting a short film for the Baltimore 48Hour Film Project. We drew dark comedy as our genre. And dark it was. Our team of filmmakers cranked out an awesome little film that hopefully you can make it out to see this Wednesday night at The Charles Theater in Baltimore at 9pm. You can purchase tickets here: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/401466
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OpF95QDWseM
Here it is! The runner up for Best Film at the 2013 DC 48 Hour Film Project. Presented by Experience Studios and Directed by Gary Voelker. Starring Missy Temme, Josh Murray and me. What a great cast and crew to work with. This film turned out to be a great little gem! Glad I could be a part of it!
Looking forward to next week’s shoot!!! Always fun!
Ken performs another of his favorite monologues.
Ken Arnold 