www.findthebutterfly.com

This webseries is consuming my life...
AND I LIKE IT!

Beavis and Butthead... and CHER?!

So, when on late at night... what does one do?
I get curious, so I decided to check out Muchmusic.com... Remember when they used to play music? Wasn't that awesome?
So I get there, and check out the countdown and realize I know maybe four or five of the songs on the list, when I realize... dude... They have the entire archives of Much Music Countdown on the website.
I can remember the first time I watched a music video, which would be peaches by the Presidents of the United States of America... and then I realized... dude, that would've been 1996. I missed out on the entire first half of the decade!
So I started to pick random numbers and dates to see what gems I could find...
And man... Did you guys even realize THIS existed?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=axpoBDAHOEk
Not only did it exist... but IT'S A NUMBER ONE HIT ON THE MUCHMUSIC COUNTDOWN! The song actually beat out the Cranberries "Linger"
Now honestly, which of those two songs would you rather listen to?
If you don't believe me, the date was Feb. 11, 1994 on their archives.
I mean really? How many kids even know who Beavis and Butthead are now? I only know because I was old enough to catch the tail end of it. They're the new Gumby!
I just thought that was SO incredibly weird.

My top ten movies

What do my favorite movies say about me?

10) Fight Club
9) Twister
8) Connie and Carla
7) Death at a Funeral (the REAL version, not the black one)
6) Sister Act
5) WALL-E
4) Naked Gun
3) Hunchback of Notre Dame
2) Finding Nemo
1) Labyrinth

I don't even know if this is my definitive list really:
Two involve performing (Three if you include Hunchback), at least half are comedies, two are Pixar...
I guess I am now and forever will be a kid at heart.

No TV 4 U and ME

I am not normally a political person. I don't think that I should have any chance to say how or why someone should live their life. I can make suggestions and opinions, but all in all, I feel I am thoroughly incapable of telling someone how they should live their life.
However, there is one thing that lately I have become rather adamant about. I am Canadian. This is a statement that I am proud of. I believe Canadians are just, intelligent and capable. I believe that Canada as a whole needs to stop kneeling down to the other countries that believe themselves to be superior for no other reason then the almighty dollar. Nothing solidified my Canadian national pride better then the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Games. We won. Canadians went from the meek, unassuming country to the proud, boisterous party animal that we deserve to be. I'm not saying we should flaunt and brag that we're the best country in the world, after all a wise man did once tell me that pride can be as ugly as shame, (although I am proud to say that in my mind, there is no other place I would prefer to be) but I do think at some point we have to stop apologizing for wanting to be heard.
What has really been grinding my gears lately is the fact that our major Canadian broadcasting companies import nearly all of their shows. Think of your favorite shows: Lost, Grey's Anatomy, House... Why are all of our shows imported from the States? If anything shows like Flashpoint, Little Mosque and Corner Gas have taught us that we can do quality television here in Canada so why are these still the only shows that Canada seems to produce?
My idea is radical, but why don't we find a large scale Canadian broadcasting company that actually produces, airs and promotes Canadian shows?
The idea is so radically opposed by people who are already up in arms at one idea: Whats wrong with the shows that are already on these stations?
And the answer is: Well, nothing. House is amazing. Lost was one of the weirdest and most creative television shows to come out... ever really. Women love Grey's Anatomy (even though I may not...) Many of these shows are quality programs.
The problem lies in the simple fact that Canada is being treated a lot like a sucker. Our money, which we are gladly giving to these broadcasting companies, is going to pay for programs from the States.
Why is this a problem? Well to put it bluntly, it means that Canada once again is allowing the world to treat Canada like it's second best. They're allowing our money to be spent on products that may entertain us, but do not benefit us in any way shape or form down the line.
So what? So what's the big deal anyway? Americans make good programs. Shouldn't they deserve the money?
Well yes, some of the programs deserve to be on television. But not Canadian television. Think about it, many American broadcasting channels are now broadcasting in Canada. It's not uncommon with the advent of satellite dishes to be able to pick up a show from many, MANY different channels at the same time. Why do Canadian stations CHOOSE to share their ratings with these shows while bold new Candian drama like Shattered (which despite being ANOTHER Canadian cop drama, actually sounds somewhat interesting) is shoveled into the Friday night death slot?
The main problem with this is that money that could be used to fuel Canadian television, to put a face and a voice to Canadian culture and to allow us to yell our voice far and wide and broadcast it to the world, is being sequestered and is left dying and dehydrated in the corner. If we don't produce Canadian television, and Canadian films, how can we be expected to grow an industry? How can we prosper when we know that even if we pull a Midas, it'll be shoveled into a death slot and ignored.
We need to start producing Canadian works. We need to start promoting Canadian works. We need to start watching Canadian works. But perhaps the most important piece is the fact that we need to start DEMANDING Canadian works. If we don't demand it, and support it, then it will fail. But at least you'll be able to comfort yourself with quality American reality shows. Survivor season 21 anyone?

Emails

I remember a time when my emails used to be more then just junk mail. When did Facebook take the place of good old fashioned regular communication? Today I deleted my entire inbox, and it's amazing how different you feel when you do. Over 2000 messages from the past four years that I never had the heart to delete before disappeared at the click of a button... and now I just feel strange. But I feel I'm at a time in my life where I might just need to cut out the past and move forward. It's about time I did I think. There's nothing wrong with being nostalgic, but when you're living your life looking over your shoulder it's time to let it go I think.

10 Things that will happen in a North.Light theatre show

10 things that will happen in a North.Light show:

10) Men will dress as women
9) Women will complain about the yellow dress
8) At some point, someone will be attacked with a banana
7) At some point, the writer will be insulted
6) At some point, the director will be insulted
5) There will be an abundance of Stage Managers
4) Cheesy music will be played, and forcibly enjoyed
3) The lights will be blinding, and the actors will complain
2) People will drop out
1) Despite everything people will still love it

Well the next exam is tomorrow. So that's exciting.
Funny to think that English tends to matter for one week at a time.
Usually that week corresponds to exam week. Funny how that works.

Right now I am facing a big mass of confusion.
I have two shows coming up so that's exciting! If you're in town from April 22-24 be sure to come out and see Massacre and Gods Car Leaves at Veritasse. They're funny! And the price is amazing!

I've been addicted to Survivor lately. I freaking love that show. It's just grand.
LOVE IT.

Not really sure what to do next. Tired as can be.
I keep meaning to make a meaningful entry but can't seem to.

So for all those interested: You should come see this. It's grand.
http://www.facebook.com/#!/event.php?eid=102065773168907&ref=mf

Massacre

Massacre is going to be a movie. I am so excited.
So in order to do this... I need to make some money. Some serious coin if you will. And fast...
Time to start saving those pennies!

Right now I'm hoping for a small cast of about 8, but hoping to have plenty of walk on roles for people to actually get their ACTRA in this city. Wouldn't that be great if we could create our own industry here in the city? I dream big...

So... As far as life goes this past week has been interesting.
First point of interest is I have had a MASSIVE throat infection which is neither flattering nor pleasant. After getting some antibiotics I am not right as rain again... It would have been great had it not been for the pink eye... In both eyes. THAT sucked. So I didn't get my chance to head out to my parents house to play with my nephew... That was unfortunate but I'll see him soon enough...
Well I did find out that it's nearly impossible for people to remember anything before the age of five because our brains are not developed enough to store long term memory.
Crazy!
So this week my goal is to finish my screenplay, read everything I need to for my exams (I have TWO this weekend. SO ANGRY- on a weekend! Who does that?) and to actually begin the groundwork for getting my movie made. I'm pretty excited... Shoot, I still need to pay ACTRA... DARN IT!
I have good news! I have two shows coming up this month! We've paired Massacre with Gods Car Leaves and it's going to be EPIC!
I'm a fan of caps today.
hmmm....

Oh Canada

Lately, I've become a feirce nationalist. Something about the Olympics resonated with me on a deep level. Not the fact that we were winning (We did kick some serious ass mind you), but the fact that is was all happening here in Canada... we were watching our country make history, and that's just exciting.
Ever since then, I realized just how much I do love this country. I remember that for as long as I've been acting people have said things like "Oh, so are you going to move to LA?" or "So when will we see you in New York?" and my answer has always been the same. Why? Why do I want to leave the country that has given me so much and allowed me to do as much as I have to this point.
Unfortunately, Canada is rife with competition, but I've always been a fan with doing things in atypical ways. Instead of going out for shows, I've created my own, and have now directed three fabulous musicals, and will have two more under my belt by the time May rolls around. The thing I really enjoy about it, is the undeniable joy I get to experience doing them. They may not have the budget, or the talent pool of bigger productions, but my shows have heart, and talent that is not dependant on the size of the city. My shows have been (without sounding arrogant mind you) Excellent, and if you haven't got a chance to see them, then you have truly missed something unique and special.
Doing these things, I've learnt that it's best to work with what you've got. I have access to hilarious people who are driven to do better and I get the joy of working with them and watching them grow as creative dynamos.
I am proud of the work I've done here, and I see no reason why I need to go anywhere else to find "My calling" as an actor. I refuse to believe that my destiny is waiting for me off in the States somewhere, when what I'm doing now, here, in this city, is unique and important. And above all else, it's fun.
"If your ship doesn't come in, swim out to it."

Life is busy... trust me...

I like how my last post was all about being new and exciting...
And yet I still can't manage to post anything on a consistent basis...
Sigh...

Maybe next time...

Do It New

My teacher asked a curious question to the class today.
"Is there anyone here who has bought something new this week? Something you have never bought before?"
In a class of 100 people, three people said yes.
3% of our classroom has tried something new this week.
To me that's not only odd, but kind of sad.
Are we all so mechanized in our daily routines that we walk through our waking hours with the same new items, bought for the same old reasons and fighting over the same old things as we ever have?
I think I'm hitting a certain point in my life where I'm realizing that everything in my life seems to be settling on some kind of path that's leading me... somewhere.
I wish I could more specific then that, but everyday things are becoming more mechanical, more robotic, more bland...
I think I need to go buy something I've never bought before. Make my life more exciting... Like a blue freezie...

Watching Doug Work

Well I'm back at the loft where Dark Rising was filmed. And it's nice. A part of me really enjoys coming here. It's a feeling very similar to coming home, or going back to a place with fond memories with a few of people who made those memories so fond. Sometimes, when life is getting a little bit stressful, returning to the good moments is one of the best things you can do.
Anyway, I'm writing my essay for British Literature, Andrew is slowing putting the pieces of Dark Rising together, and Doug is building a digital car.
I don't know how he does it, but this man is like superman. I'm serious, he does everything.
It's kind of awesome being able just to sit as the sounds of Brigitte and Katherine fill the background. And lots of clicking.
The three of us aren't talking much, but it's a comfortable silence. And in their case, a far more stressful one then in mine.
In two hours, I leave to go teach yoga and hip hop at the studio tonight.
I don't know how Doug does it. He's literally rotating a view around close to 200 times, all for one microsecond of cgi work that, if it's done well, no one will notice. Kind of mind blowing in it's own way.
Anyway, this is a random post about nothing. But I found the moment worth cherishing.

Movies and Me

I want this. I really, really want this.

I found a movie today and it really resonated with me. It was the story of the adolescence I wish I'd had. Everything about it was beautiful, poignant and moving. The story of a down on his luck man taking care of his alcoholic sister, a drugged out father and his five year old nephew who finds love and meaning. All the in the process of an hour and a half.

It was a special movie, and it really got.

Note- I'm not saying the name of the movie because that's not important. It's the resonance it had on me. It was the story of a life I wish I could have lived. Movies should inspire you, but for me, that inspiration is a double edged sword.

Sure, movies are great. They're wonderful at communicating entertainment, relationships, fantasy... Anything you want to do you can do it on screen now... In 3D no less, but when I watch movies I feel a pain in the lowest bowels of my soul.

I see a movie and think, "I want to do that. I want this life. I want to sink my teeth into my next part. I want to do more. I must do more..."

I couldn't be more proud of the work I've done on Dark Rising, and I've had so much fun doing the shoots and getting to know so many excellent people... But I'm not entirely satisfied. I've become a monster, and I can't wait to sink my teeth into my next part.

Maybe that's the reason why I feel like doing three plays this spring.

Yes three plays.

I'm so psyched to do them too. It's going to be great!

But still... a part of me is writhing on the inside. I just want to do movies. Forever. And never quit. And never not be working...

Is that so wrong?

I want to do it all while I'm still young and capable.