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."

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.

Dark Rising: The savage tales of Matti McLean

I was fine until I read Doug's blog, then the horrible, horrible truth hit me all at once like a snowball filled with delicious rocks.

It's almost over.

My first major tv AND movie role, (Ironically the same part) is almost done, and that is just incredibly depressing.

The whole cast and crew of Dark Rising has been such a huge, HUGE blessing to me and what they've allowed me to do (get away with) is really mind blowing. For instance, I highly doubt many directors would let you write scenes for your character, much less write an entire episode. Andrew has been awesome, and I've realized how quickly I've grown too close to the cast and the crew of this series. Everyday on set has been a pleasure and it's just been wonderful.

Now I guess I just have to keep writing eh?

Dark Rising: The Savage Tales of Summer Vale is due to begin airing in June, (June really? I mean there IS a halloween and Christmas episode... ANYWAY...) and the movie Dark Rising 2: Summer Strikes Back is due out in September.

Trust me when I say I'll be giving you regular updates. Exciting isn't it? :)