Wanna read an interview with me about my role on Posthuman and other little tidbits? Click here on the SFn Network!
Showing posts with label Posthuman. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Posthuman. Show all posts
An Interview With Me
Wanna read an interview with me about my role on Posthuman and other little tidbits? Click here on the SFn Network!
Two Updates
I've been seeing and reviewing plays for the Toronto Fringe Festival. You can check those out Mooney on Theatre. And soon, very soon, Posthuman will premiere on SFN!!
July 13th!!
Posthuman Episode 1 Shoot
Among the many projects that have kept me busy in the last few weeks, was Sunday's shoot of the new premiere episode of Posthuman. Already filmed was the subway scene with me, so Sunday morning we started on a post fire-fight scene between Dorothy Ascher and one of her first lieutenants - the scene is a glimpse of a wonderful actor, Neil Bennett, who will hopefully be back in Season 2. I know, spoiler alert! Actually, I think it's more of a teaser.
Then the afternoon was spent inside the studios filming the first and introductory scene of the episode where Dorothy Ascher, played by Karen Scobie, is being interviewed by a Capitol City news anchor, played by Mike Estes.
The day went fabulously smooth and we were blessed with a talented set of folks and an efficient and streamlined filming process thanks to Lyndon Horsfall.
A special thanks goes out to Christopher Mott who volunteered to do double duty as boom operator and actor, and Miles Ringsred, who so patiently lay on the gravel facedown while we shot take after take of the scene from various angles!
Posthuman premieres on the SFN network in June, so stay tuned for details!
It Just Doesn't Get Any Better
Sometimes things are slow and silent and sometimes there are weeks like this.
I've booked one lead in a comedy web series which I can't tell you how excited I am about. I haven't done a good comedy in a long while and I've been itching to use my funny bone. All that time spent at Second City has to come to some good. Who knew I was funny! Personally, I think it was my rambling about BSG - "bitch stole my ride" - and Twilight Imperium - if you don't know, don't ask - that sealed the deal.
Then I had an amazing audition. It was for another show and I was playing a sexual torture victim. I did the audition and afterwards the director came to sit down beside me, looked at me really intensely and sincerely said, "Wow, thank you for sharing that. Thank you for doing that." Even if I don't get the role, I know he'll remember me. And frankly, I kicked ass!
And now, I just got some fan mail via hearsay. That sounds very convoluted but I swear it's not. Basically, someone went out of their way to say how much they liked me in "Recidivist" and how they played that scene over and over. How charming!
And finally, a short of mine is screening at the TIFF Lightbox next week. I get to dress up and go to a premiere with me as a lead.
Honestly, some weeks are so incredible you don't want to pinch yourself just in case you wake up!
Full Of Creative Energy
It's so exciting to be back and full of creative energy. Auditions for Posthuman are done, and I'm looking forward to working with the new players. Also, I recently had a great dinner date with a friend where we talked about two film projects we're going to get off the ground. One is a piece with no dialogue in which he wants me to play a bad guy. The other is a project we've been discussing for a few years now, and it's an exploration of how two people get back in touch with what makes them human. It'll be a challenging piece to play, but as you know I'm always up for a challenge.
But first up, Dorothy Ascher goes a little nuts on Posthuman, then continues her various methods of manipulation!
Hit The Ground Running
New year and a fabulous new agent, Amy Hines! So far, I've had two auditions, and have booked one and have a callback for the other. Good stuff is happening, and I'm glad to be hitting the ground running in 2012! Let's keep this momentum going!
On another front, the auditions for Posthuman are being booked. It's so interesting to be on the other side and be scheduling people etc. So far this has been fun, and the OCD part of me really enjoys having everyone and everything neatly arranged and organized. Don't worry, I know it won't be that way on the day of the auditions, but it is one the paper right now.
Keep you posted on all the fun stuff!
Crazy
Okay, so I'm a Mama, writer, budding photographer, actor, tv host, and just recently I've started adding the 'producer' to the title. So clearly, I'm insane! Now that I've realized and accepted the fact that I'm totally and utterly nuts, I can relax. It's given me a new perspective on things.
I started work on a web series called Posthuman about a year ago. To date, we've filmed lots of episodes, but only aired a few. And only aired one in which I'm really actively present - though we've shot several. it just happens that my character really comes onto the screen much later. I'm that person everyone talks about but that doesn't actually show up until much further into the story. But I digress. As I said I got involved int his series, and since it's low budget we all beg, borrow, and steal whatever we can. So when I ran across the perfect location for a shoot on another shoot, I immediately started the process of securing the location for an episode. Enter the 'associate producer' credit for finding and securing the location. And guess what? That episode won first place in a film festival! And it's one I also acted in! Double bonus, right?
Now, we're on the look out for a talented actress to play well, me, my character, but in a different embodiment. It's a sci-fi series in case you were interested. And again, I've decided to don the producer label - or is it the casting director label - or both. I'm so confused! I'm arranging the auditions, securing the location for the auditions and managing the applicants. On top of everything else I do. Crazy!
To be honest, I'm both nervous and excited by tackling the business of being on the other side of the table. I've auditioned A LOT, but I've never been on the other side of the auditioning table in this way. It'll be a new experience. I'm hoping to gain more insight into that side. Often, I'll get the feedback that I was wonderful but just 'not right' for the part. I want to know what they mean. I want to see what is meant by wonderful but not right.
But the truth is, I have a vested interest in this series now. It's a character I really love and one I'm having a romp playing. It's rare that I get to play the darker person, the 'bad guy' so to speak. I'm always the ingenue, the sweet thing, the love interest. This time, I'm a strong independent woman whom people are afraid of, someone with power and darkness in her. And I want this series to succeed. I want the woman who plays 'me' to be brilliant! So, yeah, I'll do this. Hello, my name is Joanna and I'm crazy.
Doing It Differently
During the recent shoot of Posthuman, after all the rehearsals and discussions, Lyndon brought forth his infamous,"Do it differently." Both Sara and Jason were struggling with something - though neither knew what exactly, and Lyndon in order to facilitate something fresh told them to throw everything away and just,"Do it different." So they did.
And Lyndon, and both actors loved the result so much that halfway into the shoot everything was thrown out the window and the episode was re-imagined. What resulted is what you will see when it's aired on the Posthuman website. But here's a quick glimpse of "Do It Different."
And Lyndon, and both actors loved the result so much that halfway into the shoot everything was thrown out the window and the episode was re-imagined. What resulted is what you will see when it's aired on the Posthuman website. But here's a quick glimpse of "Do It Different."
Shooting Posthuman Ep 7
I know you've all been on the edge of your seats waiting for the next installment of Posthuman. So, I'm pleased to tell you that Episode 7 was shot on Dec 11th!
It was wonderful to see the crew again, and I can not wait until I get to get my hands into the mix with some Dorothy centric episodes. Right now, it seems that everyone is talking about my character, but that I'm definitely lacking in screen time. Which is cool. We're building anticipation, and the scenes that I've already shot for some later episodes are so awesome that it's worth the wait.
This episode gives you a glimpse into the relationship between 'Gina' and 'Porter.' The shoot was so productive, hilarious, and efficient, that I couldn't believe how fast everything was going. Even though halfway through we decided to ditch everything and start from scratch - but more about that later. These guys are definitely a crew that is talented, committed and incredibly efficient. And so far the adventure has been amazing! Plus, set nudity is always good.
Just kidding Mom! *kinda*
It was wonderful to see the crew again, and I can not wait until I get to get my hands into the mix with some Dorothy centric episodes. Right now, it seems that everyone is talking about my character, but that I'm definitely lacking in screen time. Which is cool. We're building anticipation, and the scenes that I've already shot for some later episodes are so awesome that it's worth the wait.
This episode gives you a glimpse into the relationship between 'Gina' and 'Porter.' The shoot was so productive, hilarious, and efficient, that I couldn't believe how fast everything was going. Even though halfway through we decided to ditch everything and start from scratch - but more about that later. These guys are definitely a crew that is talented, committed and incredibly efficient. And so far the adventure has been amazing! Plus, set nudity is always good.
Just kidding Mom! *kinda*
Posthuman Rehearsal: Bunions, Great Directors, and Joni Mitchell
I went to the rehearsal for episode 7 of Posthuman yesterday. I'm not in this episode, though of course the characters still spend some time talking about me *my character, Dorothy Ascher, that is. Yes I'm that important...ahem, ahem* I went because the relationship that my character and these two character have is important, and I thought it would really help my scenes to know exactly what the thought process and what the result of this scene was. Plus, I just love this crew so any chance to hang with them is always great.
Since I wasn't in the scene, I could really sit back and reflect on a lot of things. And first off, I had this moment when I was listening to Lyndon explain something where I was completely amazed that I get to work with him.
*warning: kind of a ridiculous creative love fest about to occur*
He is truly one of the best, if not the best, director I've had the chance to work with as an actor. He is an actor's director. Maybe it's because he's a psychology major, or maybe it's just his understanding of human emotion, but he always explains exactly what the character is going through. And he always brings out all those thoughts the actor has about the character but doesn't know how to voice. It really is fantastic, as an actor, to work with a person who helps us create these totally whole and three dimensional individuals. I've never really had to chance to really notice it until I wasn't one of the people he was working with. when you're in it, you're focusing on the scene and the character, but because I was free of that I could see him doing this with Sara and Jason. They're both incredibly talented actors, and they have such great instinctual understanding of their characters, but like myself I think they sometimes don't know how to bring to the surface, into awareness, exactly what's happening in the brain, but I saw how the three of them created a full and rich texture for the scene, and a very intimate moment for two characters.
Can't wait until it's my turn again!
Some random things that happened: serious discussions about Sara's underwear *you'll see what I mean when you see the episode*, Jason's inconvenient placement of the grapes, along with the contemplation of whether Gina has painted toenails or not, Lyndon's love of Joni Mitchell's "A Case of You", and the "no bunions on camera" clause in Sara's *faux* contract.
Since I wasn't in the scene, I could really sit back and reflect on a lot of things. And first off, I had this moment when I was listening to Lyndon explain something where I was completely amazed that I get to work with him.
*warning: kind of a ridiculous creative love fest about to occur*
He is truly one of the best, if not the best, director I've had the chance to work with as an actor. He is an actor's director. Maybe it's because he's a psychology major, or maybe it's just his understanding of human emotion, but he always explains exactly what the character is going through. And he always brings out all those thoughts the actor has about the character but doesn't know how to voice. It really is fantastic, as an actor, to work with a person who helps us create these totally whole and three dimensional individuals. I've never really had to chance to really notice it until I wasn't one of the people he was working with. when you're in it, you're focusing on the scene and the character, but because I was free of that I could see him doing this with Sara and Jason. They're both incredibly talented actors, and they have such great instinctual understanding of their characters, but like myself I think they sometimes don't know how to bring to the surface, into awareness, exactly what's happening in the brain, but I saw how the three of them created a full and rich texture for the scene, and a very intimate moment for two characters.
Can't wait until it's my turn again!
 |
| An intimate moment between 'Gina' and 'Porter' |
 |
| Lyndon demonstrating to Sara what he wants her to do....Jason slightly worried. |
Some random things that happened: serious discussions about Sara's underwear *you'll see what I mean when you see the episode*, Jason's inconvenient placement of the grapes, along with the contemplation of whether Gina has painted toenails or not, Lyndon's love of Joni Mitchell's "A Case of You", and the "no bunions on camera" clause in Sara's *faux* contract.
What I'm Up To...
...is recording voice-overs for another episode of Posthuman, hopefully doing a creative photoshoot, and maaaaybe even doing a month for a calender *not a smutty one though!* People want to take pictures of me! Who knew??
Oh! Plus, I'm doing a lot of writing gigs. Awesome!
So Much For Slowing Down!
Did you know that two pieces of work I'm involved in have become finalists in the Grand River Film Festival? No? Well, now you do. It's always great to have your work recognized! And I can't wait to win. *I'm being hopeful here*
This morning I had an really great meeting with a very talented woman. She helped me brainstorm some ways of marketing myself. But more importantly, we had a lot of laughs! Seriously, at one point we were laughing so hard I had tears in my eyes.
And I told myself that I would slow down and focus on getting a new agent...but bollocks to that! I'm doing another shoot on Thursday, and planning another one for the next week. Plus, I'm going to a Posthuman rehearsal today to document and get some materials. Hopefully, I'll be airing some great footage on TV soon! I'll keep you updated on that too.
So much for slowing down.
This morning I had an really great meeting with a very talented woman. She helped me brainstorm some ways of marketing myself. But more importantly, we had a lot of laughs! Seriously, at one point we were laughing so hard I had tears in my eyes.
And I told myself that I would slow down and focus on getting a new agent...but bollocks to that! I'm doing another shoot on Thursday, and planning another one for the next week. Plus, I'm going to a Posthuman rehearsal today to document and get some materials. Hopefully, I'll be airing some great footage on TV soon! I'll keep you updated on that too.
So much for slowing down.
Press Time!
Some Posthuman Episode 9 Shots
Remember how my camera battery died at the beginning of the shoot and that's why I didn't have some behind-the-scenes shots for you? Well, Lyndon - our amazing director - sent me a few screenshots and pics for me to share with you. Here they are!
"Dorothy" taking pleasure in breaking bad news to "Gina."
One person's sorrow is another's...
Being interviewed by Renee Francoeur for Waterloo Region Record.
Posthuman Episode 9 Shoot
As you may know, I shot episode 9 of Posthuman on Sunday. And as you may also know, I also bring my camera to set because I'm notorious for documenting everything. And this time was no exception. But! I forgot to check my battery and it died about an hour into filming. Scatterbrain that I am. Poo. Anyway, here's what I did manage to grab before the unfortunate demise of my battery.
Just in case you didn't know where they were, we pointed it out to you on set:
Right at this moment, Sara is saying, "My hair is just too silky today." My response, "Ahh, the problems of beautiful women." Sara we love you.
Lyndon really hates when I take a picture of him.
But he really loves to point a gun at me.
*don't worry, it's fake*
Just in case you didn't know where they were, we pointed it out to you on set:
Right at this moment, Sara is saying, "My hair is just too silky today." My response, "Ahh, the problems of beautiful women." Sara we love you.
Lyndon really hates when I take a picture of him.
But he really loves to point a gun at me.
Posthuman Rehearsal For Episode IX
Last night was the second and final rehearsal for Posthuman episode IX. It's my biggest episode yet! I play a psychological cat-and-mouse game with 'Gina.' It's not going to be released for a while, but maybe once it's done I can give you a sneak peak if Lyndon lets me. In the meantime, here's what went down.
Lyndon hates being on camera...so I made sure I snapped a lot of pics of him.
During a serious scene Will and Sara cracked up laughing.
*notice the wild hair in the background?*
Will 'Gibson' finally come through for 'Gina'?
Rehearsing is serious work.
See what I mean?
Lyndon hates being on camera...so I made sure I snapped a lot of pics of him.
I'm good that way.
Shoots on Sunday, and you betcha I'm gonna have some behind-the-scenes shots for you!
Updates
Hey beautiful people. I'm sorry I've been a bad actress blogger by not keeping you in the loop on stuff. I'll try harder. But hey, here's some info on what's coming up.
I've got a rehearsal for episode 9 of Posthuman, and then the shoot of said episode. And we're having a journalist on set to do an article on us. Cool huh?
In the meantime, here's some of the press our little webseries has been getting: An interview with our director and creative head, Lyndon Horsfall, and there's a short review of what we've got to offer for you.
That's it for now folks. Like I said, I promise to be better in updating you.
Posthuman Debut
Episode 1.05 - "Recidivist" from Lyndon Horsfall on Vimeo.
Finally, you can see my grand debut on the webseries Posthuman!
Let me know what you think.
*Be nice please*
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)