Excited!

Not sure what the main objective of this blog is, but I'll use my first one to journal a bit about my thoughts for the new project...

First, thank you to Frances-Anne for thinking of me. FAS is a truly great artist, a warm human being, and someone I admire very much. I have always learned something new each and every time I have entered a workshop process with her, and I will carry these rich experiences with me my whole life. So before anything to do with this particular project, it has already been a success in my eyes for this reason.

Now, the project...

I'm quite excited at the opportunity of taking a bit of ownership over the project as an actor. I have written quite a bit myself, but working with Frances-Anne does NOT feel like 'writing'. It feels more like an actor being given creative investment into a project in a very unique and effective way. I suppose one could write a 1500-word essay comparing and contrasting the differences between 'writing' and 'creating', but I'll sidestep the minutiae and delve into history.

Having worked with Leda Serene on 'A Winter Tale', I was quite amazed to see how the final product ended up - considering the seemingly inauspicious beginnings. I remember the unconventional first audition/interview and subsequent callback. Having worked mostly on bigger-budget film/tv projects, I assumed that this unconventional methodology was a reason to be daunted. I remember very simple outlines were ascribed to nebulous characters, rough character sketches and a loose premise equated with story. I presumed the worst, and was proven flat wrong.

The process that emerged became one of the most positive, creative and satisfying processes I've been involved with in my 10 years of being a professional actor. FAS' clear theatrical background effuses her film work with relevance and vitality, clarifying banality and transcending vapid, soulless generic screenplays into co-ops of unique vivacity and community.

I cannot say exactly how she does it, but Frances-Anne is able to foster a unique bond, a strong work ethic and, ultimately, a better film between/in/from the talented ensemble she meticulously selects. As a director, her strength is confidence in her vision - and her ability to execute that vision betrays a wealth of knowledge not commonly held by today's usual film/tv director.

It is for these reasons that I am very excited to work with her again, to jump into her process again, and to help lead a bunch of teenagers into this unique and wonderful creative opportunity. There will be harrowing experiences ahead, but in a beautiful way. And the aggregate supply of good art shall increase as a result of this synergy that will be beginning Sunday...

Bobman