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July 14, 2005
THE SMELL OF THE CROWD, THE ROAR OF THE GREASEPAINT!
OK – So I’m now sitting comfortably, flying at 35,000 feet, on my way to Boston, and I have time to reflect on yesterdays experience of being in a movie. Well,….first of all, I certainly wouldn’t call myself an actor – I don’t think that one day of acting makes you an actor. But I did have a lot of fun, and I would like to do it again. Does that make me an aspiring actor? Kinda like everybody in Hollywood? Oh God!! I can see myself discussing camera angles and screenplay choices with the car drivers now!!
Everybody was so cool with me on the set. The movie is called Actor, and it is being directed by Marcus Nash. It’s not a multi-million dollar budget film, although it certainly impressed the hell outta me when I showed up in Silverlake for my call time of 7.00am, venti coffee in hand. People everywhere – I mean lots of people. Art department, first AD, second AD, DP…..everyone had an abbreviation. Trailers, miles of cable (of every size and description), lights, cameras…..I mean this was a proper movie set. Oh shit!! What have I got myself into?? They have their own language as well – it was kinda crazy to listen to nine people, all shouting at each other in a normal sized living room, and not understand a word they were saying!!
I was taken straight up to a dressing room, dressed, made up (to look pale and gaunt, with a Gothic twist), met the other actors, and then it really was straight onto the set for around 7 hours. Now for me, that was a long time (especially wearing my Chrome Hearts long leather coat in the 80 degree heat, indoors with no air conditioning) but I know that for real actors, that is nothing. It put a new perspective on watching movies like Troy, with the cast running around in a desert for three months, ALSO dressed up in leather!!!
So my character is a drug dealer, who sells some psychedelics to the two lead’s in the movie. He is somewhat twisted, with a fascination for pig masks (hence the pic!) and quite possibly has sex with men!! Don’t ask me – I didn’t write it!! But it is really funny in a dark way, and I loved the character. And I loved that they wanted me in that role – I mean, I have never done this before and they were taking a chance. I obviously had the look they wanted ……. And it turns out they were really happy with my performance as well. Again – just so that no one misinterprets me, I was no Laurence Olivier!! But I got applause from the crew after a few takes and a few adjustments, and everyone seemed very happy. Close up’s, establishing shots, overheads……..they made sure they had my stuff from every angle, and then it was, as they say in ‘The Biz’, A WRAP!!!!
Fun fun fun, but now I am looking forward to seeing how the Ozzfest 2005 is shaping up. Boston, then to New York (where I hope Jen will join me – I miss her already and its been about 5 hours!!!). I just watched The Machinist on my laptop – and it was amazing. I thought the story was a little flawed, but Bale is just stunning in his role. Skinny does not begin to describe his appearance, and it really is a disturbing movie. God knows what the woman next to me was thinking while it was playing – I had my headphones on, so I was lost in the movie. Hope she didn’t glance at my screen during some of the nastier moments!!
So I will get an hour or so of sleep, and I’ll sling this post up on the site when I get to the hotel. I’ll get a few pics and that movie clip up as well. All questions answered so fire away people. I am outta here…….. and here's the clip. Excuse the quality - its all I could get from a quiet, locked down set. But its fun, nonetheless .....
Peace
Billy
Posted by vivelerock at July 14, 2005 05:32 PM
Comments
Wow, Billy, way to float down a set of stairs! :-)
Great clip, thanks.
Enjoy my fair city for the short time you're here!
Posted by: Holly at July 14, 2005 05:55 PM
hey billy, enjoyed the clip, you look a natural. I'm sure now that you've got the bug, there will be more acting roles for you. ;)
So have you caught any of Rock Star INXS yet? If so, what do you think so far?
hugs,
tina
Posted by: tina at July 14, 2005 07:15 PM
ROFL at the pic of you in the pig mask!!! Thank you for that, Billy...
HEY! My background check came through ok, who'd a thunk it? I am officially excited, now
Have fun at Ozzfest, I forget, is he coming to my neighborhood again this year, the I.E? I remember that Sharon threatened never to bring Ozzy to San Bernardino again if they didn't do something about the parking, so they built a road, and another offramp
jezzi(don't get that woman mad!!)
Posted by: jezebel at July 14, 2005 07:46 PM
Excellent. Thanks for sharing. I'll repeat my ?? from yesterday. Was this something you've thought about doing for a long time? Were you seeking a role to play, or did this one just present itself unexpectedly?
~Bonita
Posted by: Bonita at July 14, 2005 07:58 PM
Excellent clip Billy...I agree with Tina...you do seem to be a natural! Looking forward to seeing the whole performance on the big screen now!!!
Posted by: Cori at July 14, 2005 09:03 PM
Good job Billy!!!
I can understand the whole "aspiring actor" thing - I'm moving to LA and I just started doing voiceover acting here in NY a few months ago and I'm obviously going to attempt to continue out there. Meanwhile I've wanted to move to California for over a decade - back when I just wanted to be a rock star and not an actor :D
You should drop me a line while you're in New York again. The Doheny show here feels like years ago!
Posted by: Theresa at July 14, 2005 09:37 PM
Very nice Billy,
Do you think CF will play with some of the contestants from Rock Star?
Matt S.
Posted by: Matt Stebbins at July 15, 2005 06:56 AM
Love it! Thanks for sharing.. (I see scripts headed to your mailbox)! So how did things go with the Doheny Management?
Posted by: Junebug at July 15, 2005 09:18 AM
Billy- I saw the pig mask in your other post pic with the smoke hanging out of it's mouth...and got a laugh at it yetserday. So do you get to keep the prop?
Posted by: Brett at July 15, 2005 12:51 PM
Now that you are in the acting business
here's a bit of advice for you Billy,
always always always, be extremely kind to your costumer...
we hear all, we know all
and if you piss us off.. we will make you look 30 pounds heavier on camera...;)
Posted by: sonicgeisha at July 15, 2005 02:44 PM
Ooooh, now there's a pic that deserves a big SQUEEEEEEEAAL!! I love it!
Posted by: linda at July 15, 2005 04:35 PM
Hey Billy
I'm reading lots of reports that the BBC want your mate Robbie to play Robin Hood, thinking you'd make a perfect Sheriff of Nottingham
Posted by: Shazz at July 16, 2005 01:19 AM
Billy...Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is brilliant...run, don't walk, to the nearest theater...it is an absolute must see!!!!
Posted by: Cori at July 16, 2005 09:00 AM
Billy, that's a DAMN sexy jacket!
Cori,I wanted to see Wonka so baaaad tonight, even had the night off, but plans didn't work out =( ...so gonna go tomorrow. (better late than never, I guess)
Abby (moping)
Posted by: Abby at July 17, 2005 12:39 AM
Loving the pig mask... so last night i was in Hayes/Bromley area at a mates, lots of parks !! You hav a stronger cockney accent than most people there tho?!?!
Anyways have fun at Ozzfest and rest them eyes
Will
Posted by: Will at July 17, 2005 07:04 AM
Smile Abby....it will be worth the wait!
Posted by: Cori at July 17, 2005 10:33 AM