NEW! Old Spice deck scrubber ad

Last week I was invited by a friend, Alex Meader, who is  a fantastic DP to play a hilarious role in a 30 second spot he did for an Old Spice ad contest. I play the Captain, who offers the guy some good advice on how to best approach the beautiful ladies. All with the help of Old Spice, of course. Because every captain knows women appreciate a man with a well scrubbed deck. Check it out.

http://www.poptent.net/media/13437

There is a 45 second version also:

http://www.poptent.net/media/13443

Champagne?

New “Behind the scenes” book available!

The new book covering all aspects of the ambitious production of “The Sheets Must Be Silk” is now available for purchase on Blurb. The book has over 120 photographs (behind the scenes and publicity shots), and outlines every step of the production from script to screen, including revealing testimonials. To see a preview and purchase options, just click on the image below and follow the instructions through the “Blurb” site:

You can now also follow post-production steps of “The Sheets Must Be Silk” on facebook – just visit the link below and become a fan.

The Sheets Must be Silk on Facebook

Zenfolio e-store: now available!

Finally, my new ZENFOLIO e-store is up. I started by adding the publicity photos from my most recent project, “The Sheets Must Be Silk”. I was impressed with the order fullfillment and framing options that zenfolio vendor partners offer. There are also a variety of sizes and print finishes at very competitive prices. The images are organized by galleries, which makes it easier to categorize and find specific content.

“Tex: Vampire Hunter” – film stills!

I never in a million years imagined I could pull off the role of a cowboy, but here it is…

Tex in the brothel, after slaying 5 vamp whores.

“The Sheets Must Be Silk” successfully wraps filming!

After three months of pre-production that culminated in three days of intense filming, “The Sheets Must be Silk” successfully wrapped filming. “Sheets” may turn out to be the most visually stunning film I have ever worked on, thanks to the amazing commitment and professionalism of a crew and cast that did nothing but awe me every step of the way. I am grateful for the privilege of having such people cross paths with me, and hope there will be a next time. With all the intense scheduling, filming both “Sheets” and “Tex: Vampire Hunter”, a true emotional roller-coaster, that forced myself to split into two completely different characters, my body finally gave in and I am really sick, with a horrible cough and head cold.

The full credits:

Starring:

Siolo Thompson – Rodrigo DeMedeiros – James Lyle – Stephanie Hilbert – Alexis Eggersten – Erin Douglass

Screenplay By:

Rodrigo DeMedeiros – Ben Andrews

Directed By:

Ben Andrews

Produced By:

3rd Eye Films

Plot Outline:

New York, 1961. Young photographer Dario Massimo lands the assignment of his career – to photograph Hollywood celebrity Marian Moore for a famous magazine. But when the two meet, an irresistible connection forms that will change the course of their lives.

Additional Credits:
Producers – Lucien Flynn & Will Chase
Executive Producers – Ben Andrews & Rodrigo DeMedeiros
1st Assistant Director – Gale Benning
Director of Photography – David Barbosa
Camera Operator- TJ Williams Jr.
Assistant Camera – Anthony Tackett
Gaffer – Paul Tennis
Grip – Justin Beebe
Production Assistants – Matt Pew, Michelle McNamer, Ben James, Alber Sucupira, and Metts
Sound Designer/Mixer – Jason Alberts
Script Supervisor- Rhona Rubio
Make Up – Shyn Midili & Anne Sellery
Hair – Niko Weddle
Wardrobe – Mellissa Flynn
Production Design – Rodrigo DeMedeiros
Still and Publicity Photography – Rodrigo DeMedeiros
Behind the Scenes documentary – Adam & Elle Sonnet
Art Department – Michael Clement
Art Department Consultant – Bob Allen
Propsmaster – Chris Collins-Lubin
Craft Services – Michelle McNamer

For full updates, production & publicity stills, and behind-the-scenes galleries visit the fan page on Facebook:

The Sheets Must Be Silk on Facebook

Marian Moore gets out of her 1957 Jaguar in the opening scene...

Tex: first look

Just had my first costume fitting for Tex. Below is my favorite variation, the cowboy look feels authentic. Working with the gun every day to get a sense of how to handle it properly and not look like a dork.

As Tex, in (almost) full garb - revolver not shown

“TEX: VAMPIRE SLAYER”

I just landed the lead role in a new short film, “Tex: Vampire Hunter” or “Make Thick My Blood: a Tragedy in One Act”, written by a young and talented director, Gabriel Gonda. I have been nothing but impressed with the visuals they are attempting to mimic and bring to life in the film – the detailed and vivid paintings of Maxfield Parrish and the cinematography of  the book adaptation of “Alatriste”, with Viggo Mortensen.

Best yet, I get to work my best friend Svetlana Soutirina, who also landed the lead female role, the 600 year-old vampire Elizabeta, and Tex’s lover. The piece will be shot in super 16mm, another fantastic reason that prompted me to accept their offer.

Tex is a vampire slayer, a cowboy type, descendant from a Portuguese father and a mysterious mother. He is a jagged character, with multiple layers accumulated through a life of loss and grief, and much violence and purpose. I am excited to be able to play such a rich and intense character, and feel humbled that I was chosen amongst many other local talented actors.

This is going to be challenging, since at the same time I will be portraying a completely opposite character – Dario Massimo in “The Sheets Must Be Silk”. I have a feeling my soul just needed this discrepancy in order to attain the much needed balance I constantly seek in everything I do; it will assist me in making sure the pendulum doesn’t swing too far off  its limits.

"Tex: Vampire Hunter" poster

“The Sheets Must Be Silk”: first look at Dario Massimo

My short film “The Sheets Must Be Silk”, inspired by true events (a famous platinum blonde celebrity and her last photo session before her death in the early 60′s), is already half-way through pre-production. I wrote the script inspired by my meeting with legendary photographer Douglas Kirkland in the late 90′s, when I was an employee at Corbis corporation and the company was acquiring the digital rights to many of  Mr Kirkland’s celebrity imagery.

Last week we finally nailed my character’s wardrobe. I play Dario Massimo, an aspiring photographer in NY who landed the incredibly overwhelming  job of photographing the most famous Hollywood star, Marian Moore (played by Siolo Thompson), for the cover of a famous periodical. Dario and Marian discover an unparalleled connection that evening and their lives are altered forever. Shooting on the last weekend of May, with the RED camera and an amazing cast and crew, the “Sheets” is a roller-coaster emotional ride. The supporting cast is responsible for most of the comic relief in the film: the amazing Stephanie Hilbert (playing Marian’s publicist and mentor, Sophie van der Staerten) and James Lyle (as Jonathan Fillmore, Marian’s flamboyant manager). Marian’s assistants, Norma and Jean, will be played by the marvelous Erin Douglass and Alexis Eggersten. Last but not least, “Sheets” will be directed by Ben Andrews with David Barbosa as DP – both of whom share my vision on recreating the 1950′s aura and the delicate mood of the story – and produced by 3rd Eye Films.

Ladies and gentlemen, Dario Massimo.

STAR TREK : : Phoenix on King 5 – Evening Magazine!

For those who didn’t have a chnace to watch the segment about Star Trek : Phoenix, here is a link to the network’s web site:

http://www.king5.com/video/eveningmagazine-index.html?nvid=358679

Part of my character’s vignette, “HOLLOW”, appears in the beginning, which is very exciting. You can watch all the vignettes by visiting the official ST Phoenix site:

http://stphoenix.com

Tol Hadik having a moment with his symbiont...

...and waking up with lots to think about.

 

Star Trek : Phoenix Fanzine!

The briefing issue of the ST Phoenix fanzine is now available. I was interviewed for one of the articles; I talk about my experience as a cast member of ST Phoenix and my character in the series, Councilor Tol Hadik:

http://issuu.com/startrekphoenix/docs/stpbriefingissue1