Wassup!

Colleen's thoughts on writing, directing and coaching, and her unique take on life itself!

Tuesday, January 29, 2008

Actor's reading of The Herbalist a smash!

Last night was a terrific experience; the actors were so good - they brought the story and characters to life.

Photos and a review tomorrow!

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Sunday, January 27, 2008

Rehearsal

Oy.

We didn't have all of our four hours of rehearsal time - which we desperately needed - because one of the main actors didn't show up without an explanation. So we ended up waiting, starting late, I read for her until I decided to fire and replace her - she was safe at home, just tired.

It happens more than it should. Some people who say they are actors - or that they want to be actors - are not because their behavior is unprofessional. They end up hurting all the other actors and show itself because we've been stripped of precious, necessary rehearsal time.

I'm usually very good about spotting wannabe's, but slipped in this case. So in the end I have to take responsibility because it was my casting choice as director.

I then switched to plan B and recast the role - to an excellent actor whose work is so fantastic I can't complain. It's better for the replacement actor, too, because this opportunity will give her a chance to stand out much more for the audience and VIP's. Not to mention her terrific contribution to the performance.

We were so busy at rehearsal I didn't have time to take pictures for you, but I shall for the theater performance tonight (Monday, Jan 28) to share with you tomorrow.

Honestly, I feel so fortunate to be working with these actors. My last note to them read, "I expect every one of you bandit actors to steal every scene!" I didn't say, "and the show" because my goodness - I have to give them *something* to shoot for!

I'm very proud to be working with "my" cast - you'll meet them Tuesday, as well as Executive Producer Chris Koruga. I'll also include my review of the evening!

If Chris and I make the film (our fervent hope investors in the audience step up to sign checks after the performance), all the actors in the reading performance will be given the opportunity to audition for roles.

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Friday, January 18, 2008

Will Hollywood get my Goat?

OK, I can't say too much, except a literary agent from a major Hollywood Agency has my Goat Story comedy feature script (I can't mention the title because it might give too much away) to consider repping it and me.

I'll find out if he's high on the writing, characters and story in a couple weeks; I'll keep you looped.

Meanwhile, you know all those scripts I've been squirred away writing in my little North Seattle cabin in the woods and holding actor's readings of them over the past several years? They'll get a shot as well if this materializes.

What it means is that all the work is closer to paying off -- some are indie, some are commercial.

What it really means is that the journey really is the reward. I've had one heck of a good time writing my scripts, working with actors and developing what I consider quality story lines, memorable characters and frankly, lots of laughs and tears during the creative process.

I'm coaching someone who just received a major award. And he's not happy with what he's doing because his priorities were more material than experiential. Ooops.

He said he thought for sure if he ever achieved this award, he would be on top of the world. Well, there he is now, with his award - and will be feted at lavish celebration. But when he looks back at his journey - especially this past year - he does not want to re-do it ever again.

Priorities. And of course, he especially learned to *listen to his coach.* She predicted some serious problems working the way he was, maintaining other than enjoy the journey priorities and she was ignored.

He would have won the award either way, but why not enjoy life while you work so that winning the award is just the little tasty cherry on top of a great year of life?

Meanwhile, in my life, church mice might have a better credit score, nicer cars and clothes, but I've enjoyed the heck out of doing what I do - am passionate about it, feel proud of what I've accomplished, of maintaining my integrity, values and standards through it all, and have always believed a breathrough would come sooner or later.

In this case it would be thanks to a very renowned, generous (and anonymous) colleague who has known me for several years, and has also seen me help other qualified artists work their way up the food chain.

At this point, I'm not really excited - those close to me who know the details are excited for me. If it all goes through and the company I'd love to see produce this script with the casting suggestions I've made? Then, excitement.

Until then, I have a staged actor's reading performance of The Herbalist to produce and direct (I'll have plenty of photos for you! Amazing cast!), as well as pimp for investors with Executive Producer Chris Koruga, and two feature scripts to finish.

I'm thrilled ultrasharp script supervisor Kay Taylor, who has been at my side for several of my film and staged reading projects, will be on hand for the gruelling 4 hour rehearsal, as well as the performance. Her notes are invaluable.

A fine actor in her own right, Karie Gonia, is working hard as my assistant and right hand (you know I wondered where that hand went..). Another great Northwest actor, Ryan Cooper, is also assisting me during the rehearsal and performance.

All this and Seeker, my Pomeranian puppy - well, he's more an adolescent now - has learned how to chew his way through the fence I built for the back yard several years ago. The other two pups gleefully follow him, bouncing outside the yard for me to rush out to collect. Three five-pound Pomeranians are not seen as a real "dog pack" threat, but they can bother the neighbors so I'm mortified when he chews another hole for me to plug

Fortunately, they come back quickly, but that doesn't stop the neighbors from raising a disapproving eyebrow.

I'm getting a metal fence made that will be chew-proof. The back yard is plenty big enough for these little rougues, they don't need to be galloping gangsta-style all over the neighborhood! Allie Cat keeps an eye on them, making sure they get back home - through the same hole - soon.

When I complain that I have enough to do without worrying about them - they only look at me, eyes glittering with stories of their adventures running around.

I'm also learning about "raw food diet" eating .... my fitness coach is all over this and believes it will help streamline the new me.

Oh, yes, and I'm recording a song this coming weekend with the assistance of my singing coach, Nedra Gaskill, to submit for a national competition. More on that later.

Fortunately, friends and family are all well, little 4-year old JoJo is making his way bravely through his leukemia treatments, and I'm learning to pace myself so I can get everything done without exhausting myself (famous last words!).

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Tuesday, January 15, 2008

Auditioning for The Herbalist staged reading

I auditioned many terrific actors all day Saturday for the staged reading of my new feature film script that we're holding at an impressive Seattle theater later this month.

Most staged script readings are set up to just hand the script to whatever actors show up half an hour before they read the script aloud.

I cast the roles (most actors play more than one role), have a long rehearsal and include props and costume touches for the characters that make the experience as entertaining as possible for the audience; as professional as possible for the performers and fun for everyone.

Executive producer and biz partner Chris Koruga has also arranged to have some nice programs printed as well as warm appetizers and refreshments served.

We're expecting a packed house, including some VIP's repping studios from LA as well as investors in a financial position to write checks that would cover the entire production if they wish, so of course that's an added incentive to do everything First Class.

Chris has also been invited to meet with some accredited studio chiefs (there are some pretty iffy studios there as well) in China next month; there is a keen interest there for the script.

Meanwhile, none of that would matter if the script were not extremely well written. Any problems will be picked up in rehearsal, but there should be few, if any.

I'm also working on another romantic comedy script, Nothing But The Truth, with my LA mentoring group, and have started writing my first animated feature, Home For Christmas, which is an incredibly enjoyable adventure!

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Sunday, December 09, 2007

Buzz, buzz, buzz

So much "good medicine" is happening in the development of my new feature film project, "The Herbalist!"

Alas, all I am legally free to say is:

Got Chi?

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Sunday, November 18, 2007

Actors needed for formal screenplay reading

I'm directing a formal feature film script actor's reading for my new screenplay (written with Chris Koruga), The Herbalist ("You don't need to be Chinese to have a fearless Chinese heart.") in January for investors and industry professionals. Excellent food and refreshments will be served.

I'm looking for:
Chinese/Asian actors - all types, ages, looks, women and men
Caucasian women actors - early 20's, if you can play teen - great!
African American actors - women/men 40+

Executive Producer: Chris Koruga
Writer/director: Colleen Patrick (hey! That' me!)

Please send HARD COPY HEADSHOTS/RESUMES ONLY to:
Colleen Patrick
11328 28th Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98125 attn: The Herbalist

Auditions and performance will take place in a downtown Seattle studio and theatre.
Audition: Saturday, January 12
Rehearsal: Saturday, January 26

Performance: Monday, January 28

This is a *mainstream,* A-level, non-stereotyped characters script. I'm looking for performers with range for this stage performance to match the quality of the screenplay.

NO EMAILS/CALLS/ELECTRONIC SUBMISSIONS, PLEASE

Because of the security surrounding this project, all participants will be required to sign a confidentiality/nondisclosure agreement to prevent leaks about its content.

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