www.drmelcaudle.blogspot.com
Volume 1 Number 2
PAGES ADDED
Several pages to this blog have been added including a page called The Actor's Slate ,The Back Lot, and Ask Dr. Mel. These sections will continue to grow, but don't overlook them when you finish reading Dr. Mel's Message. To visit these pages, click on the tab in the heading section above.
CALLBACKS ANYONE?
Several pages to this blog have been added including a page called The Actor's Slate ,The Back Lot, and Ask Dr. Mel. These sections will continue to grow, but don't overlook them when you finish reading Dr. Mel's Message. To visit these pages, click on the tab in the heading section above.CALLBACKS ANYONE?
By Dr. Mel Caudle
I am still amazed at
the number of quality auditions we received from the online audition
process for The Keystroke Killer. Wow! I
must say that the actor community has really hit a home run. I find myself questioning, "Why anyone would
want to conduct a casting call the “OLD FASHIONED” way of a cattle call
face-to-face?" I really don’t get
it. With my producer team, we quickly learned watching online auditions first, prior to face-to-face
call backs, allows us more versatility and to call actors back that meet our
specific criteria. Long are the days for
me when an actor comes in and reads lines for a character that they don’t
fit. I spent years of my life watching
auditions that were meaningless prior to the online process I use. Not anymore!
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| The original Matthew, Frederick Payne from the short film The Keystroke Killer |
I can’t begin to tell
you how much this means to a producer and director. We get to view the actor in the role we
see you for in an online audition. Many
times, an actor “misses the boat” and auditions for a role. Unfortunately, they don’t match our character
breakdowns although they really want that role.
The good news is we can tell instantly what role the actor may fit and place them in that category. If it
were a face-to-face audition, you would not have this opportunity. If we do move you into a different category,
we may or may not ask for an additional audition video. We will let you know. Please be assured that we are concentrating
on every audition.
THE FINAL COUNTDOWN
Our callback process is to
review auditions by roles, not by date submitted. That way we look at all auditions back to
back for each character. Then we
finalize the callback list for that character.
Prior to doing such, either Robby or I will make an event posting on The Keystroke Killer Fan Site for "Last call for the role of (character name)." If either Robby or Dr. Mel hasn’t made a comment on your video at the time they post the Last Call event, please
re-post it now and send us a private message.”
The KSK casting team waits 24 hours
prior to finalizing the callback list for that character. Again, only re-post your audition if you fall
in the category for that character and if neither Dr. Mel or Robby has not commented on your audition. Otherwise, to re-post your audition when we already have seen it, only distracts us from being able to continue
our process of review. We want to be
able to focus on everyone’s audition we may have missed or haven’t seen so no body's audition falls through the cracks. So, let’s be considerate of others and don’t
re-post a video audition unless we ask for in the Last Call event.
However, realizing that
everyone is on pins and needles and excited, we don’t mind the posting of the
videos of songs, best “whatever” etc. to keep people’s minds off the callbacks. Jack Curenton’s posting of the song “Don’t
worry, Be Happy,” and Ava St. Claire's posting of Ann Miller dancing are perfect examples. Also, share your short films with everyone. That's how The Keystroke Killer was found. Let's support each other.
The Rhyme and Reason
I have been asked by numerous actors, casting directors, producers, and the general public why we chose to use the online audition process for our first round of casting. Our motto is simple, If you look great and nail an audition on our monitors or television screens as we watch the auditions, then we are
assured you will be fantastic in our project. The Keystroke Killer is a pilot for a two-hour movie that leads into a television series. That means, the final project will be scene on our television screens, in our homes, on our home computer monitors, Ipads, and laptops. These are all screens we view our favorite television movies and shows on.
So, I have to sit back and ask, "Why wouldn't I want to see the first round of auditions the way we will view the final product." In essence, this method replaces the old-fashioned screen test of earlier years of Hollywood film-making. Once an actor was discovered, pioneers in our industry would bring the actor into the studio for a screen test to determine if the camera loved them or not. Not everyone looks great on camera. The KSK team is modernized and going straight to the screen test to see if the actor not only looks good on screen, but can act and bring a character to life prior to the face-to-face auditions and casting. It really is that simple and that is the guideline we use.
So, I have to sit back and ask, "Why wouldn't I want to see the first round of auditions the way we will view the final product." In essence, this method replaces the old-fashioned screen test of earlier years of Hollywood film-making. Once an actor was discovered, pioneers in our industry would bring the actor into the studio for a screen test to determine if the camera loved them or not. Not everyone looks great on camera. The KSK team is modernized and going straight to the screen test to see if the actor not only looks good on screen, but can act and bring a character to life prior to the face-to-face auditions and casting. It really is that simple and that is the guideline we use.
DO YOU NEED TO CREATE A ONE PAGER?
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The original one pager for The Keystroke Killer short film. Do you need more information on how to design and create a one pager for your film or screenplay? If you said, "Yes," then you need How to Create a One Pager by Dr. Melissa Caudle.
AUDITION RATING SCALE AND CHECKLIST |
I personally use a rating scale
that I created for each role. As the
creator of the show and the head screenwriter, I know what I am looking for an actor to bring in
each audition of a specific character. As
I watch auditions, I look for specifics details.
For example, when rating auditions for Judas, the areas I use to rate each audition is as follows.
AUDITION RATING SCALE
Name: __________________________ Facebook Name: ____________________ Role ID: ____________
_________Age-appropriate
for role.
_________The actor’s
overall presence of Judas is prominent.
_________The actor’s
voice (tone/resonance/breath support) used for Judas is omniscient and
powerful.
_________The actor’s
phrasing and emphasis on special words were appropriate.
_________The actor
transforms in his physical body language at the moment “KSK” enters his body.
_________The actor
used appropriate movement/gestures for the character.
_________The actor
used props appropriately. _____N/A
_________The actor
maintained Judas’ character throughout.
_________The actor
delivered the lines as scripted.
_________The actor
acted through each action description as scripted.
_________The actor
accomplished the journey of the character through the three acts of the scene.
____Set up ___Emotional Transition ___Impact of last action
_________The actor was
effective in demonstrating the actual extent of range by contrast in genre of
film, tone, character quality, and style.
_________The actor
interpreted the character correctly.
_________The actor has
screen appeal.
_____Callback
_____Consider _____Pass ___Put in Different Role: _______
OVERALL IMPRESSION/COMMENTS:
*****
Created by Dr. Melissa Caudle
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED OTLP 2012
LIKE SANTA CLAUSE CHECKING IT TWICE
There is a possibility of an actor accumulating 16 points (check marks) toward the rating scale for Judas. Depending on the number of points, is how I make my determination for a callback. My comments on your audition reel also reflect these areas. You can be assured that if I said, “You nailed it,” you accumulated at least 14 points.
Again, every character
in The Keystroke Killer has something
unique about them. A "cookie cutter” audition checklist can’t be
used; therefore different, but similar criteria for each role are used as I
made the appropriate adjustments for the character nuisances. Most of the criteria are the same for each character, but are adjusted for that specific character.
The same criteria I use to assess online auditions will be used during the face-to-face callbacks. I just wanted to share one character's audition checklist with our followers
so each may gain a general idea of how we make our decisions for callbacks and
how you will be rated during your face-to-face callbacks. I hope this helps you with this audition process as well as any future online auditions you procure.
DO THE MATH
By Dr. Mel Caudle
Going through the online process takes hours upon hours. In fact, this week I challenged some of the KSK members to do the math for me on how many hours it will take for me to view the auditions. Mary Grace, KSK fan site member responded:
Mary Grace Math, my specialty! Following are my figures: To View 3,121 auditions at 2 min each, it will take you 6,242 minutes/or 104.03 hours.. To add a comment on each audition estimating at 30 sec each will take an additional 93,630 seconds/or 1,560.5 minutes/or 26.1 hrs, TOTAL Time to View auditions and write one comment is the sum of 130.41 hours.
So, given the math I hope everyone will be patient with Robby and I as we are viewing all auditions again to make our callback decisions. At just over 130 hours each, times two, because we watch all twice, it takes us awhile to get through them. Several actors have stated in a tread that we haven't watched theirs or commented on them. WE KNOW!!! Here is the reason why. Up until the deadline we were able to keep up on a daily basis watching and commenting on every audition. Then we were slammed with well over 350 auditions in one night. The next morning, we immediately started making callback decisions going character by character. That means, if on the final deadline night, you submitted an audition for Matthew, chances are it hasn't been watched or commented on by us. When we get to reviewing every audition for Matthew's character, we will. We filter the auditions by character's and are able to view them in order. It takes a team to do this. So we ask for your patience.
This is the order in which we will be viewing the characters for callbacks:
Judas
Dr. Garrick Angela
Robby Ziegar
Astrologer
Waitress
Kyle Flores
911 Operator
Peterson
Jones
Hammer
Snead
Milo Evans
Meagan Montgomery
Alex - the bartender
CNC News Reporter
News Director
George Newland
Malcom
Rebecca Morrison
Robert Mendoza
Dr. Frank Franklin
Stephanie
Marge Greenberg
Congressman Thompson
Mrs. Janice Thompson
Gunman 1
Gunman 2
Waitress
Landlord
Ima Star
Lorenzo Gonzales
Jenni
Mag
Kelly Stratford
Tracey
Marge Greenberg
Bubble Kids
Matthew
Blaze
Dr. Elizabeth Wright
Again, we will be posting an event announcement on The Keystroke Killer Fan Site on Facebook for last calls if we didn't view your audition.
TIME ZONE - HOUSTON WE HAD A PROBLEM
By Dr. Mel Caudle
I thought I was going crazy. I would be looking at my computer and seeing a time-stamp on an audition video of 1:30 AM May 31, and indicated to the actor that they had submitted their video pass the deadline. They would respond back and say that it was on time. Finally with the help of KSK fan site member, David Adolpho Gizzarelli, we figured it out. I took a picture of what I was seeing and so did he. The actor in question had two different time-stamps. The time difference was exactly two hours, the exact difference between our two time zones. Problem resolved.
What this means is for LOS ANGELES actors who submitted their auditions in the wee hours on May 30th, and have a time-stamp that I view in New Orleans of May 31, 2012 by 2:00 AM, will be considered for callbacks. Our casting director already had you on her list because of the time zone she resides. I love it when a problem gets resolved. So on behalf of KSK and the producer team, we offer a sincere thanks to David for helping us with this and apologize to the several actors that were affected. The good news is, we caught this in time before callbacks were finalized. Take a look at the following example.
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| LOS ANGELES TIME-STAMP |
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| NEW ORLEANS TIME-STAMP |
FAVORITE QUOTES FROM KSK FAN SITE
By Robby Stroud
Our team has had a
wonderful time commenting on the auditions, watching them, and
reviewing your auditions. However, I
must say that some of your comments on the links have been priceless. Here are some of my favorite quotes from the
site.
Timothy Wyant "This WAS FUN and
helpful. This type of demo posting…WELL
I HAD FUN. LOL…BUT NO ONE HAD MORE FUN THAN THE ONE AND ONLY…IMA STARR…GINO
VILINTO.”
Jack E Curenton ”Dr Melissa Caudle, I want to say
that although this approach (FB Casting page) may be keeping many on pins and
needles, I have honestly never felt so connected to the casting process(or a
project) and had such continous feedback on any projects that I've been
involved in (except my own) as what you and Robby Cook
Stroud are continually giving us. As actors, we always want approval and
acceptance...the fact that all this wealth of
talent is asssembled and so highly visible for the "Artistic" world
to see is a monument to this new style of casting. And it's a whole heck of a
lot better than "Thank you, don't call us, we'll call you...you...you...echo...chirpping
crickets...” Thanks for the innovation...Bravo.” Jack E. Curento
Jack E
Curenton Thanks Carroll Burt, yea, as difficult as it is for folks to
wait for the outcome, it's still a lot better for everyone than the usual
process of no response back. However, we're all like a group of folks who went
to a show and then hung out in the lobby afterwards for a few weeks chatting
about it...
TINA D. RUBIN Wow!
I'm sure ya'll (Melissa and Robby) probably expected this but production
companies have already followed your lead! How'd I know that was gonna happen?
Lol. I told my husband, watch this audition process become viral. I've already
got an email about jump start your career and we'll be casting world wide for a
show on A&E but hey, you guy's definitely made the mark!!! I knew there
would be plenty wanting to follow your lead!!!
Jack E Curenton Thanks Carroll Burt, yea, as difficult as it is for folks to
wait for the outcome, it's still a lot better for everyone than the usual
process of no response back. However, we're all like a group of folks who went
to a show and then hung out in the lobby afterwards for a few weeks chatting
about it...
Ian Cai Mercer hahaha!! Sorry Mel, he didn't get round to taping it(didn't
press 'record' apparently!!) PS- would Blaze REALLY have a Tiger padding round
her flat?? Suppose that would be one deterrent to a Serial Killer!!! (Ian is referring to his cat.)
Trace
Schroeder
I
find the song pertinent and uplifting, and wanted to share.I am in love with
you and Robbie, Gino and so many others on this site, I feel that I know you,
and I care. I am drawn to come back through out each day to catch up with the
posts. I see the star in you Ms. Melissa! The
response to this site is a testament to the goodness and quality of your and
Robbie's kindness, compassion and generosity. I thank you for a number of
reasons, the opportunity and experience, the seeing and the sharing, a sense of
community I feel connected to. Sending love. Xo
2,000 PLUS AND GROWING
By Dr. Mel Caudle
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| THE KEYSTROKE KILLER FAMILY IS GROWING BY LEAPS AND BOUNDS |
During the process is casting. An unexpected turn of events transpired - The Keystroke Killer Fan Site on Facebook became a community. A community of people who too share in a dream - to make a movie. I never once thought for a moment that I would feel so close to as many people who I don't know. It's so weird because I feel as if I know many of you although I have never met you face-to-face. I'm not the only one that feels this way by the comments that are posted on the site. Additionally, I have been afforded the opportunity to meet several of you face-to-face. Those meetings didn't seem like first-time meetings to me. We instantly hugged each other, laughed, had drinks, and it was as if we had known each other for a long time.
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| Robby Cook Stroud, Jerry Lopez Jr, and Dr. Mel Caudle first time meeting face-to-face after connecting on KSK Fan Site. |
Lastly, Christian Drerup, was our 2,000 subscriber. Who will be 3,000?
The HOLLYWOOD NERD
By Robby Stroud
If you think Judas and Milo Evans from The Keystroke Killer are evil, real-life super nerd, Kim Dotcom,
hoarded yachts, guns, celebrity friends, supercars, and 180 million users
through his file-sharing Megaupload website just maybe today's most evil person
Hollywood Insiders are facing. Recently, the FBI shut down "Dr
Evil's,” that is what he calls himself, website and he faces 50 years in prison
as Hollywood prepares for what is going to be considered the nastiest piracy
fight in history. "Dr. Evil," is being accused of bilking the
entertainment industry millions of dollars. In fact, the estimate in
damages rests right at $500 million dollars. This almost sounds like a
horror movie. But it is real as his image and the full story appears in
this week’s The Hollywood Reporter. I predict there will be a
shake up in the industry. Any takers?
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
By Dr. Mel Caudle and Robby Stroud
If you didn't make the first list in last week’s blog, maybe
you’ve hit solid gold this week as we begin to isolate more auditions. We have
added new names to the “You nailed it.” Remember, we'll be posting more as we go through the entire 3100 plus
auditions with each new blog and this is NOT THE CALLBACK LIST. This is only the beginning of highlighting some outstanding performances in roles. Also, some actors auditioned for
a particular role, but we just couldn't see them in that role, but could
visualize them for another. Therefore, if
you name appears on this list and future lists and not in the role you
submitted, don't worry. We just see you differently. There are
several that fall in this category listed below.
Lastly, these auditions of merit are not listed in any particular
order or ranking system. Thus, just because a name is listed first, it
doesn't mean it is our first option. However, it does mean a call back so
at least you can rest easy as we continue to announce others in your character.
TOP AUDITION PICKS IN THE FIRST
ROUND
Everyone, please remember these are some of our top
picks and not all. It is a growing list. It also isn’t a callback list
either. Those will be posted in an official call back list when it is finalized.
THE YOU NAILED IT AUDITIONS
Matthew: Geryh Curtis, Evan
Boymel, Ace Marrero (although he submitted for Alex), Stephen Martin, Jason
Burghorn, Steven Carl Griffin, Nathan Lucas, Jason Tobias, Jamal Kazak, Trace
Schroeder (although he auditioned for Milo), Chris Waters, David Adolpho
Gizzarelli, Ace Marrero (although he auditioned for Alex), Carl Schreiber, Mark Slater, Dedan Donavan, Gary Kauffman, Brandt Binkley (although he auditioned for Dr. Frank Franklin)
BLAZE – Jamie Alyson, Gwonwyn De Beer, Tera Garnett, Vanessa Ross,
Dr. Garrick Angela: Robert Fleet, Rob Steinberg (although he audtioned for
Alex, I moved him over), Stuart McClay Smith, Julian Grant, John Henry
Richardson, Ellery Truesdell, Doc Divecchio, Max Thayer
Judas: Challa Sabre, Jack
E Curenton, Chip Carriere, Trace Schroeder, Craig Jeffcoat, John Percy Antonio
Chavez, Rob Patterson,
Milo Evans:
Chris Swirles, Trace Schroeder, Challa Sabree, Timothy Wyant, John Wesley
Cooley (listed under Leah Monnette), Casey Groves
Landlord: DH Lewis, Jill
Lachman, Billy Mayo
Professor Faust -
Kristen Stewart, Erich Klain,
Blaze: Katelyn Causey, Diane
Lombardi, Nancy Beverly, Jamie Alyson, Bethany Regan, Lila Evans, Ashley Ann Alvarado,
Fortune Teller – Gypsy Elise
Ima Starr:
Ava St. Claire, Gino Galento, Aaron Groben
Congressman Thompson: Justin Little (although he auditioned for Matthew), Vic
Harris, Rich Rubin (although he auditions for Snead), Douglas Olsen
Janice Thompson Bennette: Summer E. Sinclair, M. Daniela Torchia, Christopher Callen,
Jennifer Rosario, Katie O’Hagan, Jacqueline Murphy, Gina Lee Gallareto, Mary Laina,
Peterson: Darius Green, Jesus
Ruiz, Phillip M Polite, Bryan Theodore, Carlton Enoch, Alphonse Philippe Mouzon,
Aarron Spivey Sorrells, Verolga Leilani (although she auditioned for Dr. E. Wright), Jeffrey Grays (although he auditioned for Milo),
Jones: Bobbie Lee,
Raven Lexy (although she auditioned for Janice Thompson), Joseph McRae
(although he auditioned for Matthew), Isaac Depeyer (although he auditioned for Matthew), David Castro,
George Newland: Gage
Maverik, Seth Oserin (although he auditioned for Dr. Garrick), Vito
Viscuso, Patrick McHale
Rebecca Morrison: Amanda Chism, Karen Weza (although she auditioned for Dr. Wright),
Kelly Stratford: Alexa James, Kerry McCormick, Janab Davis,
Meagan Montgomery: Nathalie Tedrick, Ilana Kitover, Meagan Pallares, Jennifer Peyton McDavitt, Hannah Bickham (although she auditioned for Blaze), Julie Wions, Glenn Ellen Anderson,
Mag: Tera
Garrett, Savannah Schoenecker (although she auditioned for Meagan M.), Jennifer
peyton McDavitt (although she auditioned for Meagan M.), Christian Drerup, Veronica Kelly, Caley Hayes, Brooke Coleman,
Gunman 1:
Bobbie Lee, Mark Naji, Nico Falls,
Gunman 2: Cali Muscle (although he auditioned for Milo)
Robby Ziegar:
Kenan Heppe, Richard McKenzie, Anthony Castillo, Raquel Elizabeth
Ames, Nancy DeBoem, Don Ronaldo,
Jenni - Aisha
Alese, Sage Kairi,
Marge: Linda Johnson,
Carol Ann Scruggs, DH Lewis,
Kyle Flores -
Bonnie Jane Levinson
Alex: Tim Oman (posted by TJ MYERS), Michael
Villar, Prince Moore, Johnny Rock,
Dr. Elizabeth Wright: Marcia French, Katie O'Hagan,Tina D. Rubin, Jennifer
Rosario, Jacqueline Murphy, Hutchi Hancock, Mary Laina, Rachel Whitman Groves,
Snead: William T
Ensley, Victor DeLucie,
Hammer: M Gerard Pavuk,
Gary Kauffman (listed under Carlton Enoch who filmed it),
Lorenzo -
Kennedy Moronta
CNC Anchor:
Graham Clarke, Climesha McDaniel, Seth Oserin (although he auditioned for Dr. Garrick Angela),
911 Operator: Clarissa
Guerro,
Malcom: Onairus Corner (I need
your real name please), Nirav Bhakta (although his audition was for Robby Ziegar), Joel Cole,
News Director:
Sher Myers (I need your real name please), Ellery Truesdell,
Astrologer:
Marcy Toschi, Jennie Floyd, Suzanne Stephens Breitenbach, Ava St.
Claire,
Dr. Frank Franklin: Jason Flowers (audition is for Milo), Shobhit Agarwal (although
he auditioned for George Newland), Claudine Claudio (female Dr. Franklin
consider although she auditioned for Dr. Elizabeth Wright), Gage Maverick,
Erick Klain (although he auditioned for Professor Faust), Diana Marzigliano (although she submitted for Janice T.), J. Patrick Wise (although he auditioned for Robby Ziegar), Michael Briggs, Anthony Castillo,
Stephanie Winfield: Madeline DeCourcey, Wanda Leigh
Cameraman - Aaron Gorben,
Waitress - Susie Labry
Waitress - Susie Labry
BODY GUARD - Prince Moore
Mrs. Garrick Angela - Katt Shea (although she auditioned for the Landlord)
AND RUNNER UP CAT AUDITION
Doc Divecchio - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sQincYa_Cw4&feature=youtu.be
Mrs. Garrick Angela - Katt Shea (although she auditioned for the Landlord)
More actors worthy of watching will be posted in the next blog. Be sure to subscribe to my blog if you haven't already by going to the top of this page and scrolling over to the far right. Then click on the subscription button. If you want to get updates as I post or change things, subscribe and join. Also, join my circle of friends of Google +. We can have our own KSK circle.
Remember, you can opt out at anytime you wish.
JUST FOR FUN
Blaze's Cats - Meow Mix and Tigar LIlly submitted by Jamie Alyson (LOL everyone..this was the best cat audition ever. How did she get them to do that?)AND RUNNER UP CAT AUDITION
Doc Divecchio - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sQincYa_Cw4&feature=youtu.be
I truly believe that cats are camera hogs and love to steal the spotlight from their actor owners as evidenced by the numerous cats that "appeared" alongside our actors during their audition submissions. You got to love it. "That's why I have a dog, " Robby says. And for Dr. Mel, "I have two Chihuahuas who are also camera hogs, so I really can't dis cats."
Schroeder's Cat VS. Shroeder's Dog
 |
| Trace Schroeder's Dog, Tele, watching for the latest casting alerts. Trace posted this picture on the Facebook site for The Keystroke Killer. |
Have you ever heard of Schroeder's Cat? Well, here's Shcroeder's Dog. I have to say, that cats may be camera hogs, but dogs are truly a man's best friend. Just ask Trace Schroeder. "Even my dog Tele is waiting on pins and needles for new Keystroke Killer casting alerts, " Trace says. Here is a picture of his "WATCH DOG." Trace...does he bark when Dr. Mel's Message arrives? Just asking.
A SHOUT OUT TO THE BLUE ENERGY FROM ACROSS THE POND
I want to acknowledge our KSK Fan Site members from across the pond. We have members from all over the world and not just here in the USA. One of particular is Ian Cai Mercer, who is also a fellow blogger and screenwriter. We made a connection through this site, talked on Skype, and have been Fan Site Friends ever since. I really enjoy his blog, and Mr. Sniglet. If you get a chance, take a peak at Ian's blog. He frequently discusses the growth of The Keystroke Killer. His blog line is: iancaimercer.wordpress.com. Happy reading.
REEL NOLA MAGAZINE MAKES DEBUT
By Dr. Mel Caudle
Last month a new magazine hit New Orleans with a storm. Reel
Nola Magazine premiered its first print and digital version featuring Treme actor
Lance Nichols. Nichols, lives and works in New Orleans and has appeared in
numerous television series and films including The Curious Case of
Benjamin Button. To read the entire story visit www.reelnola.com.
In the next edition of Reel Nola Magazine, there will be an
article featuring me and some of my work. This is one of the newest
magazines for the New Orleans film and television industry, which focuses on
people impacting the industry in New Orleans. I feel honored to have been
chosen to be interviewed. I'll let you know when it comes out.
