Sorta Weekly Update (Definitely should be Sorta Monthly) – 13 Apr 2013
Alright, I admit, I definitely gave my “weekly updates” a misleading name, but I don’t want to change it as then they might become “sorta yearly” instead! Before I get too deep into this SCOSWU I want to thank you all for your continued support – it means the world to me. I hope to have some exciting work news for you guys soon but at the moment I am still living the eclectic (yet somehow repetitive) life of an underemployed (I prefer this to “unemployed”) actor/musician.
It has been a big month for Mental which had varied releases around the world. It was finally released in cinemas and VOD in the US on March 29th and I again attended two screening/Q&As with the writer/director PJ Hogan. Those living in UK can finally get copies of the DVD or can check it out on iTunes and VOD services too. If you haven’t already seen this fantastic Australian film I highly recommend you check it out!If you have already seen it please continue to spread the word to your families and friends. If you have ever felt like you don’t fit in this movie will speak to you and empower you to be exactly who you are! I’ve loved seeing you post all your posts/pics about Mental so keep them coming!
I’ve also seen The Sapphires, OZ the Great and Powerful, Oblivion and a movie marathon of the Evil Dead movies (The Evil Dead, Evil Dead II, Army Of Darkness and Evil Dead) at cinemas this month. The Sapphires is another great feel good Aussie film, full of heart, and I was lucky enough to meet and attend a Q&A with it’s director Wayne Blair. Oz The Great and Powerful could have been fantastic but felt like it had too many people trying to control it’s outcome. A candid Q&A with the original writer Mitchell Kapner completely confirmed this. It was comforting (in a bizarre way) to realise that it is not only actors who face huge challenges to create the type of work they desire. Oblivion was disappointing and I wouldn’t recommend seeing it. I hope upcoming sci-fi films like Elysium are much better. The Evil Dead Fest (as it was called) was a huge amount of fun and if you can handle horror I’d recommend seeing the reboot. Other noteworthy viewings this month include a huge amount of Derren Brown, and documentaries Kumaré and Beauty is Embarrassing. All three of these made me laugh and expanded my mind – two of my favourite things. Would love to know your thoughts on any/all of these films/programs – Did you love/hate them?
Whilst I have had several auditions in the past few weeks pilot season is now, basically over. Unfortunately, I recently found out I missed out on an acting job which I was on hold for for two weeks due to a lack of ethnic diversity in the show. This one really hurt as it would’ve seen me back in Australia acting/performing music for a few months working on a US network production. It would have been so lovely to visit my family and friends back home, and I am missing the collaborative creative effort of working on set, so this one would have been perfect. One thing I’ve learnt in the past few years is that, in life, you are in charge of how you let setbacks affect you. This has only made me hungrier and more determined to succeed out here and I am making even more positive changes in my life that will not only help my career but also me as a human being in general.
I’ve had a few developments musically which are exciting. Some things I can mention at this stage but I have been getting much busier which is a lovely change of pace from the audition scene. A new musical buddy of mine Daniel Anderson (recently of Glowbug fame) and I have been visiting the Los Feliz Par 3 Golf Course made famous in this scene from Swingers to discuss a few musical opportunities. Unfortunately we are only mildly better than Jon Favreau and Ron Livingston at golf! One indirect musical development is associated with the video below… Now it’s only featured extra work but… can you spot me?
One of my favourite pastimes these days is hiking in the various canyons of LA with old and new friends. What better excuse to catch up with ex-cast mates Margot Robbie and Valentina Novakovic for the first time this year! It was lovely to see these talented young women and marvel at the beauty you can find in a big city. The 360 degree view at the peak of Griffith is one of the reasons why it’s now one of my favourite hikes in LA. It’s been great getting even fitter/healthier recently which has done wonders for my overall happiness/confidence. If anyone else is looking to take control of their fitness and wants some fantastic all-natural dietary supplements, I can personally recommend Hammer Nutrition and (BONUS!) you guys are able to get 15% off your first order by mentioning my name and client number 212364.
After several meetings and many hours finalising my application for the Australians in Film 2013 Heath Ledger Scholarship I have submitted my entry. I am extremely happy with my proposal and hope that I will at least be a finalist and perhaps even winner of this fantastic incentive. If any of you are ever questioning whether or not to put the time and effort into a scholarship application I can highly recommend it. The process itself is very rewarding and, regardless of whether or not you are the successful applicant, you will be organised to take the next step towards your goals. Will update you if/when I hear anything more – wish me luck!
You might recall I mentioned an incredible photographer called Mathieu Bitton in SCOSWU – 11 March 2013 (viewable below this post). In the last month he offered to take new head / press shots for me. I was absolutely speechless with this offer and equally amazed when I received the finished product. Please head to my IMDB to check out this amazing new shot along with some behind the scenes stills from Mental.
Also, please remember once my Kings Of Leon – Closer Cover reaches 1500 views you will receive a new cover (I will choose from one of your requests in the comments section on my YouTube page). Your Posts/RTs/Shares are really what make this possible as quickly as possible, so thanks so much for all your help there! A big thanks to Sean James Cameron for putting together the footage (below) from a live performance I did in Hyde Park during my 2012 UK Tour. I’d also like to say a quick thanks to Haribond for sending me some free hair products to try – looking forward to trying them out!
As a belated Easter gift I will be doing another twitcam at 2:30pm PST – for time conversion please try this website (I have done some rough calculations here)! I know these times aren’t ideal but I’m right in the middle of the UK and Aus timezone-wise!















I also had two great sessions with my personal trainer Joel Crandall. Joel is incredible. He works all sorts of wonders and has just finished up as strength and conditioning trainer for the Cirque Du Soleil performers on IRIS. Not an easy job to come by so I feel very lucky to train with him! I am getting balanced and strong and adding in a few extra hours of training of my own has definitely improved my overall fitness.
Two others who I spent a bit of time with this week were Ben Nicholas and Tim Phillipps. You obviously know about Ben from my 