Archive for the ‘Tommy G. Kendrick’ category

More Thoughts on SAG vs SAGe / What Does Your Resume Say?

July 24th, 2010

Check out this animated video I created on the Xtranormal site and let me know what you think about actors who put SAGe on their resumes? Is it right? Is it ethical? Is it even legal? DISCLAIMER: No one at Screen Actors Guild participated in the creation of this video. This video was created by one SAG member, me. So if you don’t like what the video has to say, blame me not Screen Actors Guild. Got it?

Austin Acting Teachers and Coaches Seminar

July 12th, 2010

Join the Austin Actors Conservatory as we present a group of Austin’s finest acting teachers and coaches. Please share this information with your actor friends.

Austin Acting Teachers and Coaches Seminar

Austin Acting Teachers and Coaches Seminar

Notes from a hotel in Hollywood

June 26th, 2010

Well…not really Hollywood. Woodland Hills, to be exact.

On this this Friday night in June of 2010, I find myself back in “L.A.” for the first time since 1994.

FLASHBACK:

When my wife, Jane I arrived in Hollywood in 1979, I was a “young” actor from Dallas. And I was the prototypical fish out of water.

Like many before and after me, I arrived knowing no one. I did come prepared with a list of contacts generously provided to me by producers for whom I had worked in Dallas

That gave me a leg up and I was quickly able to parlay those contacts into first rate commercial representation and I turned my first Hollywood audition into my first Hollywood job. But, even with that solid start, I quickly realized that I was, as my first agent was quick to inform me, a ‘llittle fish in a very big pond’.

Time to get grounded:

One of the first things Jane and I did when we settled into our apartment in North Hollywood was to look for a church to attend.

I was raised a Baptist. In Texas and throughout the south there is a Baptist church on every block, seemingly. Not so in Hollywood. But we located a little Baptist church in Burbank and went to check it out.

The preacher was a tall, handsome man with a distinctively deep voice and an accent that I would learn was rooted in North Carolina. The preacher had a wonderful ‘presence’ in the pulpit and from the first sermon we heard, we knew we’d found a new church home.

What we didn’t know at the time was that we had also found a life-long friend.

Who was this man?

At first, I didn’t make ‘the connection’. To me, the name and face were familiar, but I couldn’t put two and two together. But Jane, a avid watcher of westerns….films and television shows….locked in on the preacher’s identity immediately.

Our new pastor was Gregory Walcott, an actor with a long and successful Hollywood career.

If you got to know Greg, you got to know Barbara, his beautiful wife.

While Greg had forged a successful acting career, Barbara had become a highly successful elementary school teacher. Her creativity in the classroom won her many accolades and over the years she touched the lives of thousands of school children.

Jane and I were blessed to become very close to the entire Walcott family. This is a family that reached beyond Greg and Barbara and their three children.

As we discovered, the Walcott ‘family’ was extensive…their neighbors, kids’ friends, film people, church people and eventually, even a couple of strays who wandered in from Dallas.

In 1994 following the Northridge earthquake, we decided that Texas was calling us home and we made the difficult decision to leave L.A. The most difficult part of the decision was knowing that we were leaving behind such good friends.

During our time in California we shared a lot of great times with these friends but we shared some sad, devastating times as well. Losing a child will test your faith. That I can promise you. Through all of that we were blessed with the love and support of Greg and Barbara and the entire Walcott family. God’s mercy was there for us in the form of this family.

Sadly, last week, Barbara Walcott, Greg’s wife of 55 years passed away.

Barbara was a kind and loving woman who was Greg’s first true love and his perfect mate. Bound together by their love and a strong faith in God, they raised three great kids Jina, Pam and Todd who now have great kids of their own.

So, tonight I sit in this hotel room thinking of and praying for friends who are hurting. ,

Tomorrow I will be privileged to join the Walcott’s extended family in the celebration of the life of a wonderful wife, mom and friend.

God bless you, Barbara. You enriched our lives and for that we are grateful.

TWILIGHT NATION SCRIPT TO SCREEN FOLLOWUP

June 7th, 2010

Philip Daay and Chris Engen & Cast of TWILIGHT NATION

Philip Daay and Chris Engen & Cast of TWILIGHT NATION

Thanks to screenwriters Philip Daay and Chris Engen for attending the Austin Actors Conservatory presentation of the script for their series pilot, TWILIGHT NATION: Piercing the Veil. Thanks also the all the actors including those who travelled from Dallas and also from Oklahome for rehearsals and for the performance. You all did a great job.

Check out the AAC Facebook page for a calendar of upcoming events.

ARE YOU CALLED TO ACT

May 29th, 2010

Here’s an excellent blog post by Anne Miranda on the HOSFU web site. To read the post, go HERE.

Here is a brief excerpt:

Show business is a difficult, time-consuming, and often disappointing arena. Many people take the time to hone their craft and become excellent actors, only to “wash out” and give up trying because of the many discouraging aspects of the business. … You could go a year, maybe two, without a paying acting job…

…I’m not trying to drop a heavy, wet blanket over all your dreams, but I am interested in whether you are CALLED to be an actor. Moses was called to lead the Israelites out of the promised land and give us God’s law. He faced quite a bit of rejection. He complained to God quite a bit. He was discouraged and depressed, but he kept on going. Why? He was CALLED by God…

For those of you not familiar with the HOSFU site, it really is a HUB for information and connections to the faith-based film industry.

I’ve been doing a lot of research over the past couple of months on faith-based film productions. As a Christian who is also a professional actor, I have a strong desire to participate in faith-based film productions. Over the years there have been many roadblocks to that end.

One of the biggest hurdles I’ve had to try to overcome and which still stands in the way, is the limited use of professional actors, members of SAG and/or AFTRA, in so called Christian films. Since there is a lot of debate on exactly what constitutes a ‘Christian Film’, I’ll use the term ‘faith-based’ film from here on out.

While there has been some acceptance of faith-based projects in mainstream filmmaking, it is rare. No doubt, where Hollywood sees a chance to make a buck, they will enter the market. That is sort of where the industry seems to be at this time. With the financial successes of projects like FACING THE GIANTS and FIREPROOF by Sherwood Pictures, companies like Lions Gate, producers of such fare as SAW, DOGMA, GODS AND MONSTERS and FARENHEIT 9/11 have moved into the family and faith-based arena with their Lions Gate Family Entertainment distributing such films as NO GREATER LOVE, a film that bears strong resemblance to fare one might see on the Hallmark channel, but with an overtly Christian theme and message.

These are positive signs for an audience interested in ‘family’ entertainment but particularly for an audience interested in faith-based projects that have solid, professional talent in front of and behind the camera.

So check out the blog post on the HOSFU site that is linked above. There is great information in the post. And great encouragement as well. As I’ve long told people who ask me if they should pursue a career in professional acting: If you can do something else and be happy and fulfilled, then DO NOT become an actor. If, however, not becomming a professional actor will leave a ‘hole in your soul’, then give it prayerful consideration. IF you are CALLED, you can’t and shouldn’t do anything else.

Dadgum, Texas

May 21st, 2010





Originally uploaded by Tommy G. Kendrick

It’s Friday. I’m a little tired from a long week but I’m looking forward to next week. I’ll be working on an indie film called DADGUM, TEXAS, playing Deputy John Scooter Smoot. It’s a funny script and a funny couple of scenes. If I can snag some iphone shots next week, I’ll share.

Texas Film Production – SAG Signatory Films

March 14th, 2010

With SXSW in full swing, I’ll take this opportunity to publish a recent list of current and future film productions slated for Texas.

The following is a list of POSSIBLE SAG signatory productions that are either already shooting or are considering production in Texas. Keep in mind that some productions begin the signatory process but don’t follow through, so before agreeing to participate in any film production, verify its signatory status with SAG. Check www.sag.org for online verification or to locate the appropriate phone contact number.

The start dates as listed below are not set in stone. For instance, the ULB (Ultra Low Budget) film, NATURAL SELECTION, has pushed back their start date to at least March 22, apparently due to the availability of their lead actress. Actual start dates of other productions may likely vary from the stated dates as well.

If you see something you’re interested in pursuing, be smart. The best method is to work through your agent. If you don’t have an agent or for some other reason don’t want to work through your present agent, be very careful about contacting production sources. Always be professional and to the point in any emails. Avoid phone calls to the production office, if the number is listed. Don’t get yourself put on someone’s ‘always ignore’ list.

This list is being published as a service to the Texas actors community. Use the information below wisely.

The list:

“Benavides Born” – 00257737
SDB, LLC – Low Budget
Location: San Diego/Benavides, TX
Start Date: March 15, 2010
Casting: Toni Cobb Brock/Sally Allen

“Beyond the Farthest Star” – 00233502
Pathlight Entertainment, LLC – Low Budget Modified
Location: Dallas/Ft Worth, TX
Start Date: March 15, 2010
Casting: Karen Armstrong

“Cash’n In” – 00256261
Lisa Norcia – Low Budget
Location: Dallas/Waco, TX
Start Date: To be determined

“Cherry Bomb” – 00246793
Strike Anywhere Productions, LLC – Ultra Low Budget
Location: Austin, TX
Start Date: To be determined
Casting: Garrett Hargrove at  contact at cherrybombfilm.com

“Cowgirl Chicks, The” – 00248526
Rodeo Films, LLC – Low Budget Modified
Location: Ft. Worth, TX
Start Date: March 2010
Casting: Judy Belshe-Toernblom, Los Angeles

“Friday Night Lights” – 00246956
NBC Studios, Inc.
Start Date: September 2009
Location: Austin, TX
Casting: Beth Sepko at  info at bethsepkocasting.com

“Limited Engagement” – 00252416
Rodeo Pictures, LLC – Low Budget
Start Date: Late April, 2010
Location: Tyler/Dallas, TX

“Mortal Vampire, The” – 00256260
E. W. Bradfute – Low Budget
Start Date: To be determined
Location: San Antonio, TX

“Natural Selection” – 00228417
Windar Productions, LLC – Ultra Low Budget
Location: Smithville, TX
Start Date: March 15, 2010
Casting: Karen Halford (TX), Meg Morman/Sunny Boling (L.A.)

“September Morning” – 00254521
Doki-Doki Productions, LLC – Low Budget Modified
Location: Texas and California, unspecified
Start Date: To be determined
Casting: Jacqueline Rush Rivera at  submit at chriseska.com

“Ten Days in County” – 00252746
Real Men Productions – Theatrical
Location: Houston, TX
Start Date: To be determined

“Theory” – 00258132
Aqua Foxx Productions, LLC – Internet/New Media
Location: Houston, TX
Start Date: March 23, 2010
Casting:  TheoryPilot at gmail.com

“True Grit” – 00257202
DW Studios Productions, LLC – Theatrical
Location: Austin, TX., Santa Fe, NM
Start date: March 15, 2010
Casting: Debbie DeLisi at  texascasting2010 at gmail.com

“Under the Western Sun”
Zobest Pictures
Start Date: April 13, 2010
Location: Austin/Smithville, TX

WHAT’S ALL THE FUSS ABOUT NEW MEDIA

March 9th, 2010

SAG Armadillo Day Poster

SAG Armadillo Day Poster


I’ll be moderating the panel at the event below on Saturday. Please join us and find out how you – Actor, Director, Producer can work with SAG in the rapidly emerging new media arena.

@ THE CROSSROADS OF NEW MEDIA

Saturday: March 13, 2010
Time: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Venue: 219 West
219 West 4th Street
Austin, Texas

Join new media gurus Mike Prasad, Co-Founder and CEO of GirlGamer.com; Mark Friedlander, SAG National Director of New Media; and Will Marshall, SAG iActor online casting coordinator for a compelling look at the phenomenal growth in new media production and distribution.

FREE and open to the public.

Seating is limited: RSVP to Sheila Cooper at  sheila.cooper at sag.org or (800) 724-0767, option 7 or (972) 361-8185 by March 10.

THE OVERBROOK BROTHERS LANDS DISTRIBUTION

February 6th, 2010

THE OVERBROOK BROTHERS was one of my favorite films from this past year’s SXSW film festival. Co-written and directed by Austin filmmaker John E. Bryant, THE OVERBROOK BROTHERS is finally getting its chance to be seen by a much wider audience. Starting Februrary 17th, THE OVERBROOK BROTHERS will be available through IFC Films ON DEMAND. In the Austin area, IFC ON DEMAND is only available on Time Warner. Check it out.

JOURNEY OF THE WORKING ACTOR – SAG LIFERAFT

February 6th, 2010

Tuesday, February 9th
LifeRaft Live Stream presents

JOURNEY OF THE WORKING ACTOR

Screen Actors Guild Foundation and Screen Actors Guild are delighted to continue offering innovative “business of acting” seminars to Guild members across the nation at no charge, via live video stream on the Internet!

LifeRaft Live Stream allows you to participate online and submit questions to panelists every Tuesday, 6-8pm (PT) through April 27, 2010. To learn more about the program, view the current 2010 LifeRaft Live Stream schedule and to participate in these events online, simply visit the SAG Foundation LifeRaft Live Stream show page at www.sagfoundation.org All LifeRaft Live Stream events are available for later viewing here as well.

The next LifeRaft Live Stream event is:

Journey of the Working Actor
6-8 p.m. (PT), Tuesday, February 9

Join accomplished Los Angeles actor/author Michael Bofshever  www.michaelbofshever.com), along with his stellar panel of familiar-faced working actors, as he discusses a variety of questions pertaining to the many aspects of what it takes to succeed and live the life of a working actor. Topics to be addressed include the Foundation to Having a Career, Audition Know How, Life on Set, Agents and Managers, and the Art of Perseverance.

Michael has taken “Journey of the Working Actor” to over half the SAG branches across the nation and has garnered wonderful feedback – now, LifeRaft Live Stream is happy to share his professional insights with Guild members everywhere.

Guild members who wish to attend LifeRaft seminars in person may visit www.sagfoundation.org to register for seating at the events held at:

SAG Foundation Actors Center
5757 Wilshire Blvd., Mezzanine Level
Los Angeles, CA 90036
(parking will be validated)

Celebrating its 25th Anniversary in 2010, the SAG Foundation is proud to assist, educate and inspire SAG members in their careers, lives and communities. See you online!

Please note: If you are receiving multiple SAG Foundation notices you may have indicated a preference for more than one Foundation email region list. You may review and adjust this option at any time by logging into www.sagfoundation.org and viewing the “Email Notices” setting on your User Account page.