Another Scene from THE AMERICAN WEST

Another scene from this past weekends episode of THE AMERICAN WEST. That's me next to Sitting Bull.

A scene from THE AMERICAN WEST

A scene from this past Saturday's episode of THE AMERICAN WEST...

Behind the Scenes at The American West

A few pics from the first episode of THE AMERICAN WEST.

Bam Bam!

When I was originally cast as one of Crazy Horse's warriors, I was told on set that I was too big in size and needed to keep my shirt on. Historically, Indians were lanky, but still very strong. Well, this was a bit upsetting because it was in the middle of August and very hot. The costumes were all authentic leather, buckskin, animal fur, and various beads. I know...whaaaaa! Many of the costumes were the same ones used in DANCES WITH WOLVES. Anyway, for this battle scene, the stunt coordinator had us all line up in full costume and decided which weapon to give us. While others were given rocks, tomahawks, and bow and arrows (they were all rubber...movie magic), he took one look at me and said, "You get the club. Is that okay Bamm Bamm?...and lose the shirt."

Bamm Bamm!?! Bamm Bamm?...Bamm Bamm!
(he was the club swinging baby of Barney and Betty Rubble from THE FLINTSTONES cartoon)

The Union soldier/stuntman I was paired with choreographed our fight scene and had me take a few punches and then over power him as I eventually swung my rubber club like...Bamm Bamm...and crushed his skull.

The other scenes I was in are not as exciting, but more dramatic. I don't have any lines and I'm not upset about that. I can't speak Lakota and didn't want to attempt it. The other Indians were more comfortable with the language and actual Sioux Indians. I was just very happy to be a part of this production and look forward to the rest of the series.

Promoting The American West

I know I mentioned this earlier this week, but I want to keep promoting this show. If you enjoy Westerns, learning about American History, and want to see a non Hollywood glitz and glamour telling of iconic figures most of us know by name, then set your DVRs for AMC's THE AMERICAN WEST. It premieres this Saturday night at 10pm. If the editors were gracious, you should see me in the first episode. After it premieres, I can share more about it and post pics.

Preperation

I absolutely love being given a script and then acting in front of the camera. With the right editor, sound, set, lighting, make up, effects, props, other actors, and director, you can look like a cool million. It's a rush and a very close rush to the experience of performing on stage.

In the stage play DUET, I'm playing Dan, a veteran of the suicide experience. Julio Valentin is playing Ben, a younger man new to the unfortunate and sad life choice. Our characters have a chance encounter on the ledge of a high-rise building as they prepare to take their last step into eternity.

The past two weeks, our director Jake King, has been guiding Julio and me as we explored our characters, analyzed each line, and kept us in check to tell this emotional story. On Saturday, the curtain goes up at the Davenport Theater in NYC and we will get to do what we love. This will be my 7th time to be in front of a live audience and I love that each show presents a different experience.

Latest Project

I've been working for a little over a month on DEEP UNDERCOVER and having a great shoot. Last night was a mixer to promote the show and premiere the new trailer. Our creator, writer, and director, Mark ShowTime Johnson and his wife Rashira Ladie J Johnson, worked so hard to get this projection going, and after you watch the trailer, hopefully you can see all of the hard work they and the rest of the crew and cast have put in. We have so much more to shoot, and I can't wait to get in front of the camera again. Please watch the video and give it a "Like". Any support is greatly appreciated. Mahalo.