"Detour Home"
a Columbia college
Practicum Film
Each year, Columbia College –the largest arts and communications school in the country and one of the finest- picks 5 of its top undergraduate film students to write, produce and direct a short film, a highly prestigious honor. These films then go on to film festivals around the world, even into competition for coveted Student Academy Awards (The Oscars!), as one of last years films has done.
I submitted my picture and resume for consideration as an actor and was brought in to audition for director Justin Stowell's “Detour Home” –screenplay by Charice N. Long.
The first audition was comfortably relaxed and pleasant. Many actors hate to audition; but, personally, I don’t mind at all. It gives me a chance to create a new character, meet new people in the business; and, ultimately, make an investment in being hired in the future.
Often we actors don’t get the parts we audition for. But, by auditioning, we’re imprinted in the minds of the casting directors and other professionals and just might come to mind for future projects they’ll be working on.Once the audition was finished I wished all there good luck on the project, said I’d love to do the part and went away prepared to play “Hurry up and Wait!” –the bane of all auditioners.
Will I get a call-back? What did I do right? Wrong? Did I over/under play it? All these thoughts run through the mind, including -in some- the firm belief "I'll never work again". Fortunately, we do.
We’re admonished: Do the audition and forget about it. Yeah. Like we're going to forget.
I love the processes that go on. Hate them too, but from each audition I learn something.
Then, I got called back to read with another actor in the scene.
Amy J. Carle, a highly talented Chicago actress, was my scene partner.
We both were cast. Amy playing a woman on her way home from work who picks up a stranded motorist (played by another fine Chicago actress, Rebekah Ward-Hays).
Along the way they stop at a service station (mine) and I intuitively feel Amy's character needs support and try to provide it, subtly. It’s a short, but beautiful scene on many levels from an actor’s perspective.
My character went through three total changes, script wise. The finale re-write was “dead on” in my mind, and further indication of the level of talent behind-the-scenes on this production.
My part was shot the second night of a three night shoot.
When I arrived on the set at my 2am call time, it was evident the production team was tired…but I have never seen a more professionally oriented cast and crew on any shoot.
The enthusiasm, teamwork, energy and craft made for an electrically charged atmosphere any actor would be comfortable working in. I felt right at home.
Watch for “Detour Home” at a film festival near you…and at the Student Academy Awards!
And remember Justin Stowell’s name. He’s going to be a biggie. His ease of direction and comfort working with his actors is inspiring. He knows how to communicate his ideas and does so with facility.
His crew was dedicated and in total control of their areas of expertise. The atmosphere on the set was relaxed and friendly, everyone was focused on creating a work of craft and art. "Detour Home" will do well for all involved.
Amy J. Carle (L) as Diane, J David and Dir. Justin Stowell discuss script and action for the upcoming scene.
2 Photos: Amanda Bose w/permission of James Babiarz, Producer
"I've met a few (Doctors) in my day" J David, as Roscoe, tells Diane.
Director Justin Stowell (L) and J David Moeller
Kit does the coif!
That’s a wrap!
Opening November 16 at Chicago's Atheneaum Theater and running through December 21.