FILM MENTOR

 























COMPLETE APPRENTICE AUTOBIOGRAPHIES & PROGRESS


Mike MacDonald

My name is Mike MacDonald. I'm 23 years old and have lived in Boulder, Colorado my whole life. I attended high school in Lyons, Colorado. I went to the University of Northern Colorado, and received a B.A. in Theater, with an emphasis in directing.

I have been interested in theater/film for as long as I can remember. I never realized how much I loved it, until I was in my first role during my freshman year of high school. I was Thomas Royde in Agatha Christie's Towards Zero. After this, I just couldn't get enough of it. I had always loved watching movies and being on stage made me feel like I was in my own kind of movie. So, along with these theater roles I was getting, I was also filming my own home movies on the weekends with my brother and my soon-to-be brother-in-law. It was great. I loved holding the camera and offering my suggestions on what I wanted to happen, where the camera should go, etc. So, along with my weekend movie making I was in a play pretty much all year long, from September to May. I enjoyed it, every second of it. It was very tiring, but extremely fulfilling, because it was my passion.

One of my greatest experiences in the theater was when I was picked to play the King in Huck Finn. I was so excited; I had always wanted to play a part in this play. But, like a lot of things, there was a catch. This particular Huck Finn was a musical!! I couldn't sing, but I knew I didn't want to drop out. The night I got the part, I went home, expressed my worries to my mother; she like me said, "YOU CAN'T SING." But, I decided I was going to do it. I have always strived to learn new things that I might not have any experience in. I was going to sing in this play, and work very hard to accomplish that. It came to opening night, after three months of rehearsals and I went out there and I sang. We had eight performances and in each one of them I gave my all. It was nerve-racking singing in front of all those people, but I set myself out to accomplish something, and I did it. For the most part I got nothing but, "WOW!" and "GOOD JOB." It made me feel that if I set my mind to something, great things would happen.

So, I went through high school doing play after play and was extremely happy. This was something I wanted to do for the rest of my life. So, when I was deciding where to go for college, I picked the best local school, with a very highly regarded theater curriculum. I went to the University of Northern Colorado, and loved my first year, where I studied acting, lighting, sound, carpentry, and lots more. It wasn't till my second year that I realized my real passion. I took a beginning directing class. I directed my first scene and knew this is what I wanted to do. You had so much power, and hard work had always been my forte, and directing was the way to go. So, because of this newfound love for directing, I started paying much more attention to movies in particular. I loved theater, but film had always interested me greatly. I started to watch movies in a whole new way. I watched the DVD extras, the behind the scenes featurettes that told you everything about the movie, how it was made and much more. This fascinated me to no end. So, I finished my college theater career, along with a lot of experience, and then set off into the real world.

All I knew was I wanted to be in the film business. My passion for film has not decreased. I am willing to do anything to be a part of this business. I don't care, if I get long hours, bad pay, I just want the experience of doing something that I truly love. I love directing, but that isn't what I would limit myself too. I want to learn about the other aspects of film. I have always been interested in holding the camera and setting up crazy shots. I filmed a couple home videos back when I was ten that truly amazed people because of some of the camera shots that I picked. People want me to film. They have seen how much I love to be behind the camera. If it is helping a friend out filming something, or simply recording my little nephew's birthday party, I am always looking to see what is good to the eye, and what really would capture people's attention.

I hope I have expressed my love of film, but my passion just can't be put into words. I have a love for it, and I just can't see myself doing anything else.


July 9, 2004

Dear Phillip,

Sorry this is so late. I've been extremely busy with work and the first week of being Carol's (Z) apprentice. It has been non-stop.

So, let's go back to Thursday July 1st. I met Z down at this cool little coffee shop in old downtown Arvada. Very rustic, but very cool nonetheless. After formal introductions were made, Z asked me to tell her a little bit about myself. I told her that I graduated from the University of Northern Colorado with a theater degree, and for the last year I had been living at home, working, trying to save money. I told her I had been working at Blockbuster Video, in which she replied, "Wow, you really do
love movies!"

The interview from there went really well. She told me all about herself and what she did, which included a description of her documentary filmmaking in Australia (for which she won an award). She also told me about her "mid-life crisis" piece, "Again and Again," this film she wrote and was going to film. The first twenty-five minutes would be a demo which she would send off to distributors. Three of the most difficult filmed minutes were going to be sent to "Project Green Light". Hearing all this gave me a very big grin. The interview came to a close after an hour and a half. She told me that they were filming a scene the next evening and invited me along. I thought about it for about a half a second before I agreed. We then parted ways, at which time I called you and told you that you were 150% correct about Z and that this was a definite go.

The next evening was great. It was my first official time on a movie set. It was crazy, but great. I met the crew; very cool, talented people. The rest of the night consisted of me sitting back; listening and watching these people do their jobs. It was very exciting and very educational. The highlight of the night came when Z asked me to take over the sound duties, because the sound person hadn't showed up. I was thrilled. So, for the rest of the night I listened in on the sound, which was a complete thrill. Overall, the first two days on this film were crazy terrific.

Now, only my second week in I have met with our costume person, listened to the band that will be in the film, found a Renaissance dance instructor (through a family friend) for two of our actors and now starting today more learning and fun. I'm sure my next letter to you will be full of much, much, much, more.

Thanks again Phillip.

Sincerely,
Mike MacDonald


August 18, 2004

Dear Phillip,

Hi, sorry this is so late. I have been very, very busy.

I have nothing but good things to say about Carol, or "Z" Zarbock, and the film, "Again and Again, Ch. 2-4". I have assisted in virtually every aspect of the filming process, which has been one of the best experiences of my life.

I was upgraded to second AD by the second week of filming. I filled in for an absent actor, found a Renaissance dance expert, helped with the music video for the film, and so much more. Two weeks ago we went to Iowa to film, which was so much fun. We had a lot of fun behind and in front of the camera, more specifically I am speaking of an
outtake that had us all on the ground laughing. Laughing so hard Z had an asthma attack, and the lead actor and I had
tears streaming out of our eyes. Everybody survived, but we had a pretty good laugh.

It pretty much has been a non-stop thrill ride the last month. I am very glad Phillip, you set me up with Z, because not only
has she been a great mentor, but the people on her crew are all extremely talented in what they do. I have already made
some friends/contacts, which I think will turn into something great.

All in all, this has been such a great experience. I now look forward to post-production and Z's help on getting
my foot in the door with my own film, which hopefully at this time next year will be in production. Thanks again
Phillip!! UNTIL NEXT TIME!!!!


-------Mike MacDonald


Unfolding Story Pictures
Arvada, CO

August 31, 2004

Comments or special instructions: Mike MacDonald Apprenticeship
For Month: July 2004

Mike has just completed his first month of being an apprentice for Unfolding Story Pictures.

He jumped right into our production and has worked in many positions from PA, to actor, to producer, to craft services, and 2nd AD. He will have both an acting and 2nd AD credit in our current production, "Again and Again, Ch. 2-4".

He has also assisted with camera and did some shooting for a Renaissance dance rehearsal, with assistance.

Mike has been extremely helpful and willing to do just about anything we need him to do, like the rest of us! This is indie, after all! He has also been extremely reliable. So far, I think he has been exposed to just about every aspect of production to some degree and should certainly by now have a good feel for what indie is all about! We enjoy working with Mike and hope he's having a good time - he sure seems to be!

Thank you, as always!

Unfolding Story Pictures
Arvada, CO

Comments or special instructions: Mike MacDonald Apprenticeship
For Month: August 2004

What a month August was!

The focus of the month was on the location shoot in Iowa. Our talent and a small crew went to Iowa for the 'Renaissance road to London' shoot, with horses and the trick horse that would rear up on command and spill a rider.

Mike was an integral part of that trip. He assisted in all facets of the shoot there, helping with camera and sound. He was fully responsible for sound on several occasions and also had a chance to work with the camera and the jib arm. The crew found out that they could really depend on him, and so can I!

Mike also had the opportunity to help shoot the music video for Big Pappy & the Love Junkies, which will be co-marketed with "Again and Again". I introduced Mike to Alan Currens, who is working on a children's TV show. Mike will have the opportunity to work with him, but we won't know in what capacity for a few weeks. Mike helped them shoot some auditions for the show.

I also took Mike to a CASA General Assembly meeting where I introduced him. He learned about the opportunity for having scenes he writes workshopped there for free each month (2 selections of mine were workshopped that day) and he also had the opportunity to get on stage and be one of the staged reading actors. Everyone made him welcome!

We're both kind of getting our breath for a few days just now and we'll get our plans for September going in a few days, though I know he'll be working on fundraising and pre-prod for Frank Lucero's movie and learning some editing from Jeff Shomay. Thank you, as always!

Zee