One of the best things about working and training as an actor, prior to beginning directing, is that you understand what the actor goes through, you know better how to communicate with the actor to "pull" out the performance you desire, and -- especially for film -- you have a list of friends and colleagues with whom to work
Such is the story behind my working with Barbara Coven-Ellis, a professionally trained, extremely accomplished and talented actor in the Michigan area.
I first met Barbara while understudying for the play "Honus and Me," directed by Guy Sanville, at the Purple Rose Theatre this past summer. Barbara had a major part and was on-stage six days a week, two times a day. A true professional -- with a big heart. As it was my first time working with an Equity theatre, I was quite nervous. But Barbara gave me helpful advice on acting, professionalism and life in general on numerous occassions. And, most importantly, when I told her that I was going to be going to film school in the fall, she didn't laugh at me.
Thus, I called her up when I wanted to take a crack at my first 1 minute 16mm short. She said, "yes." And, as I had hoped, was the consumate professional and supportive actor -- showing up early, completely prepared, and ready to stun the camera. She did.
So it seemed second-nature to call Barbara up when it came time to finding the lead female role for "Maggie," the dramatic and high strung, yet loving and sacrificing mother, in my 16mm 20-minute short, A FORK IN THE ROAD (which, by the way, has been officially registered at the Writers' Guild of America; I received my certificate today). Thank Heavens she accepted.
I couldn't picture a finer actress for the part.
Barbara has always treated me like a true professional. I'm stretching toward the stars to not disappoint her.
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