(WWJ pictured with director Carmine Cangialosi)
9/20/2015-Almost a month ago I got a notification from AMS Models & Talent in regards to auditions for a feature film called ‘American Dresser’ starring Tom Berenger, Keith David, Gina Gershon and Penelope Ann Miller among others. Filming would take place in Syracuse, NY. There were two opportunities, one for non-union (extras) and one for SAG / SAG-Eligible (Day Players / Featured basically). Being SAG-Eligible, I went for that one. The audition went well and I had fun-it was interesting that I basically knew all the CDs one way or another so that was cool. I didn’t get the role unfortunately and, with filming commencing and no other notification, I figured it wouldn’t happen with me and, in my head, moved on to the next project.
-A week ago, I was notified by Carolyn Cocca from Cocca Castings asking if I was available for a scene. I would be playing one of many party-goers at The York in downtown Syracuse. Of course! 🙂 Later emails revealed that I would be laying a bouncer and had a specific dress code. So, with the help of my lovely Le Deb, we went and got me outfitted for the role. Then I went to the set.
-There were some delays initially (The call time was 7 PM, but we didn’t get in to be set up till around 10 PM), but it did give us time to fill out the paperwork and network. I have to say I was pleasantly surprised at the number of actors and crew that I knew from previous shoots. It was great talking and catching up with many of them, time permitting.
-Then we get set up and the 1st AD, Brent Geisler, set us all up in our positions. Being a bouncer, my positioning was a no-brainer. 🙂 We’d been given a brief reading of the scene before arriving. I can’t give out details, basically one of the cast-played by director Carmine Cangialosi gets in trouble and has to be thrown out of the bar. So we all get in positions and Carmine and Brent come over to me and start giving me instructions on what to do during the scene. With what was filmed, I basically went from Extra to Featured Extra-cause you can definitely see me in this scene. Each angle was done within a few takes (they used a RED camera for those who want to know) and the scene was wrapped by around 1 AM or so.
-I had a great time and great reinforcement as to why I’m on this path- not to mention it’s not everyday I get to manhandle a director 🙂 From what I’ve seen so far, ‘American Dresser’ is scheduled to be released in February 2016. That can obviously change. For the latest news and updates, check out their page on Facebook and / or website.
WAYNE W. JOHNSON 