Damien Paul Michael: Actor, author and illustrator in Moses Lake, Washington.

Hi everybody! Not too long ago I finished my first film, a short called Superheros Aren't Real. I am an actor and writer really, so this is my first attempt at filmmaking. The link is: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XjGpODapNyI I hope everyone is well and break a leg this weekend.

After much deliberation, I came to the conclusion that the title Russian Roulette was just too common. I put a call out to Author Mike Eserkaln who suggested a new, catchy title. A little trim here, edit there and the inclusion of a newly re-shot opening, I give you my first competed short film Superheros Aren't Real. Check out my videos page.

Yesterday I watched my short film Russian Roulette in its entirety for the first time. Took a lot of notes and spent most of the night making adjustments in the editing. Still waiting for the music to be complete. If his finished score is anything like the clip he sent me, it should fit very well and I'm looking forward to hearing it along with the film. Nearing the end.

Thanks to all of you who requested a network connection. I look forward to communicating with you once I catch my breath.

Wow! How long has it been since I last stopped in? Been too bust these past few... whatever. Russian Roulette is now nearing the end of editing. I had the chance to listen to the music composed by my good friend Miguel Santacruz. There were parts I liked and parts that did not seem to work. We discussed it and he went back to the piano. There is a light at the end of the tunnel and I'm getting excited.

My short film Russian Roulette is now in pre-production. Principle photography will start in April. The cast has been set and I am excited to get started. Vist my site for information and cast. http://www.classofacting.com/RussianRoulette.html

Started pre-production on Russian Roulette. Start shooting in March and should only take. This script has seen a few changes. It went from a one person monologue, rewritten for two people and then transition back to a single actor with a quick insert of the female he talks about. I think I've got it right where I want it and am excited to start. Wish me luck.

Fund raising on Indie go-go didn't go so well. Preparing a pitch for Kickstarter, which, I have been told, is better. Well, we'll see. Did a pre-shoot for the Russian Roulette monologue and did a rough edit. Looking good.

Did a 'scratch' shoot of the short film I'm doing and a quick edit just to get an idea of how I'm going to put the whole thing together when I do the actual shoot. Never did it this way before. It really helps. Like doing a live animatic.

I'm not sure what it's like for most other writers, I know everyone has their own way of putting a story together. I'm interested in finding out what most other writers go through when creating. The first draft, for me, is most excruciating. The foundation of the story is the hardest for me. Once done, though, the editing process is the most fun for me. Even the rewriting of the story, making changes and watching the characters. I love researching for a story and moving scenes around like a jigsaw puzzle. This part actually takes longer for me to do. I can usually get the foundation of the story down anywhere from a couple weeks to a few months, but the editing process can take me... well, let's put it this way. I wrote my book in five months, that was back in 2008, and I'm still in the editing and research process. Does that mean it's good? That's for the public to tell me.

Damn! I haven't been here on Stage 32 for a about a week now. I feel like I'm missing out! Who's been talking about me since I've been gone? Damien Paul Michael here. Still plugging away. Trying to get the funding for my short film and just found out the local theater will be doing One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest. My two dreams roles are either R.P. McMurphy or Atticus Finch in To Kill A Mockingbird.

Hi Cody! Thanks for clicking on my page and adding me.

Hi Damien! thanks for joining)

When I started acting in high school, circa 1975, I was perfectly content to hear only what my mother had to say. "You were wonderful! You were the best one up there!" Gotta love your mom. Twenty years later, when I decided I wanted to pursue acting professionally, I knew I needed harder critique. Fortunately, I was with an acting teacher who was hard on me and made me flex acting muscles I never knew I had. I love my mom dearly but I knew that in order for me to get better I had to hear the truth. After a performance, I would gratefully thank my mom for her compliments and then walk straight to my sister Jeanine and ask, "Okay. How did I really do?" Jeanine did not fluff her response. "You were shit! What was the matter with you up there?" The ideal thing about my sister is that as rough as she was with her critique, she would always follow it up with a 'why' I was shit. I would take it in and try harder the next performance. Now-a-days I have carried this honesty craving to my writing. I will only let people read my script if they're willing to be honest with me. It's the only way I grow. I realize it's not easy to give the truth, believe me, but it's what I need in order to grow. Therefore, if your read my screenplays, feel free to let me have it. I don't want to send something in if I'm way off the mark.