Rex Baker's Lounge Discussions

Doug Nelson Because it is part of an intentional exclusion of the voices of Americans. It is not about competence, right? It's about showing what has already been created. So... you know.

I suppose it's just me because I just look for folk who can/will do the job. That's it. I don't care about race, gender, sexual preference or anything else. I never have & never will - I carry no shame and no guilt. History is history - not all of it was good; but I think that if we erase it, we will be more likely to repeat it (good, bad or indifferent). Can we all just get back to makin' movies?

Re-watching one of my favorite TV shows, 'The Good Wife', and one of the early episodes deals with "implicit bias". Sometimes it's not about acknowledging a bias that is absolutely present but rather assuming that the bias is readily accessible, so making a well-rounded collection of films available is in an effort to offset a potential "implicit bias". That is to say, don't wait to smell smoke before creating a fire escape plan.

I'm with Doug Nelson in one sense: I don't care who/what you are as long as you're competent and professional. On the other hand, the conscious exclusion of competent work based on ANYTHING (race, gender, etc., etc.) other than the competence of the work, should be redressed. And should be redressed within the framework of why the work was excluded in the first place (race, gender...), so that the context is not lost, that the history is remembered - and not repeated.

John Ellis and Doug Nelson You both make good points. I assert that if we "just make films" and ignore the power of the medium, we are lying to ourselves. Because we know what the early filmmakers learned and got excited about: that the moving picture (with or without sound) film is possibly the most powerful artistic medium ever created. As directors and producers, we are articulating symbol and image and attitude. We are promoting those things by definition, and we are revealing our own attitudes, no matter what we think we are saying on screen. It is important then for us as creators to be aware of the messages we are implying and well as stating outright.... that's a bit distant from the "inclusion in a catalog" subject, but the same thing applies. And I believe without qualification that catalogs and the symbols within them are created intentionally.

@CB "...if you can afford to make a movie, you can afford to pay..." , as a technician, a crew person, I sometimes struggle with the same thought. If you can't pay you cast and crew even a token amount, how can I believe you have the funds to complete this project? Or edit, sound design, color correction, scoring, etc after we wrap. Or market it and take it to festivals? Will I ever get a copy? Oh, it's an art piece, something for your reel...., the work is a labor love for us, when I hear that, I know it's doomed.

If you are passionate about what you are doing you would jump at the thought of being able to work on your craft or art. Money helps keep the wheel spinning but it shouldn't be a deal breaker if it were free. As an actor, I work hard on set to help bring the character and the picture to life. The magic that you feel being on set, can't be felt anywhere else for me. Individuals from all walks of life, all coming together to put a dream, an idea, to reality. This happens right before our eyes. Money is great, but if you put the money before the project... you will pass up on a lot of opportunities and you will miss the magic.

Christopher Trastoy Is acting your full time profession or do you have a regular day job? Passion is great, but bills still have to be paid unless you live at home with your parents. That's just reality.

JD Hartman I can't believe I am just seeing this now. I do have a job that I work in aside from the arts that helps pay the bills, I do not think it is safe to assume that actors are living at home with their parents.Bills having to be paid is a certain but in this profession, it is wise to take whatever opportunity, that comes your way . Would you turn down an amazing opportunity because it was unpaid?

Never did I say all actors.... Great that you're working while pursuing you real passion. Also great that you were able to find the type of job that gives you the freedom to audition and take off from from work as needed. Not easy to find work like that, I know from experience, having worked on both sides of the lens.

First describe amazing? Does that include things like: I'll use you (next time) when I have a budget; great for your reel; award winning Director or Producer; a passion piece; to be entered in many festivals; deferred pay (no pay, ever), etc.

I've heard all the reasons/excuses, nothing worse than showing up to work on a no-pay gig only to find: rented 3 ton Grip and Lighting package, rented latest and greatest camera package; above the line team staying in Hotels while you drive home each night; etc.

Wow.... that's a strong trailer, dawg. Very impressive

Did Travolta have work done on his face? Looks like a serious lift, or it that just his look for the movie?

I really don't know....Think John Gotti!

Congrats Rex.

Fantastic, Rex. And inspirational.

Hi Rex, nice to meet you. :)

Hello, Rex!

Hi Connor, Not worried about language! I'll take a look right away and get back to you. :)

Nice Reel Connor. I'd be proud of it the way it is. Should you wish to play around with it, I would make these suggestions: Keep the headshot since you have so many different looks. I'd save the contact info till the end. Generally, it's hard to get people to stop what they are doing and focus on a reel. For that reason, i would take the American History scene and put it first. They will forget what they were doing and watch you. Also, you do this character very well. You can probably get more work, more often, by "branding" this character. Then let them see what else you can do. I might end the reel with the Hire Me scene, for the same reason, and it will give them a laugh to go out on. Put the sensitive scene about miracles second. Dissolves are confusing and look like bad editing. Lastly, there are frames here and there that could get shaved but absolutely no big deal. This is totally nit-picking but I'd still try it, particularly if you edit yourself and are not paying for revisions. If you have any other questions let me know. Good work Connor! Make sure this work gets seen! https://youtu.be/DQO_ozdKSRM

I love that idea of contact info at the end. When you say American History scene opening up.. with me walking in with my shirt off then attacking the kid? I have heard that from many when my hair is shaved I have a "unique look." Obviously, I'm not opposed to shaving it and will for any role but it is nice to have hair. But I'm keeping it short now a little longer than the Sorbo scenes. The hire me scene I wanted closer to the top because that is with Terry Kiser (dead guy/Bernie) from Weekend at Bernies. But that is a thought. The second scene about Miracles. You mean the last scene I have with sorbo where i say, "This has been the weirdest week of my entire life?" Then add the other sorbo scenes after that? I did dissolves to get rid of Sorbos lines but i wanted to open with him so people knew who he was. Go with straight cuts? Yes I edit myself. What would you shave off? Thanks for everything.! I graduated yesterday from High school. I am ready to take on the world and make it as an actor!! I mean first I have to pick up my Great Danes dog poo, pull weeds and cut the grass. But after that I'm going for it!!!!!!

Good luck!

Ha! First things first! But after that, go for it! Those are all good reasons for what you did with the reel, However, there is nothing more important than making a get-down entrance. What you want is for the sub-agent to call out to the boss agent "Hey come and have a look at this!" You only get to make one first impression. Your reel is a sales reel which means they have to be sold on you or why bother? I agree about the hair, I've had to shave my head multiple times and I'm never comfortable with it. An actor has to be two people. The one who makes money and the one who does art! You don't need to trim frames, that's icing on the icing. Congratulations. Every actor should know how to edit. That's why I give seminars at SAG for actors to learn to edit their own reels.

Hi Rex - so glad to have you on here. I guess being an athlete translates into learning stunts easily, as your PM told you, your look translates into being on camera, but it takes a certain kinda brain to get into it and succeed. Congrats to you. I'm not a big western fan, but Big Sky seems to address some interesting realities of the era - I'd love to check it out.

Fantastic story, Rex. And a testament to the fact that hard work and persistence plate pays off. Wishing you nothing but the best as you continue along on your artistic journey.

Hello Rex