Great article about Parson’s Nose, the theater company I’ve been involved with since 2001. I act with them, occasionally direct, do sound design, show graphics (posters, postcards, etc.). When I’m not on the road with the Reduced Shakespeare Company, you can usually find me staring up the Parson’s Nose.
This new comedic reel has the latest, greatest footage, including some from “Agent X” and “Special Delivery.” I’ve also put up a complete scene from Agent X (different from the snippet in the reel). The “Ocean Shark” footage that opens the reel was mostly improvised. The footage that looks like it is from American Idol is actually a spoof-sketch I shot for the Jay Leno show. Enjoy!
Click to Play!
Here’s the latest edit of my theatrical dramatic reel, with footage from television’s “Strong Medicine” and the films “Pledge of Innocence” and “Hollywood Sign.” Yeah, I was a baby in “Hollywood Sign.” I’m really proud of my work in “Pledge of Innocence.” My sister is mentally disabled, so the chance to bring that kind of character to life in a feature film was a real gift. After performing slapstick nouvelle-vaudeville with the Reduced Shakespeare Company all over the world the last 9 years, I am longing to stretch some dramatic muscles again.
Nope, not me. There is another Michael J. Faulkner running for Congress in New York, against popular Democrat Charlie Rangel. I’m always amused when a Pastor self-identifies as a Republican… the party least likely to help “the least” among us (Matthew 25). But he’s a former football player too, so perhaps all the abuse he suffered at the hands of his authoritarian coaches has trickled down. I suppose the time at Liberty University, Jerry Falwell’s school, didn’t hurt. Well, now we know which branch of Christianity he comes from… the one that blames 9/11 on the gays and abortionists, not the one that meets prostitutes and tax collectors and sinners of all stripes with an all-encompassing love and grace.
Oh, it gets better… in describing his current church, he says:
“we are fellowshipping with each other with Agape Love and we are inspiring that excellence to transform the marketplace through excellence in ministry.”
That’s a far cry from the Christ that kicked the money lenders out of the temple, said his reign was “not of this order,” and told folks to render unto Caesar that which is Caesar’s. Last I checked, the marketplace was squarely of this order. Perhaps this Pastor should stick to spiritual matters. I always get uncomfortable when faith and politics mix. Jim Wallis had it right when it comes to God’s politics… The right is wrong and the left doesn’t get it.
Actually parts of his platform sound good… though I’ve been watching and he took down his support for school vouchers (while leaving support for charter school expansion). I think charter schools are a good idea, but vouchers would only bring down the already poor quality of public schools in this country, leaving those too poor to do anything but public school with their kids in an even worse position. School Vouchers are not about personal freedom or choice… they are a covert attempt to undo the public school system in our country. Think about that for a second… what would that do to our sense of community, our shared heritage, our unity?
He’s got a tough road ahead of him, up against Charlie Rangel. I guess the least of his worries is how to spell “Michel” correctly. =-)
Here’s a full scene from “Agent X; The First Mission.” This film was an absolute joy to work on. It’s currently making the festival rounds.
Found out the web-based talk show I co-host has been “renewed…” if you can call it that in web terms. What that means in practical terms is that we’ve been picked up for an additional four episodes that will shoot in the next week. This is under the SAG New Media contract, such as it is.
Also – probably going to do some Reduced Shakespeare dates in April. It’s always fun to do gigs with The Reduced Shakespeare Company. I’ve never had another job in the theater where I’ve felt more appreciated at the end of the show. I’ve literally had people come up to me afterwards and tell me how I helped them laugh in the midst of tragedy. During a run of “The Bible, The Complete Word of God (abridged)” at San Diego Rep a few years ago, during the height of wildfire season, we had audience members that had lost their home. In some small way, we were able to bring joy and lightness into their circumstances. It’s why I do what I do.
Good news on the Michael Faulkner front… just before ten days of touring through the midwest with the Reduced Shakespeare Company, I booked and shot an HBO promo which is meant to be put up on the web sometime at HBO’s nifty new interactive short film sharing site. Then, just recently, AFTER touring, I booked another promo, this time for the Sony Pictures movie, “Dear John.” Basically, I’m the opposite of the kind of guy that’s in the movie. Shoots this Tuesday, and just might air during the Super Bowl.
Thanks for caring!
PS: Video Demo Reels, along with new material, to be posted soon.
Click to Play!
Here’s a song I wrote in 2007, all about the controversy surrounding Rush Limbaugh’s use of the “parody” song, “Barack, the Magic Negro,” set to the tune of Peter, Paul & Mary’s iconic “Puff, the Magic Dragon.”
This gag reel of out-takes from the “Ocean Shark” shoot comes to us courtesy of Director Chris Whetstone. It highlights the improvisational skills of the actors involved as Mr. Whetstone encouraged them to play with the ending of each scene. If you like, you can watch the entire film of “Ocean Shark.”
