Film Work

I enjoy telling stories. In my college years I played sax and flute in a small band called Harbor. I wrote a number of songs influenced by Buffalo Springfield and Crosby, Stills and Nash. I wrote some sappy poetry and an awkward play or two. I suppose I was hunting for how I wanted to tell my stories. When I stumbled my way into acting it became clear pretty early on that this was my path. A friend suggested that I check out Paul Newman’s early film career. I sat in awe as I watched what I call his “4 H’s” – The Hustler (1961), Hud (1963), Harper (1966), Hombre (1967). There are certainly other obvious early career titles like Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (1958), Sweet Bird of Youth (1962) and of course, Cool Hand Luke (1967). But his work in the 4Hs inspired me. When I saw how audiences were affected by Newman’s performances I remember thinking, “That’s what I want to do.”

I had to wait about 20 years before I could get that done. My work in films was intermittent as the path I followed led me to theater work and then to preparing actors for theater work. But I’m a blessed fella because I have my students to thank for inviting me to join their projects giving me a chance to create characters for film.

Patriot Son

David Koplan and Jimmy Whalen

David was the producer and one of the leads. Dave is a wise, kind, insightful artist. He’s that person you want to have on board to guide and advise any project, large or small. Jimmy was an actor with exceptional natural gifts. A young Gary Cooper. The film was shot in an abandoned farmhouse outside of Austin, Texas. It won the 1997 Best of Fest Award at the LA Short Film Festival and was selected to screen at the Telluride Festival.

Waking Marshall Walker

Giorgio Litt and Sarah Drew

My wife Jude and I spent a whirlwind weekend filming this complex short at a beautiful vineyard in Mariposa, CA near Yosemite National Park. The first day was sunny and hot. We woke the second day to a snow covered grape field. Giorgio Litt (second photo in gallery) created the role of the mysterious visitor. He also co-wrote with Thom Canalichio. Giorgio is the definition of a multi-hyphenated artist. This project was especially meaningful to me because I had the honor of performing with Jude and Sarah Drew. You know Sarah as Dr. April Kepner on Grey’s Anatomy. Sarah has a generous, charismatic spirit. She is a life force. Her work on this little film was so alive, vulnerable and felt. The film was screened at 40 international festivals. In 2014 it won Gold at the Oregon Fest and the Audience Award at the Virginia Festival. Sarah won best actress at the 2015 Pasadena Festival.

All photo by Giorgio Litt

Farewell Old Stringy

Alex Rafala, Michael Duni and Lauren Lukow

Talk about an acting challenge. Alex, the writer/director, invited/challenged me to create a homeless, schizophrenic man. This was the most ambitious student film project ever conceived at the University of Virginia in my 30 years of teaching. The production team was up to that huge task led by the fearlessly creative Lauren Lukow. Michael Duni was our gifted, highly skilled cinematographer. Alex is a special talent…actor, writer and project maker. This trio kept me on my creative toes, encouraged and supported me.