TFH: At Look into the character Nate Bingley – Fearful to Fearless

**Spoilers**

Now that I (Ron) have had some time to reflect on our film, “The Fellows Hip: Rise of the Gamers,” I find that one of the characters I really have enjoyed has been Nate Bingley, played by Cole Matson. For a film, a character changes at least three times. That’s once when you write him, once when the actor owns him and once then in the editing room by how the editor (Brian) portrays him.

Who is Nate? Nate is a scaredy-cat; one who is a momma’s boy and never wants to leave home. He’s happy where he finds himself. He’s not the adventurer… or so he thinks.

But it’s through the love of his friends and his loyalty that he is called out of his comfort zone. He must leave his safe haven to right a wrong. When he is thrown into the adventure, he is at first excited and ready for the challenge. But at the onset of his first test, he almost falls apart. With each step doubt creeps in. That is until he is introduced to the life of a hippie. There he begins to see who Nate is all about. He shows through his monologue that he has come to realize that life is meant to be lived, and he’s going to “suck the nectar out of life and drink down every last drop.”

Nate “gets it” and knows this could be the adventure of a lifetime. He who was fearful has become fearless. He begins to embrace his destiny and become the man he’s always meant to be. He puts aside the fearful gamer and begins to embrace the fearless explorer.

Isn’t that who we should strive to be like?

Earn the Title. Stay Motivated. Be Responsible.

Through the years of being a filmmaker, I’ve met several self-proclaimed filmmakers. Upon further investigation, I find out they actually have never made a film, but really want to. Well, I hate to disappoint, but in my book that’s not a filmmaker; it’s more of a film enthusiasts. You have to earn the title by doing a film. It’s hard work, and it’s better not to take that title for granted. Filmmakers give up so much to make a film. They struggled, worked hard and power through to make a film. I’m convinced that unlike the “one ring” in “Lord of the Rings” “wants to be found,” as Gandalf describes, a film is just the opposite. A film doesn’t want to be made; it fights you at every step of the way. Only the few complete a true full-length feature film (narrative or documentary). Those few know what I’m talking about. It’s not for the faint of heart, nor is it a simple title given away and used lightly; it’s one that is earned.

And, being a filmmaker is like working out at the gym. I was looking around this weekend at all the many other people in the gym with me. They weren’t the elite bodybuilders. Most of them were out of shape, but there they were going for it right along with me. No matter how out of shape they were, it was their effort that motivated me. I actually had a better work-out because of their exerted effort. Surround yourself with motivated individuals, and you will find yourself rising to new heights. Filmmaking is tough, so it’s critical that you stay motivated. You got to go for it, but in the right way. Wildly going for it is a crazy persons’ game and for the young.

I’m not 21 anymore. When it comes to working out, I have to ease in, not just jump in all crazy like. I have to go into working out, and filmmaking, with responsibility. Lately, I’ve talked to filmmakers that are willing to go “all in” on their first shot. They are willing to give up everything and risk their family’s welfare along with it. This is just rash, and even false bravado. I fully understand the urge and desire to prove you have what it takes, but, keep in mind, most films will never return a profit to their investors. I know we think we have “the one” idea that will change the way film is done, but in case you don’t, there is nothing showing a little responsibility when you make a film.

If you do these things, it still won’t be easy, but before you know it you might just have a film and be a filmmaker.

Actors: A word from a director: Be unique!

In the indie market we are competing with big budgets and big stars; so the only way to do this, is we must have a great script with compelling characters; unique characters. The unique part – the one with depth, the one that has to have that certain look, appeal, charisma – now that’s the one I’m more concerned with casting. That is the one I will spend more time on.

Point #1 is to know what role you are putting in for and what role you should be putting in for. Sean Pratt, a DC area actor/coach (www.seanprattpresents.com), calls this your “essence”. This is knowing who you naturally are. Knowing you will always be cast as the biker gang member and never the cop is good to know. It doesn’t narrow you, it streamlines you. I’m doing that in my head anyway, perhaps you should help me come to the right conclusion.

I was told – never take auditions personally. Well guess what? They were right. If I, as the director, receive a headshot – I don’t immediately flip to the resume that I’m sure is on the back – I look at the photo. Point #2, have a professional looking headshot. This is not necessarily the one you pay for the most. A headshot should just be an honest picture of what you look like right now. So, if you are a teenager and have a growth spurt, or you change your hairstyle; do me a favor and update your headshot. I also like seeing other shots if you have them. I know this is not the norm, but again when I’m looking for that unique part – I need to see you differently perhaps. With headshots I make up my mind in about a split second on whether or not this person could be my “Squirrelly”; my unique character. Do they have the right look?

As most know, auditions are generally very quick, why? It is because the ability to act is in fact assumed. I am not certain what skill level you are at, but I am assuming you can act. The audition is to confirm your acting ability and to see what unique things you might bring to the table with the character. Are you naturally my Squirrelly? This brings me to point #3, know your ability. If acting is assumed and you just don’t have the gifting to be an actor – then the sooner you find this out the better.

Point #4, be unique! Joaquin Phoenix has a great career even though he has a big scar on his face that he doesn’t hide. It gives his characters more depth and uniqueness about him. He is a leading man, but he is also unique. When young Daniel Radcliff walked into the audition for Harry Potter – they knew right then and there that he was Harry Potter. No audition had even taken place – he had the right look, the essence.

What you may see as a weakness can be turned into uniqueness if putting in for the right role! So your weight, your height, the fact you look young or you can play “the nerd” – great! Use this to allow the director to come to the right conclusion; that you are unique and are the person the director is looking for.

I hope this helps and I am looking forward to seeing you submit for our film, “The Fellowship” in 2009!