In European history, it was asserted that kings derived their authority from God and could not therefore be held accountable for their actions by any earthly authority such as a parliament.

During the War of …

There’s a lot of work needed to figure this one out.

Generally, in the early part of your career getting a headshot done is a bit of a nightmare. There aren’t any courses on it. On how to do it.

In fact, the very idea of a course on headshots probably sounds absurd. Certainly not de rigueur. And not …

Why do proprietors of casting studios hang posters of Hollywood movie stars on the walls?

You may have your own thoughts on Marilyn and Marlon, but do you need to be looking at …

The National Film Board of Canada was founded in 1939 ‘To produce and distribute and to promote the production and distribution of films designed to interpret Canada to Canadians and to other nations.’

John Grierson was the founding Commissioner and had a positive influence on documentary filmmaking in Canada and around the world. His first film, Drifters (1929), the silent depiction …

Do you know any millionaires in the movie business?

Of course, we all know that Ellen Pompeo earns $20 million, Scarlett Johansson and George Clooney earn $40 million, Angelina Jolie and Dwayne Johnson earn $28 million. 

And, the Presidents of Netflix, Warner Brothers, CBS, Universal Studios et al are millionaires. Multi-millionaires. That’s…

Have you changed agents during your career?

It’s a common occurrence.

And a most disconcerting event. The actor/agent relationship is the most difficult one you’ll have as an actor.

Why would you want to change agents? The first reason that …

You hear people saying, ‘It takes so long to make a movie.’

Does it?

It’s actually: ‘It takes as long as it takes.’

It’s fine if …

That’s what directors often say when you arrive on set to play a guest lead or day role

They don’t remember exactly what you did in the audition, it’s a learned phrase that series shooters repeat. Or, they say …

Most series directors are in the same boat as you.

They are freelance and were looking for a job when they got this one.

They do have the authority on set but their relative status in the movie business is about the same as yours.

It’s the …

Film is a new art form.

What’s a blockbuster?

A block could be a stone; bust, a verb to break; so, breaking a stone. Would that be like cracking the nut? 

We often say that when grappling with a …

So many guidelines in the film and TV industry are gone.

The times have changed. Often protocol isn’t followed, clauses in the producer/actor agreements are broken, preparation time for auditions shortened, less …

Do you get dazzled by the razzle?

The Americans have been dazzling Canadians for a very long time. Economic, political, military, – and cultural razzle. 

You’re an actor and you’ve played some wonderful roles on TV series, in independent films and theatre, so try and balance that worth with the worth of a role in a …

You might audition for the same series numerous times.

It’s common to wonder why they keep bringing you in and why you don’t get cast.

If you keep getting auditions for a particular series it means the producers and casting want you on that …

You hear people saying, ‘It takes so long to make a movie.’

Does it?

It’s actually, ‘It takes as long as it takes.’

It’s fine if civilians say it, but watch if you’re saying it.

To say that is to not understand what it is to make a movie. Movie is an …

If you’re auditioning then you’re earning them money.

The agents most important business relationship is with the casting directors. By submitting good actors to the casting director that lets the casting ...

You hear actors say they’re going to call their agent and ask that question.

If your agent represents fifty or a hundred actors and they all call twice a week to ask…boy! That’s tough on your agent.

It’s difficult to ...

One actor asks the other.

You want to have a good business relationship with your agent.

‘Do you like…?’ is a question we pose when it comes to friends, family or acquaintances.

The working relationship with an agent important and difficult ...

In the meditation hall when the Master asked the Head Monk why he rang the wrong bell the monk answered, ‘Lost track.’

That’s all he said.

The Head Monk is a master teacher himself, so he knows what bells to ring and when and …