Symphony Dark Private Screening

Even though it was a private screening, allow me to take you through the night. I’m gonna skip the speeding across town through traffic to make it on time and the parking headache; given the weather conditions we had, that was just a pain. But we made it just in time to grab some okay-seats and to hear actor (and star of the film) Mark DeNicola’s beautiful speech. While he pointed out everyone’s effort and thanked Director Wil Wong for this wonderful opportunity he gave us all, he also acknowledged the struggles we went through as an independent production, which was a nice refresher for the audience and is always to be appreciated.

The film tells the story of Nora Denuci (played by the sweet and talented Jennifer De Lucia) and Drayton Wren (played by Mr. DeNicola) who are “randomly” selected to run financially-troubled tech company Grundy Automations, currently ran by an edgy Claire Bloom (the super talented and potential upcoming Meryl Streep of Toronto, Lindsay Lyon). Throughout the movie, we learn that Grundy’s competitor, James Rivoli, (played by Jared plumb) is not only ahead of the curb of the much anticipated Syphons (robots that would help patients suffering of severe trauma with their memories) but that he’s also highly skeptical of new CEO’s Nora and Drayton. The story takes a slow 180 degree turn on the past of Drayton and Nora showing that they weren’t quite selected at random and have quite a shared history. My comic-relief character, Cliff Dobbs, is only present to provide his cloths to Drayton, whenever he has a meeting or charity event to attend. However we slowly wonder weather James was involved as well from the very beginning. And if so, how? Little do we know that (shockingly) Claire Had a surprise for James (and the audience) that puts her ahead of the high-tech Syphons, which Nora and Drayton have never, never, never seen coming. I will ruin it for you: it’s not a happy-ending. But it is a satisfying one in the sense that it does explain a few things. All the cast did a PHENOMENAL job, I have to admit. Mark and Jennifer’s chemistry on screen is so pure and natural, it makes me want to see the sequel. Jared made me hate him on screen, which is a good thing in acting language. Lyndsay simply stole the movie, period. Her character’s sharp attentiveness to details was noticeable and it paid off. Claire Bloom dominated every scene. Matthew Carvery’s The Scientist was a great portrayal of a more normal scientist than the regular average crazy weird awkward scientist we’re used to see in many sci-fy films, which was a nice smooth touch. As for my character Cliff and my partner in screen-crime, Kelly Paoli, I enjoyed every second on screen and off screen with her. Kelly you were not only gorgeous but wonderful as Sally and I hope our next movie will explore our characters in full (even as Syphons, I’d be ok with that 😛 ).

I must emphasize the film turned out much better than I anticipated. When I initially read the script, the sic-fi aspect of it was unimaginable (Syphons, robots, iPad 7, etc.) and considering the independent budget, with all the CGI that went into it, the film looks BEAUTIFUL. It’s an achievement in indie-film business which puts filmmaker Wil Wong on the map, and maybe even in the indie-film history (starting with imdb and festivals to follow).

The screening, was followed by the after-party with friends and family, coming together to celebrate our passion for film. I’d like to give a little shout-out to my friends who attended and came to support me: Gazzy, actor Nelson Peraza, the talented singer Brittany Scott and Emily Hatfield. Thank you guys for coming out, I appreciate the love and support. I also want to thank director Wil Wong for casting me as Cliff and giving me the opportunity to show the film industry I can play more than just a wife beater or pimp. It felt good to break from the type-casted shield 🙂

The after-after-party continued at a club who’s name I cannot recall, but I do remember it involved lots of salsa dancing (to pop music… I know, right…)

And I know you want see ALL the pictures, but I currently possess only the pictures taken with my amazing Apple iPhone 5 device 🙂 – Professional pictures to follow. Enjoy!

Updated Acting Demo Reel

An actor’s headshot and resume is an actor’s business card. That’s what gets him, or her the audition. However I strongly believe an actor’s demo reel is even more important than the headshot or resume because it highlights and showcases the actor’s talent. The demo reel shows casting directors and producers what the actor can do; what’s his or her acting chops. It’s basically a commercial for showcasing the actor’s talent.

Since I played in quite a few films and short films recently, it was time to update my demo reel. The video includes footage from Searching For Angels, Doctor Director, Symphony Dark and 6 Ways to Sundown. It’s pretty much a mix of gangster, romantic and goofy characters. Below you’ll find the YouTube link to my new acting demo reel. Let me know if you like it in the comments below, or if I should quit acting. Actually don’t say that, it’ll hurt too much.

Cheers,

AT

Finally playing a detective…

At one point in an actor’s career, he or she will eventually play a cop. It’s inevitable. I finally got to play the role of a detective, Richard Hopkins, who isn’t quite popular tough cop neighbourhood’s station; but more of a wannabe detective seeking his father’s approval – who’s a much bigger detective in town.

The film shows a young man Richard (me) going through his first murder case in which the number one suspect is his long-life friend Verona. He not only finds the killer, but also his first love. Can you guess who that might be….? (Come on, it’s easy…)

Here are some pictures from the set, which you can also find on my Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/albertotihanactor

 

Attending the ADC+ADCC Triple Screening in Toronto

For those of you out of loop, the Art Directors Club is a gathering place for leaders in advertising and it brings together a group of the most creative talent in the world and judge advertising for is (this may come as a surprise to many of you): art! Today’s ads are more creative than ever, and ADC members share the vision of their founder, Louis Pedlar, by funding programs to Connect, Provoke and Elevate creative professionals around the world. And these ads are the most creative of the most creative.

Last week, I had the pleasure to attend the ADC+ADCC Triple Screening in Toronto at the Bloor Hot Docs Cinema in Toronto. It was such a beautiful experience! It was a great social event; I met lots of beautiful and aspiring people that I can’t wait to collaborate at one point in my career. I attended the event representing 25KT.org along with its owner and founder, Lidia Vijga. Now, I am not a member of the ACD, so who am I to judge? But in all creative honesty, I have witnessed, cheered and celebrated in the bar across the street some of the most AMAZING & CREATIVE of advertisements of 2012. From BMW’s commercial that highlights precision and perfection, to Adam Tensta’s new One Copy Song which travels the world literally one play at a time; there is currently a list which you can skip by sharing the the song through Facebook and Twitter. Now that’s creativity and marketing at its best. A great conversation-starter also was the video on the website http://www.slaveryfootprint.org which revolves around the question “How many slaves work for you?” Which I’ll let you figure it out, it’s pretty much straight forward. The list goes on, but I will just let you click the links below and enjoy them for yourself.

Enjoy!

BMW:
http://m.youtube.com/#/watch?v=lEvpnKRLDO4

Adam Tensta’s One Copy Song:
http://cargocollective.com/rasill/Adam-Tensta-One-Copy-Song

Google Eyeglass Live demonstration:

Contagion Viral Marketing Campaign (guess the budget in the comments!!!):

How Many Slaves Work For You?:

AT

If I Should Speak reaches Saudi Arabia

While working behind the scenes of If I Should Speak, I took a break and started to browse the web. As I was surfing different websites, I figured I can do some more research on the IISS book itself (yes, my breaks from work occasionally consists of more work) and I found an interview I did last summer with Arab News, about the making of the movie! Allow me to explain the exclamation mark at the end of that last sentence. Not only is Saudi Arabia’s first English news paper, since 1975, so it’s an honor to be interviewed by them but they’re also located 10,000 Km away from Canada/USA East Coast. So, as a first-time producer, when my first independent film grows legs and travels that far, while still in the development stage, it’s a double honor. I’ll let you read the article, and please, let me know your thoughts in the comments below.

http://www.arabnews.com/islam-perspective/islam-reach-america-picture

PS For your convenience, I also attached the screenshots of the article below 😉

PS 2 About the working on my break thing, I’m not a workaholic, I swear. I’m just.. very passionate 🙂

AT

Every Door, Every Floor – WRAPPED

WOW What an amazing shoot! I was extremely lucky this past weekend to be part of this fabulous short film called Every Door, Every Floor. It’s a great story with fantastic characters. I loved my character from the beginning of the script, until the very last page. I played the role of Brent, an over confident salesman who indirectly contributes to Vincent’s nervous breakdown. Vincent is the main salesman, who cannot sell but he tries very hard to succeed in the company, in and his life, And when my character Brent makes sale after sale and slams a “Boom!!” in his face with every single sale, well, it doesn’t help (and yes, it was LOTS of fun to play a jerk…playing the asshole just got better with this role). I am very thankful to be part of the project because not only I have worked with a talented (up-and-coming) director, Stash Capar and a great Writer/Director of Photography, Harris Usanovic, but I also worked with cast and crew I knew from previous sets (Searching for Angels, 6 Ways to Sundown) and that’s always a beautiful feeling/experience (It’s like finding an old high-school buddy in your new college program: “OMG, you’re still alive!” It’s reassuring, to know they’re still in the business).

Director Stash was so easy to work with to the point that it was ridiculous. His simple but yet very specific directions allowed for so much freedom and flexibility that my performance is really the purest collaboration of an actor and director. As an actor, it’s important, if not crucial, to feel comfortable in the environment the director has created in order to give your truest performance; and Stash did just that. The result: the entire cast gave an UNBELIEVABLE performance and I am proud to be part of it. Although I’ve met actress Aniko Kaszas on the set of the 6 Ways to Sundown trailer, working with her was fantabulous. She’s not only a great actress, but also a generous actress/scene partner; because she gives a lot to work with, and her performance will speak for itself. Actor Christian McKenna aka Vincent was simply incredible. He portrayed the character with so much integrity, it’s scary. Produced by Kegan Sant, the set was incredibly well put together and very well organized by team of wonderful crew members. I am confident that the film, shot on a RED camera (if you don’t know, Google it) will look like a million bucks (well, the short version of it anyways).

And since it’s my blog, allow me to show-off a little bit: When in my close-up, not only I cried and laughed hysterically, but it was a One-Take-Wonder! (Google it). I was pleased, impressed, shocked but also very proud (you have to be proud of your own work sometimes…). Well, enough typing and reading; I’ll let you guys enjoy the pictures gallery.

BOOM!! (That was Brent… he will live forever…inside me…)

AT

Myself in action; view from behind the camera 😉

Director Stash directing me on set…

I don’t like this picture.. but the more I look at it, the more I’m starting “accept it” …

C’mon say it! I rocked that chair!! 😛

Every Door, Every Floor cast and crew shot! some of us on the floor, including myself

I was definitely in character in this shot…I loved my sales monologue ( I make a good salesman btw!! 😛 )

Best perk in this industry: I get to fool around on set with my fellow coworkers, make a fun of myself (or them) and it’s all good. Gotta love my job.

By the look on my face…I doubt we were rolling. Although Art (boom guy) was ready.

I think I was staring at the gun that entire take 🙂

Not sure if we were rolling or not…but yea, we were hostages…

One of the most beautiful moments on set is to to view the take you just did with the director, DOP and felow cast.

“Buy my shit B**** I give you good price.” My character Brent if he had the gun lol

Looks like someone made an artistic proposal and while director Stash was considering it… the cast and the DOP Harris didn’t approve lol

Jordan, Alberto, Christian, Bo, and Aniko

Author of your own life, Happy New Year 2013!

I wanted to take a moment to wish you a Happy New Year to you and your loved ones! I sincerely wish you Siberian health, Jewish richness, French love and Gipsy worry-ness! (The rest is all available at the Chinese). But honestly, I hope that you take what you learned in 2012 and apply it to your benefit in 2013, and for the years to come!

As for 2012, well, it has been an ok year, generally speaking. Despite the fact that the Mayan civilization managed to scare the crap out of us centuries after their extinction, we’re still here; so that’s a relief. But on a smaller scale, 2012 has shown me some ups and downs and I’m sure it is no different for you. Some of us may have lost a loved one in a difficult break-up, while others lost a loved one in the family (may they all R.I.P.) Some may have lost a promotion at work, while others may have “lost” their work access card. I’ve personally experienced most of the above. I’ve been through a break-up, I’ve attended two funerals and as an actor, God knows how many auditions I didn’t book. But, that’s not what 2013 is about. 2013 is about moving on, moving forward and what we’re going to do to get there.

Someone once told me that when a baby is born, his destiny is already written. So with that in mind, it would be safe to say that much of our daily life is left to chance, luck and destiny. I personally believe that is only partially true. The other part is that you have to make your own luck. So whatever you think you missed out in 2012, don’t beat yourself up. Stand tall, look up, create your own opportunities for 2013 and make it happen. We often pray to God asking for favors and miracles without realizing that we have the power to make those miracles. Think about it: you have the power to fall in love again. You have the power to graduate from whatever school and you certainly have the power to hunt for a new job or audition for another role (in the case for actors). Sure, there will be bumps on the road, but that’s ok. Overcome them, take them as lessons learned and keep going.

Analyzing your achievements in the previous year can be equally important. Looking back in 2012, my film Searching For Angels with Veronika London and Vivica A. Fox premiered at Reelworld Film Festival, which was amazing, considering all festivals are flooded with submissions these days. Last year I also took a stab at producing If I Should Speak alongside director Adnan Siddiqui. I visited my family in Europe 3 times last year and I’m very grateful. Also my best friend John got engaged and my uncle Dan wedded in Romania last year. As for me, I was fortunate enough to meet the most adorable and sweet real-life princess. So despite the hard times a year an bring, there’s always a bright side to things. Focus on that.

As for the New Years resolution, don’t even get me started. I want to have a 6 pack, unless the 8 pack is on special. My New Years resolution is to simply be better at everything that I do. I’d like to be a better friend, boyfriend, son, brother, nephew, cousin, actor, producer (more on producing later on). Without sounding naive, if we can manage to be at our best at all times, something incredible must happen eventually. Someone has to notice it. Someone has to appreciate it. And if you believe in God, he will eventually reward you for your kindness 😉 So in 2013, I promise to myself that I will be a better person, including, but not limited to: eating better, sleeping more, studying more, helping more, working harder… and see what happens. The New Year has 365 days. Look at it as new book of 365 pages and you’re the author of your own life, one page at a time 😉

How was your 2012? What are your plans for 2013? Any New Years resolution you care to share?

Best,

AT

Baby Hope script acquired!

I am pleased to announce that I have recently acquired the rights to the short script Baby Hope, written by Bruno Gomes. Initially attached to play the young upcoming father in the movie by Mr. Gomes all the way from Portugal, I opted to produce the film as well, here in Toronto. After brief negotiations, allow me to inform you that a Producer/Writer Agreement has been signed and post-production has already began at fast pace. We are already looking to attach a director this week (small hint: I have worked with her in the past, in a short film called Stray Dogs, which premiered at the Montreal World Film Festival this year).

Baby Hope will tell the story of Noelia and Armando, two upcoming young parents who passionately embrace their new roles. Despite their endless affection for the baby, they learn that the future has a not-so-welcoming surprise in store for them. The film intends to remind its audience that despite our numerous efforts in life, our destiny is written long before we even think about it and our hands are tied when attempting to change it.

I am very excited to be part of Baby Hope and to tell this story through the eyes of young father Armando. I think it’s a great opportunity for me to mature as an actor and it’s also a little bit personal. The role of Noelia will be played by the pretty Toronto actress Maiu Seguin with him I already met. She’s definitely Noelia and I can’t wait to see her in front of the camera. This will be my very first short film that I will produce entirely on my own, and the thought alone gets me hyper!

Now it’s time to prepare the upcoming meetings! Cheers!

Alberto Tihan

Alberto’s Newsletter coming soon!

I have to be admit one thing when it comes to acting: it takes forever. Not only to get rich and famous, but also to shoot the next film. Auditions are slow these days (blame it on the season, not my headshots) and whichever projects I’m attached to, they’re in development, which tends to be a very slow and long process. Oh, and the projects I’m in so far, distribution isn’t happening (fast) either. However, I do get the privilege to be a struggling actor, among many others, in the film industry. You can’t put a price on that.

So, with the too-much-time-on-my-hands, I figured I would focus on starting a Newsletter. That way, I’ll be able to send out a public email notifying all of you out there whenever there is actually something happening in my acting career; and considering the numerous projects lined up, it will get busy and exciting! (seriously).

So hang on just a few more days and the first Newsletter will be released. Since I can be very indecisive when it comes to design, choosing a template can be very frustrating. If you’d like to be the first to receive the Newsletter, simply leave your email in the comments below. (I also take constructive criticism very well).

Have a good one folks!

Alberto

Alberto Tihan in Canadian Immmigrant magazine

If drive you drive around in a Lexus or MBW, you probably haven’t seen this. But if you commute on a daily basis, you most likely read those free used cars or new condos magazines distributed in the yellow boxes by the bus stop. Ever read the Canadian Immigrant magazine? Me neither. But I recently did an interview for Canadian Immigrant, and by recently I mean months ago, and I thought it went well. Here’s a picture of the article:

Unfortunately, it’s not a digital magazine and only hard-copies are available. But feel free to keep staring at the picture.

Any of you relate to this? Immigrating to a new country and working hard towards a rewarding career? What were your bigger obstacles? How does it feel to look back and see your struggles and accomplishments?

Cheers,

Alberto