As far as rehearsals go, this is pretty wild
This photograph was taken on IIlford Delta 400 film with a Nikon FE camera and Nikon 50mm f1.2 ais lens; processed with Foma chemicals; scanned with a Canon 6D and Nikon 105mm f2.8 ais lens on a PN11 extension tube; processed using Darktable on Ubuntu Linux.
It’s quite a process, from pushing the button to seeing the image, but deeply satisfying.
Equity vs. Spotlight: let the Tax On Hope drama unfold
Finally, the British performers’ union, Equity, is lobbying against Spotlight – its high subscription fees and the laws that protect this money making casting monopoly.
“In the UK, the practice of charging work seekers to join a directory such as Spotlight is illegal in most sectors, but the performing arts and entertainment industries are expressly exempted from this law.”
Find all the key points in the original Equity article.
Reckon we’re in for the usual corporate ploys – the old definition-dodge and semantic-swing. The question is: how far will our Equity fees take this little drama – to the moon 🚀?
“Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?”
I recently watched Nyad. Annette Bening, Jodie Foster, Rhys Ifans and the gang give wonderful performances in this astounding story about the marathon swimmer, Diana Nyad, who in her 60s decided to reattempt a 110 mile open-ocean swim she had failed to complete in her 20s.
A quick read about the actual Diana Nyad reveals a controversial character, particularly in regard to the legitimacy of some of her claims and achievements. I had to think about this before posting – I don’t want to promote exaggeration or dishonesty.
However, I decided to share this blog because, firstly, the film is genuinely enjoyable, well crafted and uplifting. Secondly, the story centres on a person who, well beyond her prime (though I wouldn’t dare suggest this to her) jumped back into an unforgiving ocean, the home of sharks and deadly box-jellyfish, believing she could swim for three days straight to achieve her goal. Whether all the ratifying technicalities were observed or not, the attempt, in and of itself, is simply awe-inspiring. Here is someone who backs her sentiments up with action:
“I just want to say three things. One, never, ever give up. Two, you’re never too old to chase your dreams. And three, it looks like a solitary sport, but it takes a team.”
My efforts to forge a career as an actor come with challenges that often seem insurmountable. I’m grateful for people like Diana Nyad who charge into the unknown, shine their light brightly from way over there and beckon us forward.
“Whatever your Other Shore is,
– Diana Nyad
whatever you must do,
whatever inspires you,
you will find a way to get there.”
Ps. The title of this post comes from the poem, The Summer Day by Mary Oliver, strongly referenced in the film and seemingly a source of inspiration to the actual Diana Nyad.
Jeffrey Mundell 