The Little Details - Acting: The Coolness

Iron Extra Redux

Fri, 07 May 2010 01:30:00 -0500

Iron Man 2 comes out today and even though I'm travelling in Europe and have intermittent time/wifi access, I couldn't help but think about the fact that eleven months ago I was busy working background on a key scene for Iron Man 2. It's not glamorous work and it wasn't easy, but it was very, very interesting for what it was. Check out:

This post I wrote about a day in the life of an extra.
This entry about what it was like to be on set.
This blog post about some of the other people I worked with.
And here's a quick entry about working background.

-Tom, who doesn't expect to be recognizable, but is geeked about the movie nonetheless.

Piecing It Together

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 11:05:00 -0500

I just spent two days rehearsing and shooting a small but super fun part on the new Nickelodeon show Victorious. There's a lot of firsts in this job: first sitcom, first kids' show, first broadcast AFTRA job. Most importantly: first time working in the studio that has been set up inside the Earl Carroll Theatre. The place reeks of history -- most impressive is the still-preserved art deco lobby. Nothing makes you want to pick up a history of 40s Hollywood more than a stroll through the doors at 6230 Sunset. It was a great gig (and you may not know it, but not all of them are -- mostly I don't blog about the non-so-great moments) and I really had a nice experience working with the cast and crew. The series premieres this month, and assuming my bit doesn't get cut for time, you should be able to see it later this spring. -Tom, off to go pick up a history of 40s Hollywood.

The Doctor Is IN... The Olympics

Mon, 15 Feb 2010 08:54:00 -0500

If you watched the Olympics on Sunday, there's a good chance you saw my latest spot. It's called "Stadium" and it's part of a big new campaign by GE Healthcare. [More]

The Ten Percent

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 09:45:00 -0500

So my job for the past three weeks has been 90% boring, 10% fantastic. Now that it's over, let me tell you about the fantastic parts. No, that doesn't mean this blog will only be one-tenth as long as the other one. But it might be ten times more interesting. Let's find out... [More]

Iron Extra

Wed, 10 Jun 2009 13:25:00 -0500

It's been a light week for blogination, and here's why: I'm working background on a big scene for Iron Man 2. [More]

Game On

Thu, 04 Jun 2009 12:35:00 -0500

With the NBA finals beginning tonight (Lakers in 6 kids, don't bet against the president) this also marks the debut of a brand new website I'm proud to be a part of: Get Your Basketball On with Leroy Smith. Leroy is the mastermind who motivated legend Michael Jordan. Or - as Leroy calls himself - a mastervator. You see, in his sophomore year of high school, Michael Jordan was cut from the varsity team. Leroy Smith is the man who took his place - and thus motivated Michael to become the greatest basketball player of all time. Catch me as dogged reporter Grant Whittaker in this fascinating series of interviews that explores the genius of Leroy Smith, and his unconventional -- some would say CONTROVERSIAL -- approach to motivation. Click the thumbnails below to view the YouTube segments that comprise this hard-hitting piece of investigative journalism.

[More]

Brothers & Sisters Episode Online

Mon, 11 May 2009 09:41:00 -0500

For those of you who missed it last night (or forgot to set the DVR) the season finale of Brothers & Sisters is currently posted online. You'll probably have to install ABC's proprietary player, but that's fairly quick and simple. My scene comes in around the 9:30 mark. It's quick and fun. Following the cut are a couple of screenshots... [More]

Brothers & Sisters

Fri, 08 May 2009 09:51:00 -0500

The season finale of Brothers & Sisters airs this Sunday, May 10th at 10pm/9c on ABC. The name of the episode is "Mexico." Assuming no unexpected changes happened in the editing room, you'll see me as German worker Karl in a fun little scene with Sally Field's character, Nora. I hope you can check it out! -Tom, aka the German David Letterman.

Ja, So Einfach Ist Es

Fri, 06 Mar 2009 08:28:00 -0500

Monday I had an audition for a three-line part as a German worker. Not complicated, but once the scripted part of the scene was over the casting director just continued on. So I did as well. In German. She seemed pleased and impressed and I walked out of the building feeling good. Twenty-four hours later, the phone rings: I booked a job on the season finale of Brothers & Sisters. [More]