2019 - A Year in Review

2019 was a massive year, even by my standards. Some amazing things, professionally and personally. But I also struggled this year, health wise and emotionally. Things I will personally take stock of and grow. But these things aren’t for wallowing, they are for celebrating. So now it’s time to look back at the year, celebrate all the amazing things that happened.

ACCORDING TO OTTO FEATURE FILM

The year began with a very busy January, directing my feature film debut, the screen adaption of my play, “According to Otto”. This was a learning curve, 18 days of very full on filming. Acting in the film as well didn’t make it easier, but overall, I am happy. Some hard days on set, but thanks to an amazing cast and crew, the end result is looking fantastic and I am excited to finally have people see this film. Already planning the second film, so the bug has well and truly been caught.

37 WAYS TO SAY I’M GAY PLAY

So this wasn’t perfect, but there are some reasons to celebrate my only play of the year. For so many years, theatre was thing, my drug; but it’s now been replaced with filming and that is okay. It was good to say goodbye with a play I love. The positives, the audiences loved it (even though the critics gave us a hiding), we had a lot of full houses, I got to perform in a theatre space that was only there for a short amount of time and I worked with some people I really do love. And the play gave me closure, it allowed me to walk away from theatre (who knows if it is permanent or for now). I struggled with my mental health during the play, quite badly, but I made it through and can be proud of that.

FILMING APPARITIONS

It was such an honour to be asked by my wonderful friends, Perri Cummings and Paul Anthony Nelson, to have a major supporting role in their new horror film, “Apparitions”. I loved the script as soon as I read it and was excited to head to Melbourne to film. 5 weekends and I was wrapped, met some amazing people and had some real fun on camera. Can’t hardly wait for its release.

CELEBRITY NAME GAME

I hadn’t appeared on a TV Game Show since I was about 15, so this was fun. And it all came about because of my wonderful friend, Emma, who applied for both of us. We did the audition and thought we botched it because we were barely asked a question, but was told after that they knew they wanted us. I was so nervous the whole filming and was determined to at least make the final. We lost the jackpot, just, but still, we took home some money which helped me get to the US and see Madonna. So it was a lot of fun.

MAKING MUSIC VIDEOS

I have always loved music videos. As a teen I’d get up early to watch the Rage Top 50 on a Saturday morning. So to finally be able to make some clips was paying off my dreams. I directed three clips this year, two for the amazing Amber Lawrence, “Heart” and “Hell to Hallelujah”, both singles reaching number one on country charts and played on CMC. I also got to direct the new clip for the great Arna Georgia, which will see a release in 2020. I am very proud of all these clips and hope to make more in the future.

TEACHING

It’s good to love your job, and I do. Well, most days. I have some amazing students who bring me so much joy (again, not all, but so many good ones). I love seeing them grow in class and become better and better at their performances and also in life. Students who start quiet and shy and end up full of confidence. For the second year running I had students win an award at the Sharp Short Festival at the Riverside Theatre in Penrith, This year it was Sydney Talent Company Penrith students who won best acting ensemble. Very proud teacher moment.

ARLO SHORT FILM

The wonderful Blacktown Arts, through Blacktown Council, introduced a fund this year for local filmmakers and I was lucky to be one of 5 artists chosen to make a film. Yes, it was on;y a small amount, but every cent counts when making a film. That is how “Arlo” was born. It’s a sweet little film about a young boy who likes to wear dresses. And how special that one of my students, Kaden, played the titular role. People seem to love “Arlo”, it was selected for a number of festivals and that makes me happy.

AFTER NIGHTFALL

Another massive year for “After Nightfall”. Season two was finally released and the killer of Troy McLeavey was revealed and phew, people were satisfied and shocked by the reveal. Plus, the series continued to shine on the web festival circuit. In our second year submitting for Season One, we still managed to do exceptionally well, finishing 55th in 2019 in the Web Series World Cup. And with loads of entries ready for Season Two in 2020, we hope to do even better. I was also really happy with my performance in Season Two, and think it could very well be my best acting yet.

MY TRIP TO THE U.S.

After having an amazing trip to the US in 2018, I knew I wanted to go back this year. The New Jersey Web Fest just seemed like an amazing festival, and drunk Wayne had promised to go if selected. So I went, and just had the most incredible time, what a beautiful festival filled so many amazing souls. Reconnected with friends and made new ones, plus to cap it all off, we won best LGBTQ Series. Then after Jersey, I headed to NYC and LA. NYC was loads of shopping, catching up with friends, plus two great concerts. Saw the B52s in Central Park and then my Queen, Madonna, in Brooklyn. Best concert I have ever seen. LA saw me go full tourist and also catch up with more amazing friends. It was such a nice slice out of normal life and I want to go back again in 2020.

THE RELEASE OF FRAGMENTARY

My friend, Jace Pickard, had been working on his feature film, “Fragmentary”, for a few years. I had worked as Casting Consultant and had appeared in the film as a racist neighbour, who gets some great lines and a killer moment at the end of the film. It was so nice to finally see the film released and see it on the big screen. You always worry about your own performance, so it was nice to see and to be happy with it.

EM’S ENTERTAINMENT

Another great year working for my friend, Emma, and her children’s theatre company. Mid year with the shows, “Wombat’s Wild Weekend” and “When I Grow Up”, then at Christmas we launched a new show, “Carol Claus”, which audiences LOVED. I had a great Christmas tour partner, Demi, who is talented and so wonderfully put up with me being so ill (more of that later). Plus, how exciting, that all three shows I performed in this year were written (words, not music), by me.

So now it is time to look forward. 2020 will be a big year, again. I want to fill it with so much. “According to Otto” should come out, and I will film a new movie (details will be out soon of what that is), I am even toying with doing a new web series. I am writing a novel and am also working on a book of plays with a dear friend. I am also looking at doing my very first podcast. There is so much to achieve and I always like to take life by the horns. Nothing can stop me now.

Happy New Year friends and may we all succeed, grow and love in 2020.