We KICKED ASS!

SLAM! THWAP!!! POW!!! KA-POW!! BAM!!! CRUNCH!!! KA-BOOM BIGGITY BAM!!

ProActive's STOP, DROP & ROLL KICKED ASS LAST NIGHT!

Ok...all that excitement made my head hurt...I'm really hung over this morning...ok...its not morning...its like noon..but I'm SO incredibly pleased with the way things went last night I can barely contain myself.

People started filing in at about 10 minutes to 7 and by 7:15..we were wall-to-wall...I'm telling you this room was packed with people...I had NO IDEA we would bring that many people in...we had people in the room from CBS, NBC, Good Life Studios, Ogilvy PR, The Weinstein Company, Beth Melsky Casting, iatewhat? theatre company and more..

I must, from the bottom of my heart...send out a HUGE THANK YOU to everyone who showed up last night....in addition to the ever elusive industry folk..we had so many good, loyal friends and fans there to show support, laugh at the funny parts and drink ALOT.

At 7:30 we got started with the first set of films. Don Downie intoduced:

F***in Calamari : When a timid woman’s 30th birthday is ruined by her thoughtless boyfriend, she uses seafood to exact revenge
Shot in January
Directed by Meghan Scibona
Written by Daryl lathon
Featuring Heather McGonigal, James Huffman, Vincent Lorusso, Tatiana Dellepiane, Jennifer Harder

The Remodel: After three months of incessant pounding, a frustrated young homeowner decides to tell her remodeling neighbors where to shove their hammers.
Shot in April
Written by Jason Nunes
Directed by Meg Scibona
Features Amy Golden, Mike Shimkin, Don Downie, Stacie Scaduto

Greetings from Sun Valley: A suspicious young woman must decide what to do when her boyfriend gets a mysterious postcard. How important is someone’s past?
Shot in October
Written by Rob Farren
Directed by Jodi Taylor
Features Amy Golden, James Huffman, Derek Peith, Allison Moran

The Record: When the sexual gauntlet is thrown down, a young man will go to any length to satisfy his insatiable girlfriend.
Shot in February
Written by Daryl Lathon
Directed by Don Downie
Features Daryl Lathon, Kristina Erickson, Jason Nunes

We took a break and then at 8:30..we kicked off our second set of films, introduced by Daryl Lathon:

Phone Fall: A hopelessly single young woman and a painfully shy man just can’t get it together to meet, let alone go on a date!
Shot in March
Written by Jason Nunes and Daryl Lathon
Directed by Daryl Lathon
Featuring Mike Shimkin, Christa Savery, James Huffman, Jessica Stone

Left Hook: Billy thinks he’s cool. Zoe thinks she’s tough. But do they love each other enough to survive a wild night out at the bar?
Shot in May
Written by Don Downie
Directed by Roger DelPozo
Features Don Downie, Stacie Scaduto, Jennifer Harder, Amy Golden

Aural Fixation: Guy, Des, and Dara are plagued by sounds that push them to their limits.
Shot in December
Written by Charlotte Winters
Directed by Meghan Scibona
Features Stacie Scaduto, Jamie Effros, Jennifer Harder, Daryl Lathon, Jason Nunes, Jessica Stone, David Berent

Then finally at 9:30, we rolled our final set and it was I, JamesClifton Huffman, that got his drunk self up on a tall chair to address the crowd, amid chants of "We CANT HEAR YOU!" I introduced the final four films, the last one, BUZZING THE BUZZER, written and directed by yours truly:

A Good Fight: Lovers’ spats and gunpowder just don’t mix.
Shot in July
Written and directed by Adam Multer
Features Jesse Sousourian, Heidi Niedermeyer

I Spy Something Yellow…: An eager spy, codenamed The Robot, encounters the legendary Black Widow and learns espionage isn’t as easy as it looks.

Part of a CinemaSports event, which is a unique, spontaneous, filmmaking event that takes place in cities across the world. Participating teams have 10 hours to complete a movie with a list of ingredients.

Shot in August
Directed by Don Downie
Features James Huffman, Mike Shimkin, Brett Tinsley, Rachel Mason

Sunshine: A virginal young woman is asked to sacrifice herself for the good of mankind but temptation often lurks in the most
beguiling of places.
Shot in September
Written and Directed by Daryl Lathon
Features Meg Scibona, Jenny Harder, Don Downie, Kristina Erickson, Amy Golden

Buzzing the Buzzer: A New York love story about a man and his buzzer.
Shot in June
Written and directed by James Huffman
Features Daryl Lathon, Mike Shimkin, Heidi Niedermeyer, Jesse Sousouirian, Rob Farren, Kittson Oneill

A huge sucess...we all put alot of work into making this thing happen...and HAPPEN it did!

www.JamesCliftonHuffman.com

Stop Drop & Roll press release

For Immediate Release

Stop, Drop & Roll

A screening of short films created by members of

PROfessional ACTors collectIVE

Press Contact:

Don Downie

(917) 687-5650

scenepartners@verizon.net

DESCRIPTION:

On Monday, February 27th, the Brass Monkey Bar in Manhattan’s ultra cool Meatpacking District was transformed into a screening room for some truly unique short films. Stop, Drop, & Roll was a screening of eleven inventive, entertaining, and fun short films, featuring performances by 26 of New York’s most PROACTIVE actors. The films were created on a single day of each calendar month in 2005 (with November off for good behavior), as part of the PROACTIVE Monthly Film program.

The event, sponsored by Newcastle Brown Ale, was attended by over 150 people, packing out the bar and far exceeding the expectations of the producers. Attendees included many actors, filmmakers, and VIP’s from New York’s entertainment industry. Companies that sent representatives to the screening included NBC, CBS, The Weinstein Company, Binder Casting, and Beth Melsky Casting.

Stop, Drop, & Roll was not only the world premiere for each of the shorts, but also represents a convergence of the city’s acting and filmmaking communities. The shorts screened were written, produced, directed, and shot by members of New York’s prestigious PROfessional ACTors collectIVE, as part of an experiment in giving actors creative control over film projects. The actors quite literally called the shots, collaborating with filmmakers who were willing to take direction from actors, instead of vice-versa.

The PROACTIVE Monthly Film program was an initiative of PROfessional ACTors collectIVE, in which the group resolved to shoot a different short film on a single day of each calendar month of 2005. Members pooled resources and contacts to help one another to produce these films.

The goal of the program was to empower and equip member actors to use the tools of low-cost digital filmmaking to create actor-driven projects. The resulting films are unique in that they showcase the actors’ skills in roles of their own creation. In making the shorts, members gained significant filmmaking experience and expanded their contacts into NYC’s vibrant film community.

As a result of the PROACTIVE Monthly Film program, not only were eleven films created, but also three new film production companies were brought into existence, and relationships were forged that have contributed to many other projects.

Cool as Vincent Jones?

ALAS...Monday morning...a new week..a fresh start...tonight is the big night...the ProActive short film festival at Brass Monkey...the event, as you probably know by now is called STOP, DROP & ROLL and we'll be screening 11 short films that we as a group wrote, produced, directed an performed in in2005...

We've been going over all the last minute details, the vip list and such...its pretty cold out today so I'm hoping that won't deter folks from coming out. Andrew Walker will be there taking publicity photos...I think its going to be a good event. There are a few films that we've produced that I haven't even seen yet, si I'm looking forward to seeing them.

On Friday I shot my U5 role as a bartender on ONE LIFE TO LIVE. I played the bartender at what was called the AC LOUNGE, which stands for Atlantic City. I arrived at the studio at about 7:30AM and my rehearsals started at 7:45. What was more interesting than my INCREDIBLY CRUCIAL speaking role is that a friend of mine, Tobias Truvillion, was also there for rehearsal in the AC lounge. This was a MUCH bigger day for Tobias because he was recently cast in a recurring role as VINCENT JONES, a smooth talking, mafioso, who happens to be African-American. I met Tobias a few years ago through Phynjuar, who is also a friend of mine. Phynjaur (Pronounced Pen-WAH) is a great actress who is currently appearing in a New York Lottery commercial where she is the woman at the grocery check out who's getting crazy commenting on everything she is swiping through. The idea is that she's quitting her job and doesnt care what she says on the clock. Its really funny.

Friday was Tobias' first day. I felt really fortunate to be there. Its very inspiring (Once you strip away all the envy) to see someone you know in the midst of a big break, a major step in their career. He actually did very well. he was extremely calm and collected and his performance on the set was grounded and engaging. Vincent Jones even had a bodyguard. I was impressed.

Here I was behind the bar, dressed up like some Ice Dancer from Latvia. I swear, you should have seen my outfit. They had me dressed up in tight black pants with a slight FLARE at the bottom, a button down short that was dark red and sheen-y, the kind that changes color when you shift in the light, and a velvet vest with stithings of pretty flowers.Check out the show on April 12th and you'll see what I'm talking about. I was NO WHERE NEAR as cool as Vincent Jones...dammit!

Almost out of beer

These doors don't open
til after dark
and it really a party
Til you find a place to park

On that spoken word note....GUESS WHAT? Today marks my 100th post to this internationally acclaimed blog...

It's Thursday...I shoot my Under-five on ONE LIFE TO LIVE tomorrow. I picked up my script at the studio yesterday and I'll be playing a bartender in the A.C. Lounge...whatever that means...I'm not THAT familiar with the show, so I dont know what the AC Lounge is...it looks like we shoot first in the day, which is great...but I guess thats always subject to change. The air date, according to my script is Wed, April 12th, 2206...but then again...THATS always subject to change...as I've learned before...the hard way...

I did a few days of U5 work on GUDING LIGHT last year and spread the word that I'd be airing on the date that was indicated on the script....so all my friends and family either had their Tivos set, or gathered themselves around the TV set...my poor grandmother had them roll her wheelchair up to the TV in the Lutheran home in Hickory...and the DAMN THING AIRED three days later...frustrating to say the least...thats what I get for mouthing off...

This morning there were a few emails going back and forth about RED LIGHT WINTER, by Adam Rapp, assistant directed by Christine Henry, my director from FISH BOWL. This first email is from a well known casting director in New York:

Talk about plays to recommend-

Hello, red light winter?!!! Adam Rapp in general. Did anyone see Stone Cold Dead Serious a couple years ago? (Brutal Ninjas?) RLW is by far the tamest of his work and still jaw dropping. Does anyone watch the L-Word? He is a very ballsy writer and has a film that opened this weekend -if anyone has seen it, i would love a review. JE

I saw Red Light Winter in previews, my director, Christine Henry, from my recent show FISH BOWL, was Adam Rapp's assistant director on RLW. I thought it was fantastic. I was also surprised when I read a few of the reviews (Especially the NY Times) that offered less than praise. Most of the reviews I have read for RLW have not been so great, which is a shame because its a great show. The performances are solid and the writing is funny, tragic and really moving. I walked out of that theater and couldnt get it out of my head for days.

As for his film, WINTER PASSING, which I have not seen, I read a short review in the "L magazine" which, once again, was not so flattering..but considering how much I enjoyed RED LIGHT WINTER despite the reviews, I'll definitely check out WINTER PASSING and let you know how it goes. JH

Just to offer another opinion. I saw Red Light Winter in previews also and found myself extremely wrapped up in it, but left the theatre feeling like it was a mixed bag. In my opinion it is a very theatrical piece and had me asking questions like how could she not remember him and how do these well read characters not know certain literary references. I liked the performances for the most part, but found her to be a little actory when she dropped the accent and don't know if it's the writing or the direction they went, but the friend (shit, I'm bad with character names) becomes sort of this one-note evil character to the point of actually saying, "I'm not a good person" and I found that less than three dimensional. I liked the themes of the show, but it is not, in my opinion a perfect show. Really loved the main guy (again, me and character names...and actors names for that matter). His performance was worth the price of admission...which, for me, was free. JC

We had our weekly ProActive meeting last night at CHAMPIONS STUDIOS and it was good one. I brought in material for everyone to work on, so everyone got up and performed the same short monologue...with very little preparation. Its a great exercise that I learned when I used to study with Susan Batson. There is so much to benefit for everyone when we do the exercise, plus, it brings us together as a group. Its been a while since we had some good group bonding and I think it did us all alot of good.

I was talking to Meg Scibona after the meeting and she had noticed that the paper I used to print out the material for last nights exercise was recycled, and that I was using the same paper that I had used to print out THE PALOOKA when I was auditioning for that play a few weeks ago. The funny thing is she recognized the tex and told me that she knows the playwrite really well. It's too bad I didnt know that a few weeks ago. I was called back for the lead role and it was between me and ONE other guy. I did NOT get cast.

Obviously it's way too late to put in a good word, but Meg sent him an email this morning on my behalf, which was an incredibly nice thing ...

Hey Brandon,

I just wanted to let you know that if you ever need an actor, James is really one of the best we know. He always does his homework and always comes up with interesting choices. He is really great to watch. I actually directed a short last January and James was the star. He was awesome! We belong to a group called PROACTIVE (the PROfessional ACTors CollectIVE). We are actually screening a bunch of shorts we shot last year. Take a look at our website. The screening is this Monday 2/27 at 7:30pm. Come and join us if you're interested!

See? That really does the heart good.

We have our big screening event coming up this Monday. I'm excited about that. I think we'll have a good turnout. There are a handful of films being shown that I haven't seen yet. Should be very interesting. I have no idea at this point what kind of VIP turnout we'll have, but there are rumours flying around about certain producers, casting people and even a few ONE LIFE TO LIVE cast members. Regardless, its going to be a good party.

Okay, I'm up and outta here
Cuz I'm almost outta beer

Support a hard working actor

PLEASE HELP SUPPORT THE ARTS

Please help support a hard working actor, writer, filmmaker, artist in New York City. That hard working actor, writer, filmmaker, artist in New York City...would be me.

A small donation would be greatly appreciated and funds collected through my site would enable me to move forward on plans to produce several short films that I've written, as well as a dramatic pilot episode of a series designed for a network like HBO or SHOWTIME. Donations will help me handle the costs of acting classes and coaching sessions, printing costs of headshots and postcards as well as airfare for trips to LA to meet casting directors.

I decided to add this page to my site recently because I figure it can't hurt to ask. I work hard to make ends meet. I'm creative and resourceful. I am also usually working two jobs on top of rehearsals and auditions, days of shooting and all around networking. So here I am, asking for a little help.

God bless you....

Your donation can be received on the donations page of my wesbite:

JamesClifton Huffman: Donation page

The Day After

Its the DAY AFTER, The black cloud of Valentines smoke has cleared...it seems that we've all survived...or at least partially survived..Has any else noticed the coming trend of Valentines Day becoming the ANTI Love day? The ANTI Valentines party is on the rise at an alarming rate. I watched a handful of promos on TV where the basic theme for Valentines day this year was "LOVE STINKS." I think its hilarious. You've got half of the people out there going to a nice dinner with whoever the object of their affection may be andf the other half engaging in rebellion. There were parties being thrown throughout the night that celebrated being WITHOUT...resenting the fact that those who have no "Official" Valentine are forced to feel inferior..celebrating being single...an interesteing development.

I woke up this morning a bit depressed. My life has experienced some changes in the past few weeks...past few months and I'm still trying to get my bearings...I'm still trying to get my wits about me. I've been working so hard for so long to push my career to the next level and I feel stuck. I know, I'm supposed to be a fighter, a warrior...I'm tireless and clever...but ist really hard to stay ultra-positive and driven ALLthe time...its part of being an actor or an artist. You're at odds with the world sometimes and you have these moments of doubt that drop on you like a cinder block.

I had a dream last night that I was on the phone with a big A-list agent and we were talking about working together and then suddenly he changed his mind. I got really pissed off. He couldnt explain why so i started ranting on the phone about how agents cant see the trees through the forest, how they are afraid to take a chance on anything or anyone thats not wrapped in a pretty red bow (Whatever THAT means). I begged him to give me a chance. I begged him to believe in me.

No wonder I woke up feeling like shit. Shame on me for begging like that. Where's my dignity?

I imagine that my first major break will come at the hands of my own deeds, my own blood sweat and tears. I'll end up passing along my good fortune to an associate or someone who's been there for me because I'll need help managing my success. I'll recruit and enlist friends as my manager, agent, consultants. Those who have always believed in me. We'll come together and we'll start handing out beat downs. I'll put together a team, a staff to handle the surge. My staff, those who are closest to me, will take the world by storm, laughing all the way to the bank. We'll become a conglomerate of movie stars, filmmakers, entrepeneurs and ambassadors of good will. I'll be an activist, involved in the community. I'll devote time, energy and money to improving the quality of life for American veterans of war, like my father. I'll also devote time and money towards finding a cure for bi-polar disorder, a condition, disease, whaveter you want to call it, that I've come to know every well. My father suffers from bi-polar disorder.

I would give anything for him to see the day that he can live his life unmedicated, feeling the highs of life, the lows and all that falls in between. Something that many of us take for granted, including myself.

Suddenly I feel better...motivated...

www.jamescliftonhuffman.com

Stop, Drop & Roll: Monday, Feb 27th

SAVE THE DATE...

Stop, Drop, & Roll

A screening of short films created by members of the
PROfessional ACTors collectIVE

TIME:
Monday, February 27th, 2006
7:00 PM

LOCATION:
Brass Monkey
55 Little West 12th St
New York, NY 10014

DESCRIPTION:
Stop, Drop, & Roll is a screening of eleven inventive, entertaining, and fun short films, featuring performances by 26 of New York’s most PROACTIVE actors.

These films were created on a single day of each calendar month in 2005 (with November off for good behavior), as part of the PROACTIVE Monthly Film program.

The goal of the program was to empower and equip member actors to create shortfilm projects. These films showcase actors’ unique skills in roles of their own creation. In making the films, members gained filmmaking experience and expanded their contacts into NYC’s vibrant film community.

The PROACTIVE Monthly Film program was an initiative in which the group resolved to shoot a different short film on a single day of each calendar month of 2005. Members pooled resources and contacts to help one another to produce these films. Films were written, produced, directed, and shot by PROACTIVE members, with the help of a number of filmmakers from outside the group.

As a result of the PROACTIVE Monthly Film program, not only were eleven films created, but also three new film production companies were brought into existence, and relationships were forged that have contributed to many other projects.

THE VENUE:
Brass Monkey Bar is a relaxed, friendly pub smack dab in the middle of the ultra-trendy Meatpacking District. The back room features a large-screen projection system that will serve as the screening room for Stop, Drop, & Roll. The full bar features more than 20 beers on tap, and there will be Happy Hour specials all night at the event.

$10 Cover (suggested donation)
Sponsored by Newcastle Brown Ale
All proceeds benefit
PROfessional ACTors collectIVE

Industry Comps available

Directions / More info / RSVP at

PROACTIVEactor.org

Featuring these short PROACTIVE films :

F***in’ Calamari
The Record
PhoneFall
The Remodel
Left Hook
Buzzing the Buzzer
A Good Fight
Tradecraft
Sunshine
Greetings from Sun Valley
Aural Fixation


Films acted, directed, written, produced, shot, edited, and catered by:
David Berent, Dan Cauthorn, Roger Del Pozo, Tatiana Dellepiane, Don Downie, Jamie Effros, Kristina Erickson, Rob Farren, Therese Fretwell, Brendan Galivan, Amy Golden, Jennifer Harder, James Clifton Huffman, Joyce Isaza, Sean Jaffe, Daryl Lathon, Vincent Lorusso, Ian Marks, Rachael Mason, Heather McGonigal, Allison Moran, Adam Multer, Heidi Niedermeyer, Jason Nunes, Kittson O'Neill, Derek Peith, Christa Savery, Stacie Leigh Scaduto, Meghan Scibona, Michael Shimkin, Jim Spring, Jesse Soursourian, Jessica E. Stone, Jodie A. Taylor, Andrew Walker, Charlotte Winters