Special Guest post: Mo Waja interviews Robert Cormier Actor, entrepreneur and Programmer of Pendance Film Festival

   The film and entertainment sector has always fascinated me — which is why I'm always excited to record and release episodes with people embedded and growing within the industry. We sit down with Robert Cormier, actor, entrepreneur, and Programmer at Pendance Film Festival, to talk a day in the life of an actor, current projects, and Pendance Film Festival 2019.  Listen

 

Mo Waja interviews Robert Cormier

Journey to 50th Production in the movie industry

 It has been an amazing 4 years doing, Local films, feature films, commercials and working with amazing actors, actresses, directors, producers.

I have traveled all over Ontario and been part of films that have won Oscars for best picture, best director and small film festival awards all over North America.



                                                  

Jim Pagiamtzis short film resume 2014-2017

October 2014 Short film     “Blind”

  https://vimeo.com/146418690

Nov 30^th,2016  Played Security guard for Sketchy Productions and Dawn Hughes & The Rise of Eve Fantastic (Indiegogo)

Episode 4 1:44 mark https://vimeo.com/206305622

Dec 2016 -Checkmate Centennial College Ashtonbee Campus

https://youtu.be/XQQ6rxDi2Zs

Sept 30^th 48 hour movie film “Riding with Strangers”

https://vimeo.com/236463210           password        district11

KracksMEeUp production

 https://vimeo.com/290519560/9c2bb72b6c

IMDb  page

https://www.imdb.com/name/nm7458115/

 Jim Pagiamtzis's submission to TIFF18 rising star

                                                

Special Spotlight Feature: Gabriel Gherutchi (by DArlene Morrison EBoss Canada)

Gabriel Gherutchi

                


As part of our ASPIRING TALENT series – Darlene Morrison spoke with Gabriel Gherutchi about his acting career.

As a child, did you want to be an actor or did it fall into place through other activities?
 
I remember always loving Show Biz. The lights and possible glamour. It attracted me to be part of it one day.
Initially, I had other dreams of crazier careers- not specifically an Actor. I was shier growing up, wasn’t ready for any kind of public speaking. I tried my hand at Drama in high school, yet it didn’t really open me up much more. Then, there was a time I wanted to focus on writing. Last few years have been the realization that I enjoy more being in the limelight, in front of the camera, talking and interacting with characters. That’s when my eyes were open to the Industry.

Who inspired you to follow your dream to pursue acting?
 
Many many Actors and friends of mine inspired me to be a Performer somehow. I had many talented people to look up to growing up. One particular muse was Professional wrestling. Something about the live nature of it, the crowd interaction, made me want to be an entertainer. Then I had a hero of mine make me want to be like him- David Letterman. Mostly I’d say, it has been myself that has been inspiring change and pursuing all the different avenues available to an actor.

What challenges have you faced in the entertainment industry? What has been your most rewarding experience?
 
Challenges are part of the beauty. Still, the big one is competition. Or not getting noticed. Or missing a chance because of circumstance. Still, all of this only makes for great stories in the end. It’s a shame that our line of work is so fierce and doesn’t get the recognition and respect it deserves. People criticize what we do, won’t pay to see some up and coming shows, and then have no problem buying a movie ticket like it’s mindless entertainment.
Thus far, most rewarding has been great days on Set, albeit long ones where you wouldn’t trade it in for another “job.” Plus, all the terrific networking we are capable of doing.

What is your favorite type of character to play?
 
I enjoy now more a Boy Next Door, or the rugged young hungry police officer. Growing up, I really loved films like Die Hard and Lethal Weapon. Ultimately, I want to be a character much like they were. With that awesome charisma, and the on-screen chemistry between the talent.

What market do you currently work in? Are there other areas you would like to work?
 
In Toronto myself. Big dreamer wanting to explore Los Angeles, New York and Europe. I don’t want to limit myself, so modeling also is an interest of mine as it can take you globally.

What advice would you give to someone new trying to make it in the acting industry?
 
Advice: Dream awake. See yourself daily getting closer to what you want and what you think you need. It won’t happen exactly, but anything close is just as great. Apply yourself not daily- hourly. Do this by making contacts, putting yourself in uncomfortable situations. Break out a sweat. Get to know what you really enjoy doing. Make lifelong Industry friends that will always be there for you. Think how crazy you have to be to do this steadily. Avoid being cutthroat- it’s already been done and it’s dull. You can be better than that. Above all, know that you’re special for giving this your best- others dreamed about it long ago, now you get to live it for a change…

FOLLOW GABRIEL:
 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegherutchi/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gabriel.gherutchi
IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm7810923/

 Written By:  Darlene Morrison

 Link to article read more

                                                  

Special Story: Dust Off led to brilliant acting career!

 Why are these dusters so inspirational for me to take a picture?

 During my early auditions in 2014 I was asked to make duster look sexy!

 So I asked myself What would Jim Carrey do?
 
 I ended up getting 9 auditions in a row and the rest is history

                                               

Journey to playing a Gambler!

    It was another amazing day be on set for the upcoming move KIN starring James Franco, Jack Reynolds, Zoe Kravitz and Dennis Quaid.

    It was late morning start at 10:00am at the Le Jardin Banquet Hall in Vaughan,

    It was the start of cold week in Toronto .As I arrived noticed lots of cars in the parking lot which was early indication it was big production.

  As I followed the signs to the BG Holding Area and went through the front door to see people dressed as dealer, security guards and police officers. (I do miss playing police officer)

Entered the room and gave it quick scan and noticed fellow author and speaker and background actor Sujit Reddy had already arrive and had settled in.

 We had both been in the same movie earlier this year in May for Downsizing with Matt Damon and Kritie Wigg. Had the fortunate opportunity to be upgraded to speaking role for that film.


  As the rest of the actor came into the room, Numerous announcements were made for everyone to see makeup and have the wardrobe evaluated for the day.

  It was great to see some other actors I had met during the year of Downsizing, Shape of Water and Handmaid Tale

 They had the usual peanut butter and jam with instant coffee and cookies.

 At around 1:00pm we got instructions on what the set up for the day was going to be and what we had to do.

 As I walked into the banquet hall it had been transformed casino room with slots, roulette and poke tables.

    Yes of course Michelle Cormier was there dressed a dealer for the film ( more on her later)

   I wanted to go to her roulette table but they were still doing some work on it so I kept walking to the poker table and grabbed a table. The dealer Andrew was there but he was focused on cell phone for a while and didn't have a chance to speak with him.

  In short time I had two gentlemen on my left and two ladies on my right join us.

 We started to play a couple of games to show a few people how to play the game and then it was GAME ON!

  I hardly player poker only 2 time a year. I actually have a pink poker set I bought recently and was looking a ways to put it to use in the future.

 Figured we were going to play for the entire day, nice way to get some serious practice in.

  The film had started and only thing we were told numerous times was to mime (speak with no voice)  for some reason it was a big challenge for a huge room of 350 people. The AD (assistant director) explained to use numerous time about how we were professionals!

    As they day continued most of the action was behind and we were not even close to the camera so the game was heating up.

  I then had a great idea to give everyone nicknames!    Deals was Andrew Ace. had Donna Knight as Twister Sister, Michelle as Devious Diva , Jim Pagiamtzis as Jamming Jackal, Brandon as Brandown Bourcherd and Michael the Manipulator.

  They all seem comfortable with their names and kept playing. We got some great strategies and tips form Andrew on how to play our cards and manage the way we bet and other minor in game strategies.

 I was listen intently and I went on big winning streak!  Then the momentum change and Twister Sister won a few round, Devious Diva won some massive rounds. Meanwhile Brandon Bourcher and Michael Manipulator were get shut out and losing all their money!

 The day continued with shooting various scenes of the movies and spending lots of time in the BG holding area

   I went to say Hi to Michelle Cormier and I got big hug. We met on the set of Shape of  Water in Hamilton in mid October. She then asked " do you smoke?" responded "really funny Michelle I smoked for one day on set and now I am smoker!"  she smiled and said. 'No I need smoke can find me one?" and with that I was on mission to find a smoke and earn some brownie points!  I went to three tables and nobody smoked. I said " I love you guys!" The fourth table I went to I found a smoke and went over to Michelle to give it her and she was happy and thankful. and with that I was back to my table.

  I had brought a few books to read and figured that was help with the boredom. That was not necessary we had the livelist of tables. There was no need for me to supply the entertainment today. There was lady name Mina who had brought her daughter to join her and they were making us laugh the entire day. At one point she pulled out her selfie stick to take a picture. Her daughter came back from a break and said best "Purrrrfect she brought that out"   (see pick below)

 We neared dinner and we got served an amazing buffet dinner with chicken, rice, salad and cake.

 After dinner I approached Reagan an AD on set to ask her about scene plans for the evening, she actually showed me the call sheet!  We were going to end mostly likely at 11:00pm

  The night continued and we were brought back and forth numerous times for various scenes.

 Near the end of the night I finally had a scene where I play some of concerned gamblers who witness of the actors being arrested and I take pictures with my cell phone. They did the scene a few times. Hope it doens't get cut.

  Near the end of the night we two more people join our table and of course I gave them nicknames!  Guy with hat and black glassses join us and I called him Fifty Shades of Grey and Sujit Reddy came and I name him Hotwheels

  We continued to play poker for 1 hour or so and then finally we heard that's a wrap!

 This is when  it got very hectic with everyone getting ready to getting check out. With 300 background extras everyone headed for the doors. Shortly after that everyone as told to come in they would go table by table. That was not very good

We had our amazing uber driver and friend Chad Curran come to pick us up!

 We sat back down and waited, about 20 minutes later they open up another table inside to help process people inside, that worked out great.We were done and Chad Curran had arrive and was ready to pick us up.

  He was great. loaded up our stuff and off we went back to Toronto!

  Look forward to sharing our future adventures stay tuned...

Sujit Reddy and Jim Pagiamtzis at KIN holding area

                                    

Jim Pagiamtzis and Andy

Left to right Andy, Michael, Brendan, Jim pagiamtzis, Devious Diva and Donna Knight

Sujit Reddy top and bottom our BG table in holding 

I played a concered citizen taking pictures!

                                      

  Movie is based on the short film below by Brothers Jonathan and Josh Baker



                                                        

What would Jim Carrey do? Moment of brilliance shared

          In September 2014 I ventured into the world of acting and what an experience it was.

        I did eight auditions and I got them all! Yes you read it correctly!

                      I have to admit in the beginning it was very stressful and exciting to try and impress the directors and producers for the various roles I was going after. As time passed it become little easier.

             One memorable audition I want to share happened in November where I went to audition for a roles that I didn't know much about. Going blind into a role doesn't give you a framework to work with.

                I walked into the audition room and I was given an air duster and told to sell it. I was very confused and bewildered and then the casting director Albert Frank said "make the impossible possible" and  the I had a epiphany and I asked the question "What would Jim Carrey do?" and then all the movie I had watch the Canadian superstar do over the years from Dumb and Dumber, The Mask, Liar Liar flashed through my mind

  I began to say things like "This is not just for your computer you can use it for your arm pits, your hair and anything else"  Albert Frank expression was priceless!

       Every audition I did after that I used the same question, from dancing merenge with an invisible woman at the Fraser Institute in Toronto to acting as doctor and villain.

         Moral of story:  It's not just watching a movie, but turning the ideas upside down and acting and thinking a different way. That gets people attention!                


                                                        

                                                                    MAGIC is HERE