I just want to give a shout out to our wonderful cast for "Golden Foot"! It was a wonderful experience to work with you all! I apologize to anyone who wanted to be part of the cast but couldn't. It was a joy to meet and work with each of you!!
I wasn't sure how well everything would go during production, but as soon as we got filming things really kicked into 5th gear! I was very pleased because there were wonderful surprises and great inspiration for me everyday! And now I sincerely miss working with you all now that we are screening the film. So, allow me to glowingly showcase each of you here a tad!
After all, these guys worked hard and deserve to be shown off! In fact, I already know that a few of you have found feature film work as a result of meeting others on this film! I am glad I could be a part of anyone's success! Especially for people that I like so much! You've been a joy to work with!
Let's start with our lead protagonist, Daniel Cooksley, actor extraordinaire!!!
1. Daniel Cooksley - playing Sergei Bogdonovich aka. "Golden Foot".
Daniel showed a surprising amount of responsiveness when finding the middle ground for his character. I was sometimes resistant when he asked me pointed questions. But every question he asked was astute, helpful, and necessary to getting to where we needed him to be for this role. And it shows! Daniel was a powerful collaborator who I'd be honored to team up with again, if the opportunity arises. I pray it does! Thank you so much for making this experience memorable and fun, Dan!!!
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1354708/
2. David Flood - playing Charlie.
Dave is a consummate professional. He never complained once. He never avoided or shrunk from the challenge. He is always there 100%. And he is a natural actor! He just GOT the role immediately, and did emotions from zany to serious at the drop of a hat. David, I am so honored I got to work with you man!!! It was just such a great experience for me, and I hope we can work together again some day!
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1492708/
3. John Borland - playing Andrei Bogdonovich.
John is always available to play a role to help out a friend. He's ever faithful to show up and knock 'em dead! He can do roles that many would consider impossible, or difficult, AND he has fun doing it! Thank you John for being a friend to me and making this film stronger and much more fun because of it! "Like PROBIOTIC," my friend... like probiotic, indeed!!! :D
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm7962611/
4. Cristoff Marse - playing Stuart, Patricia's agent.
Christoff kind of blew my socks off. And many of you who were there when he performed know what I'm talking about. I even told him that after he performed and I was taken aback by how instant he was in getting the role. After clarifying his role all he needed was how much (emotionally) to do it. He landed on the ground like a super hero and placed all of this intensity and humor into every breath whenever the camera was rolling. It was magnificent. I truly feel that lightning struck that day. And I hope it does again! Thank you for your power, intensity, and beauty, Christoff! Still amazed!!!
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4934258/
5. Mary Jane Heath - playing Patricia Bogdonovich, Sergei's "mannequin mother".
Mary was like a fast friend who is always on your side. She always gives you something you never expect and never expected you needed until she gives it to you. Then you know you'll need her help again. I just love her so much for being such a talent, but especially for her friendship!
Just to give you an example, that "poem" she says to little Sergei during the flashback sequence? That was entirely her. Not the script. Our contribution was something like "Don't worry your footy will be fine. And you'll see- one day you'll become famous- blah blah." And she turned that into magic. Because that's right folks... Mary Jane is magic. NO other explanation! Thank you, Mary!!! :D
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1021602/
6. Susan White - playing Dr. Debra.
Susan was such a powerful friend to have on set, because she was always available to say yes. And when you ask her to jump she asks "How high?" She just knocked our socks off straight-off during casting. And we knew that her brand of humor would be perfect as the subtle straight-faced "Doctor" with silly instructional videos about mannequins. She was perfect. And more than that- she played against a mannequin and did every crazy, ridiculous thing we came up with on the spot. I am so grateful for that.
On top of all of this I have to give her a big huge "THANK YOU" for providing her house to us free of charge for a full 24 hours of straight shooting. She opened her home to us and we tried (probably in vain) to clean up our mess afterwards. I bet there was still popcorn we threw somewhere in the house a week later. Thank you for putting up with us, and still giving us all a perfect performance on the day! I had so much fun and I hope it was a memory-maker for you too!!! ;)
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm5317604/
7. Linda Roser - playing Female Assistant.
I love working with Linda and I've even written roles for her before because she is such a talented local actor, I wish there were more challenging roles for her locally. Her comedic timing is bar-none incredible, and her facial expressions are infectious. Thank you so much for gracing us with your presence and allowing our "Russian foot model" to reject giving you an autograph- with so much rudeness. It was perfect! Thank you, Thank you!!! =D
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4558350/
8. Chris Plourde - playing Male Assistant.
Chris is my bro when we can hang out, which is becoming rarer, because he is so popular in the local film and commercial scene. I appreciate everything you do for us brother, in front and behind the camera! When Chris is in "go mode" it is really helpful because he pushes us all forward! But I especially love his range and his willingness to do more. I don't think an actor like him will ever be out of fashion. He will always be in demand because he is willing to do the work and willing to be a powerful voice on set wherever he goes, because he's doing it all as a gentleman and a scholar. You da man Chris!!! Thank you!!!
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm7161702/
9. Andrew Durliat - playing Photographer. And Ellah Durliat playing "Little Footy".
Drew does work a lot. And I miss him sometimes because he's not always working with me (shoot!) :/. Why? Because he's here, and there, and everywhere, helping so many local productions! How did he contribute? He got us little Ellah as "Little Footy". Thats right- we used her foot in a shot. Thank you Ellah! :D He also made our locations happen, and he made pre-production happen very smoothly because he was always saying, "what else do we need?" So he made a great photog as well because he had experience knowing what they do, and he wasn't about to hold back when he showed up on camera. Thats what comedy is about brother! Make 'em want more. But most of all, thanks for being a friend and being so helpful to us! You made it happen brother!!! Thank you for being there for the team!!!
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm6747828/
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm6797231/
And last but not least... TA DA!
10. Jillian Kinsman-Barrett - playing "Footy" in the opening closeup shot.
Thats right. We got a really fantastic actual foot model, Jillian, to get the opening foot shot to show just how glamorous Sergei's foot was. LOL. The foot shot seen later (in the Footy Bed) was Daniel, however. LOL. I felt that in the opening shot this would make his foot look really glamorous- and I think it worked! Thank you Jillian for adding your professional touch to everything you do! :D
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1817261/
You cdcan currently see our film playing in Florida film festivals, and you can see it listed on IMDb here.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5510880/
So again, thank you to everyone in front of the camera who made this film happen smoothly and made it a joy to shoot!!! You guys ARE GOLDEN!!! So lets watch how well our little short does, and give it the attention it deserves!
May the Foot be with you! And with you as well!!! :D
~Jon
