Won't you be my Neighbor?

First of all, I am not a film critic or reviewer. I do not have any kind of degrees in writing of any sort (as most who do, can probably tell from my writing style). But I do love to write. Especially about things I am really passionate about. I’m not quite sure what I could say about this film that true fans haven’t already said or thought. Mister Rogers will always have a special place in my heart. I grew up watching him on my local PBS channel. Here in Dallas it’s KERA.  I remember I preferred Mister Rogers over Sesame Street. Mister Rogers made you feel like everything was going to be ok, especially when everyone else made you feel like an outcast. The movie in my, as well as my daughter’s opinion, was just fantastic. I’m not going to go into that much detail. Probably not a lot at all. For the simple fact, you should see it for yourself. They touched base on all facets of his life. From the time before the neighborhood to his passing. They even showed you how Daniel Striped Tiger was created. They also showed clips from the early days (even though they didn’t talk about it in this film) that you could see a young Michael Keaton when he worked with Fred. Though there is a ton of problems today with society in my opinion. I honestly believe that the list of problems would be shorter if we had more people like Fred Rogers in the world. So would I recommend this documentary for you to see? A million times yes. Just take some Zyrtec or something beforehand. For some reason when I was watching it, something had to be in the air because my eyes kept watering.

Always in my right mind

            A longtime friend of mine recently asked the question on his social media page, of all his left handed friends and family, “When you shake hands, do you prefer to use your dominant hand or do you automatically go righty because it's considered the norm?”. I have a handful of things that I am really passionate about. One of those things is left-handedness.  In my opinion (and that’s all it is) most of the things that lefties do with their right hand isn’t out of comfort or “etiquette”, but out of adapting to a right handed dominated society. His question “left” me wanting to offer my two cents on the subject.

             When I was young, I didn’t have any left handed friends. I had two uncles that were left handed in my family that I knew of. Growing up I had several people, teachers, family members, etc. that would give me grief about being left handed. I remember in school, if my paper was smudged, points were taken off my grade. If I used my left hand to try to complete various tasks, and was having a difficult time completing said task because it was geared more toward a right handed person, I would be yelled at or told “Why don’t you use your right hand? Why don’t you use the "correct" hand?”. I remember in grade school when it was time for arts and crafts, everyone would get out their scissors, construction paper and glue etc. and start to cut the construction paper. What did this guy pull out? Yep, you know it, those pair of scissors with the green rubber grips and the word LEFTY in bold letters going down the sides of the blades. They just screamed “LOOK AT ME”. If you tried to use the right handed scissors the paper would end up looking like a cat used it as a scratching post.

              Some of the teachers would try to make me bend my hand all goofy looking when I write to not smudge my writing. But I could not do that. It ended up hurting my wrist. So I would just write how it felt comfortable to me. It all worked out. But as I was growing up I just put all that aside and didn’t worry about it. Can’t you tell it doesn’t bother me? Here I am 43 and I’m still talking about it. Lol As I grew older I started noticing more and more left handed people. I started noticing more left handed sports stars, movie and television stars, etc. So I would think, wow more and more lefties are around now, maybe it will be more accepted. Boy was I wrong.

              It wasn’t until years later that what I call the “lefty hate” really started to bother me more and more. Though left handedness was seemingly becoming more common, (I’ve read anywhere from 6-10% of the world is left handed) society is still dominated by the right handed mentality. Most of everything you do is geared toward the right handed person. A few examples are using a screw driver, tightening a bolt, using a hand can opener, and even most doors on your house are made for the right handed person. I didn’t realize it until the other night, but even the lawn mower. The rope you pull to start it is on the right side of the mower. But most people don’t think about these types of things because either A) You’re a righty and if it doesn’t affect you then why would you think about it or B) you’ve adapted to using your right hand for various right handed things and it’s become second nature to you now.

                But there are people out there, like me, that are very passionate on the subject as well. Some have even made websites, Facebook pages, and newsletters. One that I read all the time is called Anything Left Handed. If you sign up for their newsletter they send out left handed facts, history, and information. They also sell left handed merchandise. But they are in the UK, so shipping may be a little costly if you are not. So I found this place in Florida called Lefty’s: The Left Hand Store. I believe they also have a location in San Francisco too. I had to make a trip to their store in Florida when I visited a couple years ago. I wish they had some of those things when I was younger.

                One of the points I like to make is, if you have a child who is left handed, do not attempt to make him/her right handed. Do not try to change them or make them feel like they are wrong for being left handed. Even if you say you’re “joking”. You’re not joking, you’re being a jerk. Oh to answer my friend Mike’s original question, I mainly use my right hand. Like I said earlier I believe it’s because of adaptation. But I do use my left on occasion. It does feel more comfortable and it also creates an awkward moment from the recipient because it throws them off a little. Ha! Remember fellow lefties, August 13th is International Lefthanders Day. 

Prison Break: A look back (Sona)

This is my last time on set for season 2. This is the last episode of the season and it was a short scene for me. My time on season two has come full circle. I was approached by casting to play a Prison Guard in the Panamanian Prison, Sona. Which coincidently is the name of the episode, Sona. At first I was a little concerned about performing in that role. Simply because of how the episode in Mexico was. But of course I said yes. I mean, who would really say no here?

The scene took place in the worst of the worst prisons in the world The Federal Penitentiary of Sona, which was loosely based on the Brazilian prison Carandiru Penitentiary. “Sona Prison” was actually three locations. The old meat packing plant behind the Ft. Worth Stockyards (for the exterior shots), A child detention center off of Harry Hines Blvd. in Dallas (for the courtyard shots), & The Studios of Las Colinas (for the cells and interior shots). I arrived at base camp in the evening around six pm. Base camp this time was located in the Fort Worth Stockyards in the parking lot not far from one of my favorite BBQ restaurants Risky’s BBQ. After I parked I made my way to the casting assistant and checked in. I then made my way to wardrobe and props. I got dressed in my uniform and propped up with an AK-47 machine gun. The cool thing about this production is that the guns were real guns. Just made so that they can’t be fired.

While waiting for them to set up the cameras and everything. I was walking around and had seen Bill Fichtner walking around the parking lot. I had been a fan of his since Grace Under Fire. I had only worked with him on two other episodes of PB and he was usually so busy I didn’t want to bother him. So I didn’t want to miss an opportunity since this could be my last episode on the show. So I asked him if he would sign an autograph for me. He said “Sure do you have a photo or something”? I said it was in my car. He said “go get it and I’ll sign it before we start”. So I went to my truck and got the pic and he signed it. Luckily he signed it when he did, because right when I took it back to my truck we had to go to set.

The set wasn’t that far away and we could have easily just walked over. But we all got in the van and they shuttled us over there. It didn’t take that long to get there and we got out of the van and Kevin Hooks came over and went over the scene with us. The scene was that Scofield and Mahone (Wentworth and Bill) have been taken into custody and are being placed in Sona Prison. Right as Kevin finished talking to us in came two huge tanker trucks full of water. They parked them out of the way of the cameras and nighttime had completely fallen so it was totally dark. They hooked up the rain rig to the trucks. The scene was two different “Sona” vans pulled up. One carrying Scofield and the other Mahone. They get out and see each other. Mahone went one way and Scofield was escorted to the door. Where yours truly was waiting, machine gun in hand, to open the door and slam it behind him.

It was a very quick scene, only lasting a few hours. But let me tell you, with the “rain” pouring down, it made it feel a lot longer than it was. That water was freezing. But I did get paid more for getting wet. To help pass the time in between shots, Wentworth and I were looking inside the building. We actually only used the outside of it, so we didn’t need to go in. But while waiting to set up another angle, we went in a little to check it out. Since we weren’t filming inside, there were no lights. So you could only see as far as the outside lights would shine in. Man it was creepy. All concrete and graffiti all over the place. You get that chill coming over like someone was watching you. They set up to get the shot of Scofield going in and me slamming the steel door (wasn’t really steel. Sound effects added later lol) and then they panned up to the name of the prison above the door. Kevin did about four takes of that then we hear “Cut! Check the gate”. Shot was good. “Cut the water” he said then starts clapping. “Great job everyone”. Then they bring us all towels and we dry off as much as we can then head back to wardrobe. Another successful day.

I’ll probably only do one more of these. The next day I’m on set is for the first episode of season three and there is a pretty cool tie up of the last episode of season 2 and the first of season 3.

Prison Break: A Look Back ( Bad Blood)

                         

This is the same episode, but a week apart. Well, when they called me they told me the scene was going to be in they said it’s going to be in “Mexico”. I'm like ok, cool. Then they asked me if I wanted to be a Mexican Police officer. I kind of laughed to myself and said sure. Why not? This scene was supposed to be the airport in Ixtapa, Mexico, in reality it was Meacham International Airport in Ft. Worth. When I get there I go to wardrobe and get dressed in my uniform. Then to props and get my side arm, badge, etc. Then I realize, I'm the only white guy that's not a tourist. So I and a couple other guys are waiting to be in our scenes; I go over and watch the others scenes being filmed from behind the director. I was watching Bill Fitchner do his scene. The scene he was shooting was down one of the corridors and it was supposed to be in Chicago I believe. He was talking on the phone to his on camera son. But really it was to the P.A. off camera. What was funny was that when he wasn’t filming talking on the phone, he was on his personal phone have a conversation. Scene would come up, he would put his real phone in his pocket and say his lines. Cut, then back on his phone. Color me impressed.

Then later it came to my scenes. I was going to be at the airport in Mexico chasing Sucre and MariCruz down the hallway. Myself and the other guys were all in our position ready to go and at the very last second the director decided they didn't want to use us. Damn!!! Again, that’s how it goes. I wasn’t that bothered because in between scenes I got to hang out with Amaury Nolasco (Sucre) and Camille Guaty (MariCruz). When Amaury first got there he came up to me shook my hand and gave me a hug. He said "Hey, what's up man how was your new year". So we got to talking for a little while. I hadn't worked with Amaury since episode 1. And even then we didn’t have any scenes together. We just had breakfast and lunch. That morning I asked Amaury if when he gets a minute if he could sign an autograph for me. He said "Sure, would it be ok if I get it later". Of course I said no problem, whenever you're not busy. So fast forward to the end of the day they said that's a wrap. I was walking around telling everyone by and I walked over to Amaury and Camille and proceeded to tell them goodbye, Amaury then said “Hey let me sign that autograph for you. Do you have a photo or something”. I said no all I have is an index card. So he signed that. Then he said "I'll see you again, talk to you later bro". Then I hand one to Camille and she signed it. Then she gave me a hug. I made my way out to wardrobe and props, then on my way home. Though I didn’t do anything acting wise, it was really cool to see everyone again to see the episode being shot from the directors prospective.

     About a week later I get the call to come back. It’s the same episode, just a different scene. And since my face didn’t get seen in “Mexico” they could use me again. This time was really cool. My call time was at 11:00 am. I went to base camp and immediately go to wardrobe. This time I am a chef in a member’s only cigar club (it was really The Old Warsaw restaurant). What was really cool about it was when I arrived at base camp, everyone was waiting on me and making sure I was good and what not. After I got dressed and propped up, they drove me over to the set. I sat around for a little while and then Stacey Keach walked in. Stacey played Warden Pope in the first season then he got fired at the beginning of the second season. I waited a few minutes and then approached him. I started a conversation with him. I told him I have been a fan of his since I first seen him perform in Cheech and Chong’s Nice Dreams as Sergeant Stedenko. He expressed his gratitude to me for being a fan. I then asked him if he could sign an index card for me. Like all the others he said “It would be an honor”. So he signed it and then shook my hand. About an hour later we broke for lunch.

     After lunch, we came back to shoot the scene. I was working with Wentworth Miller and Sarah Wayne Callies. The scene went good, but somehow they always seem to shorten my part. lol I did make on screen, but if you would have blinked you would have missed me. Still, it was a fun, albeit short day. That was it for me. I was the last one on set and the first to leave. Still had a great time. Until next time.                                   

Prison Break: A look back ( Orientación)

Alright, now this is first day on set of season three. Even though I did plenty of episodes after this one. This will be my last post about Prison Break (maybe?). Honestly, I think people are tired of hearing about them. lol This day picked up right after the finale of season two. At the end of season two, I slammed the door behind Scofield locking him in Sona Prison. Season three picks up right on the other side of that door. It shows Scofield walking down the corridor. The corridor is filled with all kinds of people. Huge brutes, druggies, transvestites, etc. Scofield sees a bloody and half naked Bellick on the floor as he walks by. Then into the courtyard where a lot of prisoners are watching a fight about to ensue. And it is raining like crazy. This episode is called Orientacion. We did multiple scenes in this episode that day. So we didn’t film in chronological order. Which most of the time it’s not done that way anyway. But let’s not jump too far ahead just yet.

This season is a totally different dynamic than season two was. I play the same character in every episode in season three. This season I am playing a prisoner in Sona. I arrive at base camp around 8am. Base camp this time is actually the parking lot of the location of the set. It’s the courtyard of the prison. It’s really an old child detention center almost the corner of Harry Hines Blvd. & Market Center Blvd in Dallas, TX. As soon as the production was over it was leveled. When I arrived I found the casting assistant and she takes me to wardrobe. I go get my clothes. Which were shorts, a shirt, and some low top vans. Then one of make-up people open up this jar of movie dirt (“Dirt” that is specifically made for the movies. To my knowledge it’s really make up that looks like dirt) and apply it to my hands, arms, and face. I remember it being real soft feeling. They would also spritz me with water on my back, pits, neck, & underarms. To make it seem like it is just scorching hot. Which anyone from Texas knows, that it really was. Some of the actors had their own little spritz bottle to spray their face with water to make it look like they were sweating. I didn’t have one but Laurence (Mason) gave me one of his. You may remember Laurence as Tin Tin on the movie The Crow.

Our scenes were all in the courtyard at this location. The courtyard as I said before was at the Child Detention center. Actually it was the basketball court at the center. They brought in a bunch of sand and added a second floor. They even had a “professional” tagger come and paint graffiti on the walls. It looked just awesome. I worked with some awesome people that day. I worked with Wentworth Miller, Wade Williams, Robert Knepper, Robert Wisdom, Bill Fichtner, Laurence Mason, & Sala Baker (Yes, Sauron from Lord of the Rings and many other things. Who is one of the nicest guys you will meet. I wish I could have got his autograph. Probably will never have the opportunity again.). There was so much that was going on that day. It would be so long to break everything down. So I’ll just give the part that ties the season two cliffhanger with the season three premier.

If you remember at the end of season two I slammed the door to Sona prison behind Scofield locking him inside. On the other side of the door we follow Scofield down the hallway. After walking the above mentioned crowd of people he comes to a door that leads outside to the courtyard. If you remember at the end of season two, it was raining outside of Sona. So naturally it is raining when he goes into the courtyard. As soon as he opens the door, he just sees a massive amount of prisoners running around in a circle and yelling. Inside that circle was Laurence Mason (Sammy. Aka Tin Tin from The Crow) and another guy about to throw down. Sammy then throws down a chicken foot. When the chicken foot is thrown down, it’s time to rumble. So the rain, the fight, the camera man in your face. It was an awesome night. And all that was before the credits.

Prior to all that we filmed what happened after the fight. The guy was dead on the ground, and everyone was either walking around him or over him. Until finally they threw him out the back door. So long story very short. To tie the episodes together with me. If you were to watch the season two finale and the season three premier back to back in one continuous loop, you would see me as a guard putting Scofield in Sona then following him in and see me as a prisoner in the courtyard. I also made it on the DVD menu of disc one. Lol thank you for your time and have an awesome day everyone. I hope you enjoyed reading about a small blip in my life.  

Prison Break: A Look Back (Rendezvous)

This was my fourth day on set. This day was a little crazy and little funny. There were two different sets, (well usually there are) but this time I got to work on both. I arrived at base camp at 6:30 am. Usually this is where I would go and get my wardrobe and props. But this day, I wasn’t a C.O. or anything specific. I was just a regular person. So I had brought my own clothes. I did get a suitcase from them to use though. So I went directly to catering and had breakfast and a ton of coffee. I just sat around and shot the bull until it time to head out. I had my coffee and breakfast next to Paul Adelstein aka Special Agent Paul Kellerman. Paul was a really cool guy and a pleasure to talk to.

About an hour later I was walking to my car and noticed Paul sitting in his car. I walked by and he started talking to me. We chatted a few minutes and then I asked him if I could get a picture of him and get an autograph. He said “Sure man, do you have a photo or something?” I said “It’s in my car, let me go get it”. So I brought it back and he signed it as well as signing my index card (which he put the wrong date on lol) and let me take a picture of him. I said thank you so much. He said “No problem at all man” and then one of the P.A’s came and got him to take him to set. So I went back over to base camp and waited to be taken to the set myself.

We loaded up in the van and they drove us over to Union Station in downtown Dallas. Union Station in Dallas, Texas was temporarily filling in for a bus depot in Tribune, Kansas. This is where the first set was at. If you look carefully in the episode, you can see newspaper machine inside the station where they just put a black piece of tape through the word “Quick”. The Quick at the time was a small free newspaper the Dallas Morning News gave out. I did half a day here. We did a lot of exterior shots. Most of which did not make it on the show. The main shots were in the inside of the station though. At the station I worked with Wade Williams and Matt DeCaro aka Captain Brad Bellick and C.O. Roy Geary from Fox River. Wade remembered me from past shootings and we shook hands and talked for a couple minutes between takes. I complimented him on his blog that he was writing for the TV Guide website. He seemed really proud of it and was happy that I was reading it. After that we filmed some additional exterior shots in the back of the station with just me, another guy, Brad, & Matt. They ended up cutting those scenes out of the final show. That was most of the day.

Then around four o'clock in the afternoon we headed to the D/FW Airport. D/FW was supposed to be O’Hare Airport in Chicago. There we worked with Paul Adelstein aka Special Agent Kellerman. That was the funny part I had mentioned at the beginning. We had most of one of the terminals shut down for filming. But there was still a little section that was still operating. All the workers would stop dead in their tracks to watch us film. This one guy came in the door and one of the assistants told him we were filming and to go another way. He got real mad and stormed off. He went past me dropping f-bomb after f-bomb. Then he went and got in line to be checked in. what happens next would really set him off. He really got pissed when he found out the line he was in was all actors. That was karma biting him in the butt for being such a jerk.

So we shot for a couple more hours including a scene with the character MariCruz. In the show MariCruz was Sucre’s girlfriend. The normal woman who played MariCruz could not reprise her role at the time. So they replaced her with another person. We filmed a couple scenes with her then called it a day. A little over thirteen tiring hours, and I can't wait to do it again. A lot was filmed and even more was cut out (the entire MariCruz scene was cut). But that’s ok. Even if I do get cut out again. 

Prison Break: A look back (Buried)

 

This was my third day on set. It actually wasn’t as eventful as others. But it was probably my most disappointing. But I wouldn’t know that until much later when the show aired. My call time was for this episode was a little later than usual it was at 11:00 am, so I arrived at 10:00 am. This time base camp was set up in a parking lot downtown at the corner of Ross and Field. After I parked, I found the casting assistant and checked in. Afterwards I went directly to wardrobe and got my uniform. Then off to props. I got my gun belt, service revolver, and everything I needed to be another correctional officer. But this time I wasn’t a Fox River Correctional Officer, I was a C.O. for the Arizona Department of Corrections. This particular episode was called “Buried”.

            Not long after I got suited up, they went ahead a called lunch. So they shuttled us to The Adolphus Hotel in downtown Dallas and we had lunch there. I know it seems like I’m a broken record always talking about how good catering was on this production, what can I say though. It was awesome. After I got my food I took a seat and was sitting down next to Marshall Allman. If you don’t know who Marshall is on the show, he plays LJ Burrows. LJ is Linc’s (Dominic Purcell) son. Marshall is a pretty cool guy. He and I and a couple others talked the entire lunch hour. After lunch it was time to head back to set. I had asked Marshall if I could get a quick picture with him. He said “sure no problem”. I then asked if I could
get his autograph. He again said “No Problem” But he said “They’re calling me so
catch me when we get on set.”

Once I arrived on set they were getting ready to shoot my scene. In this scene L.J. Burrows (Marshall’s character) was arrested by the police and then transferred to the Arizona Department of Corrections. I had a great scene with Marshall. I was the C.O. who brought him in to be checked in. Marshall and I had been talking before the scene and decided that it would look good if I would give him a little push through the door. After we get through the door, I was to tell him very sternly to “MOVE IT”. It was great, a lot of close ups and everything. After we did that scene about ten times, we finally heard “Cut. Check the Gate”. Which means that’s the scene they liked and are going with. Then on to the next scene. But that was the only one I was there for that day. So it was time for me to go. Marshall caught me on my way out and asked if I still wanted that autograph. Of course. So he signed my index card.

So I hopped back on the shuttle to base camp. I made my way back to wardrobe and props and turned everything in. Casting signed off on my pay slip and was on my way home. When I left I felt so good. A good day, good people, and I had a line (albeit a small one) that was going to be on the show finally. So when the time came for the show to be aired, I’m watching and something is a bit different. The entire Arizona prison scene had been scrapped. Every single thing I did that day gone. Most likely on the cutting room floor. Oh well, it happens. It was very disappointing but there is really nothing you can do about it. I did my job. Just move along to the next one. 

Prison Break: A Look Back (Otis)

          This was my second day on set. To say it wasn’t as good as my first day would be the understatement of the year. I don’t even remember the call time. I think it was around 9:00 am. I do know that it was hotter than hell and I got a sunburn in the shade. Being in an all-black Fox River Correctional Officer uniform didn’t help. Little did I know that would set the tone for the rest of the day. After I arrived, I found a couple guys that I knew and we waited to be sent to wardrobe. The casting assistant came over and got us and took us to wardrobe and then to props. Wardrobe happened to be right next to the main “stars” trailers and we got to meet them coming in and out. I saw Bill (Fichtner) again, Sara, Amaury, and guest star John Heard (But I didn’t meet him). 

           I was so pumped about this episode. It was only about a week and a half between my time on set from the first and second episode. Casting called me the day before I was scheduled to be there and asked if I could shave my mustache. I really didn’t have a problem with doing because I was only keeping it because of continuity on the show. But they said it was ok and that if I shaved it there would be a big scene that I would be featured and credited in. So the answer was an easy yes of course I’ll shave it. After I got on set I found the A.D. He told me where I needed to be until they were ready for me. Ok no problem. I was one of the few that would do what was asked of me without complaining. It seemed that some of the others would not do the same. Periodically he would come out and tell us that there was a delay and to hold tight. Most of us didn't have a problem doing that. We knew it was a hurry and wait situation.

           After about twenty or thirty minutes the strangest thing happened. We were all off the path of the sidewalk away from everyone. Then John Heard comes walking up with the AD taking him to set. He is carrying an umbrella blocking the sun. He stops at the end of the sidewalk and whispers in the AD's ear. Next thing we know the AD is coming over to us telling us to stay at least 20 feet from him and don’t look or talk to him or you will be asked to leave. Everyone was just baffled because not one person said a word to him or anything. Then he just walked in. Very strange and really uncalled for in my opinion. I was a fan of his since Big with Tom Hanks. But that has since changed.

 

         So after that were still waiting. Come to find out there was a new director and he must have been in a foul mood that day. He ended up changing up the script , reshooting scenes, and he was yelling at everyone. Before that, I did my part then just patiently waited. About 3:00 pm we broke for lunch, which was just as good as the first time. This time was different. They had the main cast away from everyone else. But Wade Williams and a couple others didn't eat with the others that day. After lunch I was talking to Wade, the man has a memory that is uncanny. Lol. He came up to me and said “Hey Riley, how’s it going?” So we spoke for just a little while as it was getting closer to go back to set. So I asked him if he would sign my index card and take a photo with me. He, just like Philip Van Lear, said it would be an honor. So one of the guys from the crew took our picture with my phone and that was it. He said “I’ll see you later Riley” I said ok and went back to set.

          The rest of the day progressed just like the first half did, long and hot. It was about 7:00pm and they came out and told us we can go home. The AD came out and apologized to me. Most of the day after I did my one scene,  I wasn't doing anything. A lot of the guys were happy to leave and they were saying they should have already let us go home. But I was upset because I really didn’t want to leave. Yea, I got paid for doing almost nothing, but I was there to work, not to hang around and do nothing.  So I made my way back to wardrobe and props to change and turn in my props. What made things even worse, when I went to leave, it was so hot it drained my battery in my truck. Luckily one of the guys from the crew had a battery jumper and gave me a jump so I can go. 

Interview with Tiffany Grant (2004)

                Back around 2004 (wow, I can’t believe it’s been 14ish years since I did this), I was able to do a 10 question interview with actress Tiffany Grant. Tiffany is a voice actress from Houston, TX. To make it a little more accessible for Tiffany’s fans, I have put it here on my blog. It’s also easier to update should links to websites or email addresses change. 

               Riley: Hello, how are you?

Tiffany Grant: Thanks so much for asking :-) I’ve been working quite a lot lately.

               Riley: I’m sure you get asked this a lot. How did you get started in voice acting?

Tiffany Grant: Well, I had been a theatre actor for most of my life. One day, in February 1994, I got a call from a 
friend of mine who knew about my acting background. Who’d also heard about AD Vision’s very vision’s very first 
audition to find voice actors for a project called “Guy: Double Target.” I auditioned on February 12, 1994, and I 
was hired immediately as their very voice actor. I’ve been in the business ever since!

    

               Riley: Let’s say I wanted to be a voice over, how would I get started?

Tiffany Grant: Well, I get that question a LOT, and you obviously cannot do it the same way I did! First, you must 
have a solid acting background or some incredible God-given talent; because ACTING is the most important thing.
Next, understand that there are very few places in the country where this type of work is available: Los Angeles, 
NYC, and Houston, and D/FW here in Texas. You MUST live in one of those areas to work in anime voice acting.
If you want to get work with a particular company, you’d need to find out how they go about auditioning and hiring 
their performers. At ADVF, open auditions are held about every two months. An aspiring actor only needs to call 
and get their name on the waiting list. When your number comes up, so to speak, you get a call. Anyone can get 
on the list, so it’s really open to anyone. People are waiting about six months right now to get their appointments. 
Patience is a virtue. There are voice-over opportunities everywhere though, so there’s always something if you 
LOOK for it.

               Riley: Beside what you’re doing now, what would be your dream job?

Tiffany Grant: I guess I’m a truly lucky girl. I already have my dream job! I am thankful everyday that all those years 
of doing funny voices and imitating people has actually paid off.
               Riley: What do you think of the hobby of autograph collecting?Tiffany Grant: I have to admit that I do it myself!!! Therefore, I would say that it’s a fine hobby to have :-) I’ve been 
collecting autographs since I was a pretty young kid, but I am sure I don’t have as many as a lot of folks. My guess 
would be around fifty or so.
               Riley: What do you enjoy in your downtime?Tiffany Grant: I love to read science fiction and biographies. I also do crosswords, and I enjoy going to the movies 
and watching DVDs.
               Riley: Do you sign autographs through the mail?Tiffany Grant: Yep! People can email me at Asukatoo@aol.com. I can either send a photo, or some people send 
items they want signed (w/ an SASE) which I am happy to do.
               Riley: Do you limit the number of autographs you give one person?Tiffany Grant: That depends. At conventions, I try to be as accommodating as possible, and most people only 
have a few items. I have had rare situations where someone had dozens of items, which is a bit much to take. Also, 
conventions will often limit the number of items in the sessions so more people can be taken care of.
I haven’t had a problem with this through the mail, so I’ll have to address that if it ever comes up. I do pay for my 
own pictures and the envelopes and postage out of my own pocket, so I can’t really mail anything heavy.
              Riley: Do you have an address where a fan can write to you to request your autograph or just say hi?Tiffany Grant:
(Tiffany Grant Fan Club)
Or  Asukatoo@aol.com
              Riley: Do you have any words of wisdom or any other additional comments you would like to pass onto your fans?Tiffany Grant: Gee, I don’t know how wise I am, but to anyone wanting to pursue an anime or acting career, I’d say 
stick with it and stay resolved. It won’t happen overnight. It’s something very few people are able to make a living 
at. It took nine years for me!
Also, thanks to everyone who has supported me over the years, I really appreciate it, and I couldn’t have made it 
for so long without you!
              Riley: Thank you so much for taking the time Ms. Grant. I really appreciate it. Be sure to look for Tiffany at the next anime convention coming to your town. And be sure to check her website out for all the current news and convention schedule.

Interview with Petrea Burchard (2003)

                      This is actress Petrea Burchard. Petrea has been in such shows as “How I met your Mother” and the movie “Four Friends”. But my favorite performance of hers is that of Ryoko in the Japanese anime Tenchi Muyo. I was able to do a small interview with Petrea on February 14, 2003. I hope you enjoy. I can’t believe it’s been almost fifteen years since then. 

Riley: Hello Petrea, how are you?

Petrea: Doing great, thanks.

Riley: How did you decide to be a voice actress?

Petrea: I didn’t “decide”. It happened. I’ve been a stage and screen actor all my life, and I also do commercial voice-over. When the “Tenchi” auditions came along, Matt Miller told me about them and I made a tape and sent it in.

Riley: What is/was your favorite character to perform?

Petrea: So far, I had the most fun playing Shakespeare’s Cleopatra- although I’ve got to say I enjoyed being Julius Caesar, too. Not many women can say they’ve played that role.

Riley: What one person has given you the most inspiration in life?

Petrea: So many great people inspire me! But I get the most inspiration from my husband. He inspires me every day.

Riley: Who are your heroes?

Petrea: My heroes are the actors who create and produce their own work: Bonnie Hunt and Emma Thompson are tops on my list. I admire people like Denzel Washington, George Clooney, Goldie Hawn—people who create the work, rather than waiting for acting jobs to happen.

Riley: Do you have a favorite celebrity?

Petrea: Nope, I like lots of them.

Riley: If there is one person living or dead that you could meet, who would it be and why?

Petrea: William Shakespeare. I just want to understand what his life was like, and what made his brilliance possible.

Riley: What do you think about the hobby of autograph collecting?

Petrea: I’m honored when someone wants my autograph.

Riley: Do you sign autographs when asked in person?

Petrea: I’ve only been asked at the one anime convention I’ve attended, and I was happy to do it.

Riley: Are there any upcoming events/conventions where a fan could meet you?

Petrea: So far I haven’t been invited to any new anime events.

Riley: Do you have an address where a fan could write to you and possibly ask for your autograph?

Petrea: I love to hear from fans via my website petreaburchard.com or you can find me on Facebook

Riley: When asked in person, do you limit the number of items to be signed?

Petrea: It depends. If there are a lot of people waiting, I try to be as fair as possible and make sure I get a chance to meet and sign things for everyone.

Riley: After completing this interview, what is the first thing that popped into your head?

Petrea: I’ve been to only one anime convention, and I signed a lot of autographs. One girl I met there sent me an email, and I lost her email address! I never got to write back to her and I still feel bad about it.

Riley: Thank you so much Mrs. Burchard for your time. I hope to speak with you again in the future.

Petrea: My pleasure

I.W.R.: God Bless Texas ( My Recap)

             

  This is my quick(ish) recap of my son and I's first visit to an Imperial Wrestling Revolution promotion. I purchased my son and me ringside tickets as a Christmas present. With our ticket were able to get into the show at five o'clock for a meet and greet with the wrestlers. We arrive at the Gas Monkey Live in Dallas around 4:15pm and get in line to go in at five. The line wasn't too bad. There were maybe 20 people in front of us. But the closer it got to five o'clock cars would pull into the parking lot and the people would get in line with the people who they knew. Essentially cutting in front of the people who have been waiting there the entire time. It was about 10 till five and they (People with the venue I assume) came out and to tell the people with ringside tickets to get in another line. So my son and I do just that. It's getting closer to five o'clock, and we are ready to go in. Five passes and there we stand. Five fifteen comes along and we're still outside. Someone finally comes out and says "five more minutes. They are setting up the tables" Five more minutes turns into fifteen. We were allowed to go in at 5:30.    

As we were walking through the doors and approaching the wrestler’s tables, there was just a convoluted mess of people everywhere. There was no roped off lines for each table. Just people gathering around pushing and cutting in front of everyone. I had four that I had to see. The first being "Iceman" King Parsons. Growing up a wrestling fan in Dallas in the 80's, it was WCCW. And obviously I had my favorites. Of course the Von Erich family were on top of my favorites list. But so was "Iceman". "Like mama says, it bees that ways sometimes, have mercy" It had been since I was a kid since I had last seen Iceman. I met him at a World Class show that was at the Mesquite Rodeo. So I fought through the crowd and made my way to him. As I approached him all my childhood memories came flooding back. I extended my hand out to shake his and to express how much of a fan I was. I had pre-purchased an autograph and photo op. He immediately expressed his apologies that he had severe arthritis in his hand so his signature wasn't what it once was. He dedicated the photo to me and it didn't really look like it with his handwriting. But I was ok with that. We spoke for a few minutes and I took a photo with him and thanked him for his time. My day has been made.

After we speak to Iceman, we walk over to Ross and Marshall's table to say hello. It had been a while since we had seen them. As always, it was good to see them. We said our hellos and wished them a good match. We left because we didn't want to take up too much of their time. We were looking for Chavo Guerrero Jr's table. We couldn’t find it. So we searched for someone who actually represented the promotion. All I could find were the venue employees. Asking them anything was like asking the wall. Actually I would have got a better response from the wall. Finally someone pointed me to someone who "maybe" could help me. I walk over and ask her and she tells me "Oh yea, he had to cancel. He had a family emergency". I understand that. I hope that everything is ok. So I went ahead and headed over to the last person I wanted an autograph from. And that was Lisa Marie Varon. WWE fans would know her as Victoria. TNA fans would know her as Tara. Years ago I went to a WWE show here in Dallas and purchased one of the programs. I've been trying to get the wrestlers in the book to sign their pages over the years. So I had Lisa sign her page as well as an 8x10 of her own. She also took a couple photos with me and thanked me for stopping by. 

My son and I decided not to walk around the autograph room anymore. Simply because it was just too chaotic to walk around. If we weren’t inadvertently running into someone, someone was running into us. So we walk over to check out our seats and see about getting something to eat. We go to the first ticket checkpoint and the young lady tells me to go to a guy down closer to the ring and he will tell me where my seats were. So we approached the guy and I show him our tickets on my phone and he proceeds to tell me "Oh you can sit anywhere in the first five rows". Huh? So I tell him, "No, I bought specific seats." He gave me the I don't give a crap attitude back and long story short, I had to demand to speak to someone about this. He got on his walkie talkie thing and mumbled something into it. We went to double check our seats and they were occupied. So I went back to him and he pointed in the opposite direction and said “Ask her” then turned around. I spoke to a person with the promotion and she helped me get everything situated.  Come to find out the guy was telling everyone to sit anywhere. We noticed that a lot of people that was seated in the front rows around the ring had to move because it wasn't their seats. Once we got settled we were able to enjoy the show with the people that were in ours and others seats mad at us for making them move when they were told they could sit there. So yea, that was fun.
          Once the show started, it was really cool. Most of the wrestlers were really good. There were a few that might need a little more sharpening of their wrestling skills. But I know I couldn’t do what they do. So props to them. We still had a great time. It was cool to see Sting. I just wish he did a little more than what he did. But still cool regardless. But everyone did put on a really good show. I hope that wrestler Barrett Brown is ok. He took a hit to the head with a ladder almost as soon as he came to the ring and was gashed open pretty deep. I'm not 100% if it was or wasn't part of the show. But it looked pretty real from our seats. And they got him out of there pretty quickly.
          When Sting came out to address the crowd he was interrupted by the Spirit Squad. They started talking about Sting and Dallas and Texas etc. And tried to get Sting to join the “SWO” aka the Spirit World Order. What is this the 90’s? Sting asked them. Then in true fashion, Sting stated that he had been given the power to schedule any match. So he informed the squad that the three of them will be going up against the Marshall and Ross Von Erich. But that’s only two people against the three of them they said. No problem they said. Oh no, there will be a third opponent with the Von Erichs. But it will be announced later.
When it was time for the Six Man tag team match with the Spirit Squad and the Von Erichs, the Spirit Squad came out running their mouths. They were doing a tag match with Marshall and Ross Von Erich. But since the Spirit Squad was three, Marsh and Ross were one short. Marshall and Ross came out and took control of the ring and ran the Spirit Squad outside of the ring. Then BOOM Sister Sledge "We are Family" starts playing on the loud speaker. Any WCCW fan in Texas knows whose music that was. Yes, none other than the legendary "Iceman" King Parsons. Iceman comes walking out and into the ring. I was instantly transported back to my childhood. It was awesome to see him and the third generation of the Von Erich family in the ring together. Well after Iceman addressed the crowd he introduced their third man. None other than the Australian Freebird Hunter Hayes. His persona is the "son" of WCCW alumni Michael P.S. Hayes of The Fabulous Freebirds. So the match went on and ended with a Von Erich win with the boys each doing the claw on two of the Spirit Squad for the one, two, three count.
               So despite the problems we had at the beginning of the show, my son and I had a great time. Do things go right 100% of the time? Uh no, no they don’t. I know that there are some wrestling snobs out there that just snub their noses at the independent circuit. Some believe that if it’s not WWE, then it’s obviously garbage. I have to disagree with that. Now I don’t really watch wrestling that much anymore. We have only been to two of these independent shows. Both of them were different promotions. I will say that we were thoroughly entertained. So I highly recommend them. They were a lot of fun to watch and sometimes you have the opportunity to meet current and former big name wrestlers. Now every match wasn’t detailed here. Believe me, this would have been so much longer if they were. So hopefully my son and I can attend another one of their shows someday without any of the issues we experienced this time around. 

Prison Break: A look back ( Manhunt )

I actually got the call to be on Prison Break on my last day on the set of Walking Tall: Lone Justice. For most of my scenes in Walking Tall I was a Dallas Policeman. We had just broke for lunch, as I was eating one of the casting crew approached me and said someone wanted to talk to me on his cell. I gave a confused look and took the call. It was casting from Fox’s Prison Break. She said she had seen a photo of me and casting told them of me. He then proceeded to tell me that they were about to start shooting the second season of Prison Break and asked if I wanted to work as a Fox River Correctional Officer for a few episodes. Then more other “various” roles if I wanted throughout the season. With zero hesitation I said yes. So I went to go finish my lunch. To my surprise the CD already told the others and I came back to them telling me congratulations. Which was weird, but I just said thank you and finished my lunch.

So after a long day of shooting, we wrapped up. My final scene was my favorite. The cast and crew thanked everyone and it was time to go home. For Walking Tall, I had a mustache and goatee. But for Prison Break I really wanted to impress them. Not only with my performance but with my look. I really wanted to look the part of a Prison Guard. So I shaved my goatee off. I just kept my mustache and soul patch. Didn’t look half bad if I must say so myself.

My call time was 6:00 am in McKinney, TX. This was for the Season Two premier. This episode was called “Manhunt”. I was a Fox River Correctional Officer. I arrived at base camp at 5:00 am. From my past experience on other sets, I find it best to always get to set early. Better to be early than late. So I walk from the parking lot to the dining area and wait for the casting agent to arrive. About thirty minutes later she arrived. I then checked in and went to craft services and got something to eat. They had a rented a building down the street from the set as “base camp”. So the caterers were set up in there and there were tables etc. I sat down to eat and some of the main cast joined me. I was eating with Dom Purcell, Peter Stomare, Wentworth Miller, Amaury Nolasco, and a few others. They were really cool and very nice to meet and talk to. One of the many great things I can say about this production, they seem to feed you well. After I got through eating I went over to wardrobe and got my costume then I headed to props. The prop guy gave me everything I needed, like my badge, keys, gun belt, sidearm, and shotgun. Everything I needed to become a Fox River Correctional Officer. When I was through with wardrobe and props, I and a few others were driven to the set.

This episode picked up from the end of season one with Scofield and the others escaping from Fox River and are now on the run. This day happened to be at a storage facility. This particular storage facility in McKinney, TX in the middle of the Texas summer. On the show it was supposed to be in the winter in Oswego, IL. So all of the Fox River Officers were all in thick heavy coats and long sleeve shirts. Lol Not exactly a comfortable day. The escaped convicts were believed to be hiding in one of the storage units. At first I was with Philip Van Lear aka C.O. Patterson and Wade Williams aka Captain Brad Bellick. Then later we were joined by William Fichtner aka Special Agent Alex Mahone.

The day was very hot. But the other background people I was working with as well as Wade and Philip, made it so much better. I even got complimented by the Assistant Director. I was extremely nervous, especially with it being my first day on this set, and I didn’t want to make a stupid mistake that might jeopardize me coming back. I noticed almost all the other “background” was getting yelled at by the A.D. “Assistant Director” and the Director for not following directions. I was worried I was doing something wrong, so I asked if everything I was doing was alright. Their exact words were “If we’re not yelling at you, you’re doing a great job, keep it up”. Let me tell you, that was a confidence booster. The main scene I was in I even got to improvise most of it, and it made it on the final cut (even though, a lot of my screen time was cut). So we continued do to our scenes, over and over and over and over. It was so hot that day. Between each take the make-up ladies would come by and put sun block on us (it helped, but just a little) and make sure we were hydrated. So we did our final scene for the day and wrapped it up.

Kevin Hooks (director/producer) (You might know Kevin from the 70’s show “The White Shadow”) thanked everyone for doing such a great job and even came up to just me and asked me if I was a real cop in real life. Because of my mustache. Lol. Philip and Wade came over and shook my hand and told me good job. I asked if I could get a quick pic of them and they let me take a pic of the two of them with my cell phone. I was talking to Philip a little and I said “maybe I can get your autograph one day”, he said it would be an honor. All I had was an index card, so he signed that and said it was a pleasure working with me. It was an awesome day, especially for being my first day on this set. Just a really awesome, hot, and great day. I knew that if all the days on set where this good, I was going to have a great time. 

Interview with Teri McMinn aka Pam from The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2013)

Riley:
I’m here with the lovely Teri McMinn. Some might remember Teri from the
movie The Cellar as Sylvia or as the woman with the pickaxe in Boneboys with fellow
TCM alumni Marilyn Burns, Ed Neal, & John Dugan. But most will remember Teri as
Pam the infamous “Hook Girl” in the epic classic movie The Texas Chainsaw Massacre.
(The original)

Hello Teri, how are you?

Teri:
Good, thanks, Riley.

Riley:
Do you feel that being from Texas as well as Paul Partain, William Vail, Ed Neal,
Jim Siedow, & Gunnar Hansen (most of his childhood) helped with adapting to the Texas
heat while filming Texas Chainsaw Massacre?

Teri: 
I’m sure it helps to have encountered Texas heat prior. I know we didn’t have any
air conditioning in any of the apartments I lived in during college, so we knew about
enduring the heat very well.

Riley: 
You’ve taken some time off since appearing in TCM. I’ve seen you pop up in a
few different productions here lately. Am I to assume that the ol’ acting bug that bit you
back at the Dallas Theatre Center might be nibbling again?

Teri: 
I’ve agreed to a couple of well written scripts on Indie projects, however, as anyone
is well aware, getting funding is an entirely different story. Nothing would make me
happier than to do some more acting, or working behind the scenes, writing, producing,
I’d love to do that. I do miss it.

Riley: 
Born in Houston and also lived in Dallas and Austin. By living in California now,
how often are you able to make it back home (Texas)?

Teri:
I get back often.

Riley: 
Sometimes when actors audition for a role in a film they read for other characters
in the production. Did you read for Pam, one of the other characters, or something
completely different?

Teri:
I only auditioned for Pam. Marilyn was cast originally and in on the project from
the beginning. Tobe and Kim had been to Houston and Dallas, and the University of TX.,
and as I have been told, they had already auditioned about 500 young women for the roll
of Pam by the time I auditioned for them (in Austin). They saw my picture in the
entertainment section of the Austin American Statesman for a play I was doing with the
actor Frank Sutton (Gomer Pyle’s “Sarge”), at St Edward’s University.

Riley:
You made your first appearance at the Monster Mania horror convention back in
08. I first met you at Texas Frightmare Weekend in 09 here in Dallas. How important is
it to you to meet and interact with your fans?

Teri: 
I was completely out of the TCM loop, and horror conventions. Monster Mania was
a quick education for me, and I soon discovered fans were incredibly anxious, to meet
me, I was pretty shocked. If it weren’t for the fans I would have remained in anonymity,
I’m sure. Our TCM fans are incredibly loyal, wonderful, and have been very kind to me.
I’ve since tried to make up for my years off the radar, and have made myself available
with my personal Facebook page and added Pam, The O’riginal Chainsaw Gal this past
February.

Riley: 
I know you, Ed, Marilyn, Gunnar, and the rest of the cast have done countless
interviews about TCM and everyone pretty much knows just about all there is to know
about the movie. Can you think if there’s anything that might not be common knowledge
about The Texas Chainsaw Massacre that you would be willing to share?

Teri: 
I’ve been pretty open since I ‘came out in 2008, but it’s been very interesting
hearing from some of the people I worked with in Dallas right after we wrapped, who
have contacted me over these past few years. I was doing stage work and waiting tables,
and over the years they realized that the horror film I had just completed turned out to be
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre... and that I had more than a walk-on role. The ironies of
life!

Riley: 
Is there anything from TCM that you would have like to have seen added or left
out of final production?

Teri:
Yes, a couple of kissing scenes for Pam and Kirk, and Sally and Jerry would have been
helpful. Also, I think a brief scene to show we did like and care about Franklin. Its pretty
hard to see that in the film. I think it was missed, and would have added to all our
character’s development, further engaging the audience to care more about all five of us.
Some real smoochin’!!!

Riley: 
What do you think when you hear someone who truly believes after all these years,
that TCM is based on a true story?

Teri: 
It’s a SMH thing. I know we hear it all the time and all try to educate, especially the
younger generations of fans. Some are adamant it’s a true story. What can you do?

Riley: 
Did you ever see any of the other “Chainsaw” movies? If so, which one(s) did you
like/dislike? Me personally after the second one I didn’t like any of them.

Teri: 
I just thought the first one was entirely different than all the ones that followed, and
wished they had stuck to one continuing story, rather than all the different, yet similar
stories. I saw missed opportunities to strengthen the Sawyer family identity, and to
capitalize on the first film that had become a classic. It would have been interesting to use
all of the original cast (while we’re still alive!!) and include some new scenes with us
from that last day, leading up to their encounters with the family. We all looked very
much the same and would have drawn in the loyal fans to the original they loved. I prefer
my story that I wrote this year, “What Really Happened To Pam.” TCM fans have loved
it, and like the background details on each character, how they met, who they are, and
their relationships to one another that I provided. It came to me after so many fans and I
discussed the fact that the last time we see Pam, she is very much alive when she pops up
out of the freezer. Naturally, I’m partial to my stories:-) In case anyone’s interested, here
they are.
Pam Lives! - Part I

https://www.facebook.com/notes/pam-the-original-chainsaw-gal/what-really-happened-to-pam-part-i/411244449009215

Pam Lives!  - Part II
 https://www.facebook.com/notes/411254205674906/

Sally, Franklin, & Grandma and Grandpa Hardesty
A School of Delight
1951-1962
https://www.facebook.com/notes/pam-the-original-chainsaw-gal/the-hardestys-1951-1962/411257485674578

Riley: 
You also run “Trippi L.A. Tours”, which is a tour guide service you provide in the
Los Angeles area. (Details can be found at www.trippitours.com ) How did you get
started in that?

Teri:
I don’t do the Tour business anymore. It came out of the needs of all the tourists and
guests I met when I was managing Venice Beach Hotels. I do still provide a Self Tour of
LA that I literally sent thousands of people on. They loved it because i you see all of LA
and never get on a freeway. I miss it and you never know, I may just do it again!

Riley: 
How do you feel about the hobby of collecting autographs?

Teri: 
Fans seem to love collecting them, and when you realize that one day when we’re
no longer around, you understand it will be a cool thing to have. TCM is going to be
around a very long time, and generations to come will be glad to have our autographed
memorabilia. This applies to any iconic films or characters, of course.

Riley: 
If a fan wanted to obtain an authentic autograph from you, how would they go
about doing that?
I have an album of pictures on Pa’s Facebook page with information and instructions on
how to order.

Teri:
Yes, I have this album (below) for TCM fans to order.
https://www.facebook.com/pg/PamTheOriginalChainsawGal/photos/?tab=album&album_id=410799265720400
I prefer all TCM, Pam, horror, blood and guts, etc go to Pam’s page.
On a side note, if Pam fans go to my personal page, that’s all Me, and I post what
interests me, art, photos, what I support and believe in, lots of different things. I keep it
horror free, and allow only the occasional Pam pic, and I do announce my appearances
there. . I don’t get too political, and I never post something to change anyone’s beliefs,
but if I find something important I’m likely to share it, but always in good taste. A few
folks have tried to start arguments or rant on my page. I tell them to stop and go to their
own page to rant. I never argue or name call on other people’s pages. I would warn
anyone: don’t expect me to change my beliefs just because they like the horror film I was
in. LOL! There are many actors/directors I admire professionally that I certainly don’t
agree with politically. Pam’s page is building nicely, and I hope everyone will go there
and give it a Like.

Riley: 
Well Teri, that’s all we have time for today. I thank you for the time you have
given me. You are truly a great person. If you want to find out more information on Teri
or buy some “Pam” merchandise, be sure to check out Pam’s Facebook page at
https://www.facebook.com/PamTheOriginalChainsawGal

Teri: 
Riley, that is so sweet of you. I appreciate your questions and your interest. Thank
you so much.