Out of Character

Hi Gang!This morning Hoboclown,the nom de plume for Flash Mc Cool,steps back to give the pen to Norm Johnson,the originator of Flash Mc Cool.In this respect the blogger is going out of character to share some of his short production experiences with the withoutabox film makers and the readers.Whenever I go on an audition,I remember the caution to never go in character and basically arrive to do a cold reading of a script.Obviously, the producers want to see my skill levels.Aside from correctly finding my mark,comfortably slating,providing the correct diction,emotion,intensity,mannerisms, adequate short term memory of the script,proper on- camera response to direction there is also a need to rapidly develop the character.Most of my skill base comes from a stand-up-comedy background of experience.That is, if it gets a good response from the audience-use it.More experienced and professionally trained actors and film makers will have a more refinedapproach to the production effort.Lots of things go into developing the character.The previous daily blogs of Flash Mc Cool were in actuality my ongoing attempts to develop the character. I view character development as a dynamic process, particularly for a piece designed for future episodes.This dynamic process is guided by outside forces.By that I mean that creativity comes from a higher consciousness .I am the vessel through which that creativity is expressed.As such I have to listen with a third ear to accurately express what I sense. For me, I sense the lights of creativity mostly just before awakening and early in the morning.I take quick mental notes and refine the expressions from there.On the set, suggestions from other creative professionals, the location, the weather, the timing,the energy levels,financial resources or lack of such and even disruptions can refine the character development and even dictate script changes.Anyone interested in reviewing some of the other devices I have used to help produce Flash Mc Cool can review the articles at : http://www.createmagazine.com/index.cfm?IssueName=philadelphiaorhttp://bwmmag.com/magazine/content/view/296/236/Some of you may be wondering what Flash Mc Cool looks like without his costume.Well, to reveal that at this time would give too much away :) Hoboclown will rejoin you in the next blog and until then,have a great day!Best wishes,Norm Johnson,Originator of Flash Mc Cool