Big Game Behind the Scenes
B I G G A M E B o n a n z a !
I have a treat for you!
Special Thanks to Scott Edward - producer of the BIG GAME Behind the Scenes material
and Rory Walsh of Reef Pictures
Now you know what I did last summer!
ATP!
Chris
Chris
posted by Christopher Showerman @ 1/24/2008 07:17:00 PM
27 Comments:
At 8:34 PM, January 24, 2008 ,
Anonymous said...
Hey Chris - thanks for letting us be among the first to see these (at least based on the Youtube count we are). Looks like you had a lot of fun while doing a lot of work this summer. Plus, quite the impressive cast (William Katt, Ethan Phillips, et al)- and what a different role for you and a big step out of your real personality.
But there is something about playing the villian isn't there? I know that I've enjoyed playing one on stage when I can - the villian parts really allow you to let loose in a way the hero roles don't. I can't put my finger on it (and maybe that's for the best - bwa-ha-ha!)
Oh, and a very impressive "gun show" in the opening moments of each clip too. I guess we didn't need tickets for that one!
I can't wait to see the entire film - is there a distributor yet?
Thanks again - this was a much needed treat and the end of my long day.
Dave
At 8:42 PM, January 24, 2008 ,
Christopher Showerman said...
Thanks Dave! I posted them almost immediately after the producer told me they were online. You probably saw it before most of the cast! I'm glad you enjoyed it!
And you're right - being the baddie is very thrilling in a playing with fire kind of way!
At 12:01 PM, January 26, 2008 ,
Anonymous said...
And I'm sure you don't want to get "burned" but I'm also sure that it made for a nice change of pace. Just don't let the character's inherent "badness" overtake your inherent goodness!
Did you find it hard to step out of character and identify with "Luke?" What kind of things did you have to do to mentally prepare for the role? Inquiring minds want to know!
Dave
At 10:39 AM, January 28, 2008 ,
Anonymous said...
Hey all. Inquiring mind here! Chris- thanks for sharing the incredible behind the scenes footage. I love 'making offs' and it was great to hear a bit about the whys and hows for this movie. I must say you look pretty bad, but I think that was the idea, right?! I'd like to learn more about your preparation for this particular role as well. Hope we get to see the Big Game on the big screen soon. Keep us posted! Hugs to all here in the forum family. Be Inspired!
At 1:54 PM, January 28, 2008 ,
Christopher Showerman said...
Hey Dave & Jaschenka!
Thanks so much for asking about the process of getting into the character LUKE in Big Game. Being an acting nerd, I love the process.
One of the biggest traps in playing a character that is "BAD" is judging that character and then playing a judgement. In life, all of us (ALL OF US!!!!)do the very best we can with the resources and challanges we have to deal with in the moment. Luke definitely does NOT think of himself as bad, he thinks of himself as a victim of society. He's angry about being cheated all his life, not getting his fair share, and all these judgemental snot nosed kids that have everything handed to them on a silver spoon. Luke isn't angry at any one individual, he's angry at the whole system. However, there is no vengance you can take on a system.
The key for me was to really relax the editing part of my personality that we all have to have to function pleasantly in polite society. Most of us, as we mature, develop a space between an impulse and the resultant response to that impulse. Luke feels an impulse and reacts to it almost immediately. It's not that we have different impulses, it is that I edit my responses and he doesn't. In a way I have a lot of respect for Luke because he is truly honest in his animal nature. I really loved him too, because there was still a lot of good in him and a painful desire to be accepted.
ATP!
Chris
At 4:50 PM, January 29, 2008 ,
Anonymous said...
Hey all
Its been awhile so I have had some catching up to do. Its getting really cold here again (-20 windchills tonight).
Chris- I really enjoyed the video clips of Big Game as well as the other "Reef" picture, The Morgue.
Now that you have let us in a little bit into the character of Luke, what part of him do you identify with most...and why?
Read a great quote in the sports section of the paper this week. "Champions take chances and pressure is a privilege". The latter part of that has really stuck with me.
Stay warm
Tim
At 6:53 AM, January 31, 2008 ,
Anonymous said...
Chris- thanks for explaining a bit about how you approached your role. I like that view on things- a victim of society. It made me realise today's civilization can be more or less a restriction to some people, which eventually might push them in the wrong direction. Also- I think overall loosing touch with ones intuition is a bad thing itself. I guess this part must have learned you a bit about yourself as well, hey?
Tim, good to see you here. Love your quote. Great addition to the topic.
Heard there's some pretty wild storms going on in the US. We got a very stormy day over here as well, with lots of rain, typical for the Nethies. Stay safe you all. Elvish greetz and Be Inspired!
At 1:38 PM, February 03, 2008 ,
Anonymous said...
Hi Chris and dear forum family!
Hope this finds you all well!
Chris, thanks for sharing the clips. I finally got around to watching them, very interesting and I saw a lot of familiar faces!
Thanks also for sharing your approach to the part. I look forward to seeing "Big Game" and will keep my fingers crossed that it will be released soon.
I think another good example for a "bad guy" not really being bad is "American Gangster". If you haven't seen that one, I can highly recommend it.
Tim, is it still cold where you are? We actually had some snow yesterday morning, which is rare here, and it didn't stay. It's been very stormy here the last couple of days.
Stay warm everyone and have a wonderful February with loads of Jazz and ATP!
Big hugs,
Ute
At 8:00 PM, February 03, 2008 ,
Anonymous said...
Thanks for giving us some insight into how you prepare for a role, Chris. Not everyone appreciates the amount of mental effort it takes to get into character sometimes - but I think the challenge is also part of the fun.
Ute - I can't speak for Tim, but if his weather is anything like what we've been experiencing it's still cold, but not as cold as it was, and there's more snow on the ground, too.
Sue, I bet you're weather is about the same, eh?
Take care everyone!
Dave
At 6:17 AM, February 05, 2008 ,
Christopher Showerman said...
Howdy all!
Tim, I loved your "pressure is a privilege" quote. Also, in answer to your question about what part of Luke I identified with most, that would be his humanity - which is a great starting place for every character. Vague but true!
Thanks Jaschenka for the thoughts about the role of society in our development. You are so right! Stay Warm!
Ute! That was a great reference to American Gangster. I totally agree. It's always more visceral when we get to see the reality from the viewpoint of the "Bad Guy". It makes the movies much more complicated and true to life. However, in life, we find it so much easier to see the world as black and white - so our moral superiority remains aloof and intact.
And your absolutely right Dave about the fun part about acting is the challange. In fact, that is the fun part about most things is overcoming the obstacles that separate you from your goal or outcome. Looking at life that way makes hardship a gift. Like Tim's quote "Pressure is a Privelege".
We finally saw the latest Michael Moore documentary SICKO last night. I don't care if you love or hate this guys viewpoints and political opinions, but one can't deny that he is one of the best storytellers in entertainment - and I'm including the scripted world in that assesment as well. Then as an added bonus, Mr. Moore actually showed up and discussed these topics for an hour after the movie with the audience. The guy is unflappable and very very intellegent.
For my American pals who have primaries in their states, I'd like to say an early THANK-YOU FOR VOTING TODAY! It is your right AND your responsibility as an American Citizen.
Take Care of Each Other.
All Things Possible!
Chris
At 6:35 PM, February 05, 2008 ,
SusanGail said...
Dear Chris and forum family,
Have been enjoying the chatter here among friends re movie. Love learning the special things that go into making a film, especially from your viewpoint Chris. Love the discussion, and kind of 'boning up' on the film will make us appreciate all the effort that went into making it. Haven't commented, however, as I'm unable to view all those videos, barely at all. Someday soon, I hope, we'll be out of the dark ages here in our little corner of the world...i.e. Slow connection. Our computer programmer son says, "Sorry, you're preaching to the choir," when I cry about it too much.
Jaschenka, always love getting Elvish Greetz here and the nudge to "Be Inspired." Stormy here now too. Ute, you can have some of our snow, right Tim, Dave? Thanks for asking Dave, probably it's about the same as your weather. Picture sitting in the middle of a giant slushie! Tim, saw Tribune headlines of major winter storm coming with over a foot of snow. More snow, sleet, ice on the way. Keep us in your prayers as we drive that son of ours to Metro tomorrow for a flight to MD to visit his sister and attend a bachelor party for a friend in Atlantic City. I recall one winter drive home from the airport when she was in college off to a semester in France. Flight departure ok, but we figured she was probably half way over there by the time we got done skating and sliding on ice storm highways that night.
Chris, hope you'll tell us when you get to see Kite Runner and what you thought. Also Juno...we really enjoyed that movie. The quirkiness of it was very appealing. Also loved The Waitress in that regard. Both fun movies.
Thanks for comment on Mike Moore documentary. Wondered. Speaking of making films, isn't it wonderful the state of Michigan is working hard to create incentives to lure filmmakers here? I'm sure Dave would agree that it would be supernova for a certain filmmaker to come home to make a movie or documentary someday. It's a beautiful state for such art and adventure!
Happened to watch History Channel documentary on George Washington Last night and am always impressed with what you can do with a documentary these days. But it also reminded me of history I'd forgotten about our Founding Fathers and their humanity and struggles that paved the way for where we are now. Makes you appreciate our ability to go to the polls, which we did here at the Michigan Primary awhile ago. Sounds like things are pretty exciting in California...ATB/P everyone....Sue
At 8:31 AM, February 06, 2008 ,
Anonymous said...
Hi All
I am working from home today. As Sue mentioned, we are in the grips of a major winter storm. No one seems to really know how much we are going to get but upwards of 12 inches seems to be an average "guess". It is very heavy, wet snow...the type that kills people when they try and shovel. I have been out to clear the driveway and side walk 4 times now. Better to do it often with less effort than once and....die. The worst part of it is the wind which causes "white out" conditions and for anyone who has never experienced driving under those conditions, throw a white sheet over your head and go for drive. I made it to the gym this morning and then said "forget this....I'll work from home". It took 40 minutes to go 8 miles.
I just saw the mailman go by....he doesn't look like a happy camper today.
Dave/Sue
I hope this doesn't end up in your direction. It could pick up more moisture off the lake and really dump on you.
Be Safe
Tim
At 7:26 PM, February 06, 2008 ,
Anonymous said...
Hello again...Tim...appreciated everything you wrote...saw post when we returned home...amazing the different weather...yours was arriving here this afternoon...snow here, sleet closer to Ann Arbor, rain in Detroit...our son's plane was only delayed 20 minutes for deicing we learned, when we called to see if he'd arrived ok. We were concerned after hearing about 1,000 flights canceled at O'Hare. On our way home, reverse scenario with heading back into the heavy snow and...whiteout conditions...loved your description. Beautiful, but treacherous. Probably another half a foot here again...good thing you can work from home...the weather pattern was scary with jet stream hovering over Illinois and Michigan with the clashing of air masses, arctic from north and warm tornadic from south (just read 68 tornadoes and some 50 lives lost) if I understood that right...not ready for all that again, either...after tornadoes here last fall...snow was in Detroit after we got home, safely watching it all on the news...hope all is well for you Dave...and happy beginning of Lent today to all...surely spring can't be too far off...keep thinking positive ATP thoughts...Sue
At 7:43 PM, February 06, 2008 ,
Anonymous said...
Hi Tim,
I don't know how things are in Sue's area (as she is north of me and where the last storm hit harder) but in extreme SE Michigan it's been more wet with rain than white with snow. The snow melted on Monday night and while coming home from the monthly meeting of my theatre group I had to drive through some of the worst fog I've ever seen. It was like a white out and so thick you couldn't even see the glow of the next street light!
Then it started to rain and didn't stop until today at about 4:00 when it turned to snow. Winter is such fun! I'm glad you made it to the gym at least - we have to stay active during this time of year. At least the days are getting longer.
Chris/Sue,
I did my patriotic duty at the Michigan Primary as well - though we were pretty well "marginalized" due to the rules of both major parites (for those of you out of the country you can find more information with any of the usual news sources on line). Still, I can't remember a time when we've had such a hotly contested race for the nomination as we are now seeing with the democratic party! More fun to come, to be sure.
I didn't see "Sicko" but am also happy to see another Michigander who is doing well. Agree with him or not, I agree with you Chris that he knows how to keep the viewer's interest. I first became aware of Mr. Moore when I saw his documentary "Roger and Me" which had to be about one of the first documentaries, in the modern age at least, to play in "regular" movie theaters and not in some out of the way "art" house. It must have been fun to see and hear him speak in person. He was actually at the campus of the university that I work at once but I wasn't able to get away to hear him. My loss, I'm sure.
Well, it looks like I've strayed quite a way from Chris' original topice - sorry about that!
By the way, did anyone else see "Cloverfield?" what a fun twist on an old story that was!
Oh, and has anyone noticed the ads on the back of comic books for the new Disney Channel show "Phineas and Ferb" which has just premiered this month? I haven't caught it yet, but have it on good authority that it's going to be pretty good!
Okay - I'll stop typing and go to bed now...take care everyone, ATP!
Dave
At 7:45 PM, February 06, 2008 ,
Anonymous said...
Ha, I just finished my typing and see that Sue was apparently doing the same at about the same time! Great minds, eh Sue? I'm glad to hear that you made it home safely!
At 9:08 AM, February 07, 2008 ,
SusanGail said...
Dave, looks like we were thinking about (and experiencing!) the weather last night! Haven't seen any of Mike Moore's films, but have been curious. We both enjoy documentaries that are done well, and it's heartening to see that this genre is becoming more popular with the public. A well-done documentary is something that stays with you long afterward. We loved March of the Penguins, for example. So beautifully done and it left a powerful message that I still think about.
Thanks for mentioning Phineas and Ferb, saw the preview of it, but had forgotten when it was to begin.
Luckily I'm able to be tucked in at home today and focus on some projects calling for my attention! Tucked in safely, and thanks Tim for thinking of us over here in Michigan...now thinking of those caught in the Wisconsin highway snow jam.May all be well for everyone, no matter the weather...Sue
PS Dave, best wishes on your theater projects this year.
At 12:26 PM, February 07, 2008 ,
Anonymous said...
Hello forum family!
Wow, seems like the weather is really getting to you. Saw some frightening footage of both the snow storms and tornados on the news. And how about that China weather?! They never saw that much snow ever..
I know I'm going hopelessly off-topic but since we were talking about the weather, Michael Moore and you all seem to be caught up in the elections as well I just had to grab this opportunity. (Hope you don't mind that I'm using your precious webspace for this, Chris.) Besides- if some of you are stuck to the computer because you can't get out of the house anyway you better do something useful *wink*.
Also, I was kind of annoyed I can't participate in this myself because I am no USA resident- hope you all won't let me down and do the honours.
I'm going to a concert this weekend and the performing band just got their new video out. Love the message (including the split second hidden ones) and am helping them spread the word this way. If you got a sec (or 30..since the band is called 30 seconds to Mars) PLEASE sign the petition and make a change! Talking about the weather is never idle like this!
(You can watch the video on the right there)
http://abeautifullie.org/
Thank you all. Elvish greetz, stay safe. Be Inspired!
At 8:16 PM, February 07, 2008 ,
SusanGail said...
Jaschenka...Elvish Greetz! Love your "weather" story and challenge. Can't see much of video, tried. Got an idea of message though! Can't wait to hear about concert...always "inspired" by your posts...Sue
At 8:24 AM, February 11, 2008 ,
SusanGail said...
A little quiet here on the forum, so thought I'd pipe in again to wish Dave and Tim the best in our arctic sub-zero wind temps...keep safe everyone. We might not think much about global warming at the moment here. May all be well for you all...Chris and forum friends...including those who haven't chimed in lately. Hope to hear how you're all doing in your busy lives and wishing you a beautiful Valentine's Day week. Stop to smell those roses! And, may all your ATP dreams come true! Sue
At 2:43 PM, February 11, 2008 ,
Anonymous said...
Hey Sue
Thanks for the warm wishes. We did get above zero today but just barely (2) and the wind isn't horrible. I am still managing to get about in just a thermal shirt and sweatshirt. If I have to be outside for any length of time I will wear a coat (Carharts are great). The worst part is the ice. I had to run out to my car last night and I hit some ice. It was like being body slammed by Hulk Hogan. I hit hard but only let one foul word fly (same one that Chris got bleeped for in video 2 thus tying this subject into the original posting). Today I hurt. Mild case of whiplash.
Jaschenka
Thanks for the music video post. I enjoyed that. I wasn't aware that Jared Leto was in a band. It is also hard to think of global warming when it is 2 degrees outside but the reality of the situation looms.
On the movie front. I went with a friend of mine to the movies. His kids wanted to see Hanna Montana and neither one of us thought we could sit through that so we saw the only other movie that started and ended around the same time.....Meet the Spartans. They failed big time with this one. Maybe I had too high of expectations or maybe I thought anything has to be better than Hanna Montana......maybe I was wrong.
Tim
At 3:11 PM, February 12, 2008 ,
SusanGail said...
"Weather discussion"-I hate it when my local weather email puts that at the front of the message. Always means something major going on. Tim, is all this heavy snow coming from your way? Not so cold but soon I'll have to get the snowshoes out. Hope all is well after your ice episode. Radio just now said "The big news now is the weather." Predicting 5-8 here. Dave? Take care all, and soon we'll be wishing we could beam ourselves to sunny CA at Oscar time. Looking forward to everyone's thoughts on that. Sue
At 7:49 PM, February 13, 2008 ,
Anonymous said...
Hi Sue, Tim, Jaschenka, et. al. (oh, and hi to Chris, too!),
Yep the weather has me huddled up under blankets this winter - cold and snowy - just how winter should be unless you have to drive in it, and I do!
Sue, you mentioned the Oscars, and though I haven't paid much attention to them so far I was pleased to see that I've actually seen many of the movies nominated - but I'll be rooting for "No Country for Old Men" for best picture and I'll be surprised if "Enchanted" doesn't win for best original song (look at the nominations and you'll see why). What are everyone elses thoughts?
Dave
At 11:04 AM, February 14, 2008 ,
Anonymous said...
Hello dear forum family,
HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY to you all!
Hope you are all doing well.
Here the weather has been spring like last weekend but the cold is back and it's getting colder every day, we might even get a bit of snow again, though thankfully not as much as you all have.
I recently saw "The Bucket List", which I enjoyed very much. Next on the list is "Sweeney Todd", this one should be interesting!
Stay warm and well you all.
Big warm hugs
Ute
At 7:33 PM, February 14, 2008 ,
SusanGail said...
Can I squeeze this in before the midnight hour at least in a few spots? Happy Hearts Day Ute, Dave, Tim, Jaschenka, Patrick and Alex, Tom, Lara and everyone passing by the forum tonight...and...as Dave says, oh yeah...Chris! Hmmm...I feel like I just said "Good night, John Boy" etc. You might want to check in before we get too slap-happy here. But we trust all is well. Have to post that I just saw Peaceful Warrior, finally, at last. I believe it was Chris and Lara who recommended it long ago. Good one. As for Oscar? We saw No Country for Old Men and Juno.. Still have to see Bucket List. Saw 3:10 to Yuma and Kiterunner (liked that very much) both up for original score, interestingly. I'm not one of those in the cheering section for No Country, even though I'm glad I saw it so I may then feel I can truly say that. Actors were great. But gosh I wish there were some movies out there that could meet that quality but you leave the theater feeling inspired. Is it ok to say that here? I'm going against the general feeling of you all, but I'm holding out for All Things Possible...
On a Valentine note, I saw this quote from John Robbins: "Give away your love, freely and without expectation. Soon your life will be filled with love and you will have set others on the path of love and peace."
All Things Beautiful this Valentine's Day and always...Sue
At 2:16 PM, February 15, 2008 ,
Anonymous said...
Sue
Thanks for the wishes. Yesterday wasn't the best in my area. I live about 15 mniutes from the NIU campus where the shootings were. In fact, I was on my way home to meet a friend of mines son who is a student there when I heard the news reports start. All cell phone lines were jammed and no calls were able to get through. I was supposed to meet him and one of his friends about 5 pm. Long anxious moments but I finally got a call that he was fine and he had made it off campus before the police locked it down. He was in the building next door but had gone to Starbucks for coffee. On his way back to class he saw all the people running, some barefoot in the snow. The police ordered them into the nearest building for safety. Dinner was a bit late but he certainly had a story to tell. My heart goes out to the family/friends of the victims.
Tim
At 6:54 PM, February 15, 2008 ,
SusanGail said...
Tim...hardly know what to say. What an ordeal for you and your friends and their families. When it came on the news I was thinking how I'd feel if something like that happened when our son went to college. I'm sure, as a parent, I'd have gone ballistic. Makes what I just wrote last night seem kind of an "all things beautiful" pipe dream, doesn't it? Or maybe it's at times like these when we have to keep the intention even more of believing in our hearts the possibility that love will prevail...and not just on Valentine's Day. It will be interesting to see how it affects you and those involved as you try to absorb the meaning of it all. Heavy hearts for quite awhile I'm sure. Sending peaceful thoughts as you try to process what has happened. May all be well...Sue
At 12:22 PM, February 19, 2008 ,
Anonymous said...
Hi you all! Hope this finds you well! How's the weather? Here it is still chilly but we had glorious sunshine today and you can smell that a little spring is in the air.
Tim, sorry to hear about your experience. That must have been really tough to go through! Glad your friend escaped the danger. I heard on the news here that it was the fourth or fifth shooting last week alone! I can't understand it, I myself am so weary of guns and their potential danger, I wouldn't even want to pick one up...
As for some good news - which I am sure you all have probably heard by now - the writers strike is finally settled and people can get back to work. We have a lot of strikes going on here at the moment, for fairer pay. It seems to me a sign of the times that the big companies are making more and more money while they are trying to pay their workers less and less, ignoring the fact that their employees are also customers who need money not only to live but also to spend so the economy can grow. So shortsighted.
I haven't seen "No Country..." yet, but I found the book in one of our bookstores and bought it. Can't say I liked it much, which was in part by the bad English it was written in. I did feel for the Sheriff but I failed to understand the motivation of the killer. I don't think I want to watch this in the theatre, I'll wait for it to come on tv.
Thanks for link, Jaschenka. Great site! Any happy songs yet? (A private joke between us, the band is great but their songs are just too depressive for my taste).
Take care you all and keep warm & safe!
Big warm hugs
Ute
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