What an awesome blessing and experience. I hosted the series. The producer, director and crew for this series shoot was likely the best I’ve ever worked with. Of course, the job that the Gideons International does in spreading the word of Christ through bible distribution is a TREMENDOUS story all in its self! Most of the shooting took place at the studios of Northstar located in Nashville, Tennessee. They have an awesome facility that produces many products. I’ve included a photo of the “wrap up” on set with everyone involved. Again, a great group of people to work with. I’ve been on a couple of auditions as of late. Unfortunately, I wasn’t selected for either. I have been working in addition to my day job, on this small security device I invented and patented. I’ve shot a low budget infomercial just to use as a tool to sell my idea or bring an investor on board. That was my directorial and producing debut. I also was the narrator in the piece that included three different scenes/scenarios using my device, some b-roll and my narration. Turned out fairly decent. Perhaps I can post it later if anyone wants to take a look. On a sad note, I’ve got to have one of my dogs put to sleep tomorrow. I’m going to have it done here at the house and bury here in our rather large backyard. I’m so not looking forward to that. That still leaves us with a yellow lab and a german shephard. I guess losing someone is just as much a part of life as is living. Oh, also I turned 46 on March 10th. My sister Sonya turned 45 on March 12th. Still doing sales as my day job and constantly looking for that one big show biz break that could pull me out of that life completely. Talk to ‘ya soon. God Bless, John

November and December were very steady for me in regards to Acting&Modeling.  And it’s a great thing because may “day job” crawled almost to a complete stand still!  The picture I’ve posted is the new set for the Gideons International shoots I’ve been blessed with.  I hosted a 3-dvd project with them earlier in the year and went back to Nashvilee about a week ago and did a new spot on this new set. There are 7-more shoots schedule for January and February of the new year.  It is awesome to be a part of a great group doing great work by presenting the gospel to people around the world!  I’ve also got a small part on a show called “Captured” that airs on the Oxygen Network.  I play the part of a parent who’s daughter has been killed.  It’s supposed to air the first week of January 2008.  I’ve also been blessed with some voice over work as of recent.  I hope every has a GREAT CHRISTMAS.  And please remember that CHRIST is the reason for the season!  It’s not about us, our kids, presents or any other pagentry.  Have a safe and prosperous New Year.

 

A few movies and several commercials, industrials and independent projects are in progress all across the state.  It’s a very busy time of the year.  Persoanlly, after a trip to Nashville for the audition (along with many others from other agencies) I was selected to host a series of DVD’s for the Gideons International.  Of course, some of the credit goes to Talent Trek Agency for lining up the audition for me.  Also, I recently landed the role of “campaign manager” in a video for recruiting donors for school programs that will be produced and used by the University of Tennnessee.  This one will shoot April 5th.       My day job of course is still in sales and going well.  My wife and I like about another two months in completing the construction of a new home.  Also it’s very possible I’ll go to New Orleans in a couple weeks for a call back audition for “Black Water Transit” to  be shot there.  I hope everyone is having a great Spring.  We are all truly blessed.  Take a moment to think about it.  I’m sure you’ll agree the evidence is abundant if you’ll only look around.  Talk to ‘ya soon, John                                                                          P.S.  I’ve been told I’m officially an antique!  I turned 45 on March 10.  

       My sister Sonya Riley turned 44 on March 12th.  Now that’s OLD!!!

Now this was a fun shoot.  A very established law firm in southern Kentucky was the client and location of my most recent gig.  We shot three seperate television spots that will likely start airing in the next few weeks.   I’ve been told that all the editing has been completed.  I hope to get a copy in the mail in the next week or so.  The picture here was taken during a lighting change in one the attorney’s office.  The crew on this shoot was really great to work with.  In fact, the senoir partner in the firm took us all out to eat for lunch.  What a really cool guy who took the time to answer everyones various questions concerning the law and some recently high profile cases in the news.  I’m hoping to use a clip from my copy of the finished product and some other recent work including “Talladega Nights” and an industrial video for Pilot Oil, to revamp my “Video Clips” section on the main page of this website.  I haven’t heard back yet about my audition for a new Kevin Bacon remake of “Death Wish”.  Oh well, you never know.  I am looking forward to starting construction of a new home on some beautiful acreage in Karns in the next month or two.  That’s all for now.  I’ll see you later!

What a tremendous blessing!  Not only did my part in the movie make it pass the editing floor and onto the silver screen, but it was a much longer and funnier scene than I would have imagined!  I played the part of an ESPN reporter who interviews Ricky Bobby aka Will Ferrell after one of his race scenes.  Ferrell and the rest of the cast was really awesome to work with.  My scene was shot at the Talladega Speedway in Alabama.  I was there for 2 days.

  

  

I was also blessed with tickets to the Knoxville premier that big man himself (Will Ferrell) attended.  It was an awesome time.  My day started with an really cool on-air interview on B97.5 and then later another interview on the set of the live@5 show that broadcasted from the Turkey Creek Pinnacle Theatres the evening of the premier. 

  

I was able to visit with Ferrell again in the VIP room and introduce him to my wife.  We had a great time.     

  

Caution………the language and behavior is not sutiable for young impressionable minds.  The movie otherwise is HILARIOUS.  Cross your fingers for me…..I just auditioned for a small speaking role in a new movie that Kevin Bacon will be starring in.  It’s a remake of Charles Bronson’s original “Death Wish”.

           

Several auditions this summer so far.  Unfortunately only one was a hit.  It was a really cool industrial for Pilot Oil Corp.  I played the part of a Store Manager who was working closely with the Frito Lay rep to assure all the product and displays were located properly throughout the store.  The shoot took place at the Pilot Store off of the Strawberry Plains exit.  It went fairly smooth…..but didn’t stop until 3am!!!!!!!!!!!!!   Anyway, a few of the ones I didn’t land are worth mentioning.  First was the part in an upcoming movie titled “A Dance for Bethany” a speaking role as a TV talk show host.  The other was a ST.Mary’s Hospital commercial with NFL Quarterback Peyton Manning.  That would have been too cool!!!!!!!!  Those were just a few.  But it’s still early in the summer.  You just never know when the phone will ring.  Right now my dog Tigger is ringing his bell for a little supper.  Gotta go.  Talk to ‘ya soon.

Talk about a blessing! Not only was I fortunate enough to be selected as spokesperson for a nation-wide financial services spot……..We agreed to a two-year exclusive agreement. That’s pretty cool considering exclusive deals are fairly rare in this type of business. Of course, it goes without saying I will have to work these spots around my “day job”. Those of you in the biz know what I’m talking about. The deal was inked Wednesday February 15th. My responsibilities include hosting: tv commercials, tv infomercials, dvd’s sent to the clients home, voice-overs, web based media and any other sales/marketing productions. Of course, a big thanks goes out to Talent Trek Agency here in Knoxville for securing me the audition as well as negoitions of the deal. If you’re an actor, model or talent and currently are not represented, I would urge you to call Juanell or Charlotte. Their number @ Talent Trek is 865 982 6666. These are the same ladies who helped me securing a speaking role in “Talladega Nights” starring comedian Will Ferrell. I acutally had dialouge with Ferrell in this hilarious stock car comedy that will be in theatres this summer. AND BY THE WAY…………I want to give credit for the construction of my website to Steve Ellis @ Light House Studio. Should you have a need for such work or just a fresh head shot…….I would give Steve a call @865 524 0663.