Encore! Presents: Navigating the Hollywood Minefield.
– With Colin Cunningham –
This Tuesday, March 23rd, 2021
The Electric Theater
– By James McFadden –
Rare Opportunities
I had a unique and incredible opportunity to meet one of the most amazing down-to-earth human beings I’ve ever had the pleasure to cross paths with this past week. Colin Cunningham. — Before I start, I think it’s important to note that Colin would be one of a select few performers out of Hollywood who would ever consider himself a legend, or even want others to think of him as one for that matter, but, for many fans of his work, that’s exactly what he is and from where I’m sitting, that title is well deserved and it has been hard-fought and earned by never giving up.
In meeting with Colin, now a fellow resident of southern Utah, a song started to creep into my mind; (Opportunities by the Pet Shop Boys) I’d encourage you to play it while you’re reading this, I did as I started to write…
I think it’s fitting to include this in my narrative since one of the insights Colin shared with me was the importance that music and sound play in the production of films and the emotions they help the audience experience. In Colin’s own words, “I can take a pineapple and stick it on the end of a pole, and with a little help from John Williams or Danny Elfman, I’ll make you cry for that pineapple!”
That being said, When it comes to opportunities, there are very few that come along quite like the one I recently had, and now, the one YOU could have this coming Tuesday night out at The Electric Theater – that is if you’re quick enough to jump online and get your tickets today before they all sell out, I mean seriously, they’re only $10 each! We’re talking less than the cost of two lavishly priced soda-dope concoctions from your favorite belly-pleasing drive-thru; if you catch my drift!! Anyway…
For those of you that might not be familiar with Colin Cunningham, I would encourage you to check out this link to his IMDB webpage and learn more about the man, the myth, and in my opinion, the legend.
Collin Cunningham has over 107 credits under his belt including 11 nominations within the Canadian Screen, Gemini, and Leo Awards as well as the Montreal World Film Festival, Method Fest, and the Catalonian International Film Festival. Out of those 11 nominations, he’s taken home 6 awards according to the information I found on IMDB.com. And if that’s not enough, you can add 3 credits as a Director, 4 credits as a Writer, 4 credits as a Producer, and a few more other notables that all add up to one very poignant fact. Colin Cunningham has an incredible library of experience when it comes to the inner workings of Hollywood and the film industry as a whole and that is exactly what he wants to share with you this coming Tuesday night, March 23rd at The Electric Theater. Did I mention it’s this Tuesday? IT’S THIS TUESDAY!!
As I got to know Colin better, there was no escaping his amazing humor and his insightful talent for navigating the back-breaking pace and challenges the film industry is constantly plagued with. From the recent and controversial influence that social media has on performer selection, to the power that politics has played in transforming Hollywood and what it takes to get things done; or in many cases, prevents things from getting done. — Things that affect performers, producers, studios, writers, and yes, even us; the audience.
This is exactly what Colin is interested in sharing with those who attend his Encore Workshop this coming week. I’m confident you will be entertained, educated, and the world around you will look a little clearer as he pulls the curtains open and discusses Navigating the Hollywood Minefield.
When I asked Colin, what was one of the things the last 30 years has taught him, he quipped without much thought. “Don’t ask for permission, ask for help”, he continued, “I spent so many years asking for permission, and one day I just said ‘this is nuts!’ I’m sick of asking for permission! At that moment, I decided I was never going to ask for permission again, and when I stopped doing that, and simply started asking for help, everything changed.”
If you would like to meet, see, and learn from Colin, be sure to pick up your tickets ASAP, I expect they will sell out fast if they have not already done so. Visit Encore Workshops to purchase your tickets today!
So, by now, you should know who Colin Cunningham is, but just in case you’re still scratching your head… he is best know for a few shows you should recall when you hear them. For me, it was his role as John Pope in Falling Skies (he’s kind of a badass) but he has also appeared on Stargate SG-1, The Collector, Preacher, as well as appearances in The X-Files, CSI: Miami, The 4400, Eureka, and in Hawaii Five-O as well, just to name a few.
So… I hope to see you at The Electric Theater this coming Tuesday, March 23rd, 2021! I’m confident it will be an amazing way to spend your evening…
Full Disclosure: Colin was kind enough to buy me lunch at George’s Corner, but, for the record, I purchased my own tickets to attend his workshop a few days prior to our interview and The Independent received no compensation to run this story. So, lunch is on me next time Colin.
Once again, for tickets visit encorepa.org, don’t hesitate, you won’t be disappointed!
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