Monday, December 21, 2009

Hollywood Confidential Mentoring

Effective as of Sunday December 20th I am now enrolled in Gary Goldstein's "Hollywood Confidential" Mentoring program.

I've had a chance to read the 1st chapter of his new book "Tactical Toolbelt for Screenwriters: Success Strategies to Market & Grow Your Passion as a Career," and listen to a couple of the archived audio files recorded over the past 7 months.

Amazing stuff. I'm looking forward to learning about how to approach Hollywood and Pitch "Becoming Magnum" to the powers-that-be and getting things off the ground.

I've also come across a great website: http://www.documentaryhowto.com

They have some great videos teaching you how to create a Documentary.

I've also come across some great Apps. for the iPhone to use to shoot "Becoming Magnum" with.

I look forward to getting things off the ground, and taking the next steps forward.

All the Best,

Mike.

Thursday, November 26, 2009

Website Re-Design




I have finally found myself a Web Designer to help me revamp my http://www.becomingmagnum.tv/ Website, which was originally intended to simply allow people to view my Trailer.
My Web Designer is also a Graphic Artist who has updated/improved my original picture design that took me forever to figure out how to do on my own with Adobe Photoshop.
His pictures blow me away. It's going to be really tough to figure out which picture to go with. The picture with the original Ferrari 308 GT from the TV Series looks great, and definitely lets you know at one glance what it's about.
Though I also like the newer, modern F360 Spyder.
I think I'm going to have to hold a Poll or something and have others Vote on their favorite design to help me figure out which one to go with.
I look forward to seeing the new design of the Website in the next few days.
I am incredibly grateful for all of the talented and gifted and amazing people I've had the pleasure of meeting and working with on this journey so far.
Dale's design's are definitely helping me to really get a sense of BECOMING MAGNUM beginning to move forward.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Mike.

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

MOMENTUM'S PICKING UP!


Momentum is definitely beginnning to pick up for BECOMING MAGNUM! I recently took a "BRANDING FOR THE ACTOR" Workshop and I learned a lot of great things about BRANDING as an Actor that have really begun to explode some crazy ideas for myself as an Actor, and for the BECOMING MAGNUM BRAND.

2 Weeks ago, my JV (Joint Venture) Partners and I finally got the Contract Signed with The Cecil to Promote a Wednesday Night Event, and we get to keep a 50% of the Profits from the Event.

Since I've been developing, and planning to launch BECOMING MAGNUM I realized, "Why don't I throw a ROBIN MASTER'S "Night Of Dreams" MASQUERADE PARTY at The Cecil?"

The Masquerade Party will be the launch of both my Entrepreneurial/JV Career and the Launch Party for BECOMING MAGNUM.

Since it's a Celebration and a Launch, we are planning to invite the original cast of the "Magnum, P.I." TV Series as well as everyone who's ever been involved at some point of the Journey so far, and get them to show their Support through Alcohol Sales.

We are in the beginning stages of planning the MASQUERADE PARTY which will be a Night Club Experience with Partially Naked and Masked Men & Women.

We're going to be inviting everyone we know in the TV & Film Industry to the Party.

I've also come up with a whole new story idea. Instead of having the focus be just on myself, I've decided to bring on David Attar and Duane Patterson, and document each of our journey to getting cast in the upcoming "Magnum, P.I." We will be Rehearsing the Pilot Script, "Don't Eat Yellow Snow In Hawaii," for the Magnum, P.I. TV Series, and we will be needing to cast an Actor to play HIGGINS, (the Major Domo of Robin Master's Estate) while I lose the 120-140 lbs that I in order to play Thomas Magnum.

The INTENTION is to do a Re-Make of the Pilot Script, Rehearsing it while I lose the Weight, and then going to shoot it On Location in Hawaii using HD Camcorder's. Though I am going to have to contact the Powers that be to find out if I need to and/or can get Permission to do my Re-Make, and to use the Robin Master's name for my launch party.

The shoot/Web Documentary will last for at least 12 months while I lose the weight, we shoot our Fan HD Re-Make, and basically promote the Magnum, P.I. Movie in our bid to get cast.

I'VE GOT A SPONSOR

I met with Rene Neilly today (Brad King's wife/publicist) and she confirmed for me that Brad and his Business Partner would like to come onboard and Sponsor me with a 1 Year Supply of ULTIMATE Supplements and Brad's Nutritional Guidance.

I then went to a Real Estate Investor's Meeting - where I've been going to learn about Real Estate Investing, and to perhaps find Deals, and be a Bird Dog and Find Buyers and earn a nice Profit.

I don't quite get it all (I've just started learning), but I've got some great "Creative Real Estate" Mentors. Eventually I will find the right opportunity and make some good money from.

I then popped into an Internet Marketing Mastermind Group, where I ended up standing in front of the Group and Pitching "BECOMING MAGNUM" to them.

I started off by showing them my Trailer at http://www.becomingmagnum.tv/, and then jumping into the update, about including David Attar/Rick, and Duane Patterson/TC, and then into the Pitch for the Robin Master's Masquerade Party, doing the Re-Make of the "Magnum, P.I." Pilot and our search for HIGGINS.

The group was going to select from a handful of Pitches to help them Launch their Project. Unfortunately I didn't get picked. However, I did some networking and met some great contacts that have solid potential to partner with.

Plus, it also taught me a few things. It's time to look into going to TOAST MASTER'S and beginning to Practice my Pitch, on my Feet for when it's time to go to Hollywood and/or to do my Pitch on the Phone for Tom Selleck, and Brian Grazer.

I'm an Actor, and I love performing, and sharing ideas, and sharing my creatively strategic ideas.

It is time to focus my "Mind Powers" (John Kehoe) and Visualize using VAKS (Dr. Lee Pulos) and "Manifest" the Meeting I want with Mr. Selleck and Mr. Grazer and the outcome I'd like to have.

ACTION STEPS FOR THE NEXT WEEK. (Tuesday November 24th - Tuesday December 1st.

1) Get a Firm Agreement/Contract Signed with Personal Trainer, Actor Training, Hollywood Mentor(s), owner of Private Investigation Firm, Entrepreneurial & Success Mentors, etc.

2) Contact a Toastmaster's, and start working on my Physical/Verbal Pitch.

3) Find a Web Designer to revamp http://www.beocmingmagnum.tv/ so that I can update it, and begin ramping up my Internet Marketing Campaign.

It's gonna be a lot of fun!

With Gratitude,


Mike.

Friday, October 30, 2009

A Week Full of Aha's and a Few Turning Points

I feel kind of like an idiot today. I just realized three things this week that I'd been needing, and just realized that I was unconsciously looking for, were right in front of me the whole time.

AWARENESS is incredibly interesting. How "The thoughts that I've been thinking lately, really do have an impact in my immediate and current life, and how the "thoughts that I've been thinking for the past 10 years or more, have created the moment I'm living in RIGHT NOW."

After taking an assessment of my life, at this present moment, I thought about how horrible of a spot I am in right now, and how I'm in an incredible spot as well, and that that very paradox is a result of my "thoughts at this very moment," and of the "thoughts that I HAD been thinking," in the past.

The Horrible: I am 36 years, and I'm still Bouncing and doing Security and struggling with money, and still having to borrow money from my parents because my car got towed, and I had no money at all, and still needed to get to work.

I've fallen behind in my debts, and in September because of some late payments, I had my Cell Phone cut off, and then my car broke down, and it was either spend $100/month + $15/Night in Cab rides home from work 4 nights/week, roughly $340 or $420 to get my car fixed. As a result, I missed a payment on 3 of my Student Loans from over 10 years ago.

This payday, I have to pay my rent, and $590 for a Payday Loan that I needed to get so I could get groceries and eat, as well as to get my car fixed.

After I pay both of those back, I won't have any money left. Which means I have to get another Payday Loan so I can make a payment of $100 on my Cell Phone so it doesn't get cut off again, and $135 for my Car Insurance, plus I will also need food for the next 2 weeks. I have to start making healthier choices, and I don't want to have to pay $91 Interest for $500. Survice on $165 for 2 weeks? Gas, and food? What is the Interest on $400?

My left knee probably needs to be operated on, and is constantly in a lot of pain, and a few years ago, I tore the meniscus in my right knee, and my right knee has never fully healed, and my Sports Doctor (2004) at the time said he didn't want to have to operate on me.

Physically I am over 400 lbs. I'm not exactly sure of my weight because I've been nervous about finding out the truth. I should probably go and get tested for diabetes as well, since a good portion of my family have recently been diagnosed in recent years.

I have poor circulation in my legs, and feet, and my feet are always constantly sore. After working a full 7 hours at the Door on my feet every Friday and Saturday night at the Bar, when I wake up the next afternoon I almost need a Walker to get around because my feet are so sore.

There have been a few times in the past year that I've felt shortness of breath, a really wierd sensation in my stomach and my chest, and even light headedness.


Take a few minutes to consider the implications of that.

My PRESENT is the FUTURE RESULT of the THOUGHTS that I'VE BEEN THINKING for the PAST 10 YEARS.

So what HAVE I BEEN THINKING?

I have to take a look back at what my Negative Self Talk and Mind Chatter has been. There are definitely things like, "I'm not good enough," "I can't believe how much I weigh," and "I'm over 400 lbs!?" or "I'm always so sore."

"Why am I always broke?"

"I wish I had more money."

"I can't afford."

"I have being broke/having no money."

"I don't like how I look."


Then I'd sit back and dream about my future, and what I would LOVE for my life to be like.

However, when it came time to TAKING ACTION to move myself forward towards my Goals, I would come up with EXCUSE, AFTER EXCUSE, AFTER EXCUSE.

Which has led me to my recent realizations that have me feeling like an idiot, (but first, a brief history).

I started taking Acting and Screenwriting Classes in 2007/2008, at the University of Alberta. I took Bill Meilen's Playwriting Class, but he allowed me to write the 1st Draft of my Screenplay. An incredibly horrible draft, which taught me the importance of thinking. To think out, and daydream, and let my imagination go wild, and to research, research, research. My 2nd Draft was so much better.

I took Jan Henderson's Introduction to Improv Acting. It was a turning point in my life. After that very first Class, I knew that I wanted to be an Actor more than anything else. Ever since my Football Career had ended, I didn't have anything that really pumped me up. But Acting and Improv were suddenly exciting, despite having grown up shy and massively self-conscious.

I've learned the fundamentals in University and on the Stage at The Walterdale Theatre, doing Plays like, "The Duchess of Malfi," as the Grim Reaper, a Guardsman, and an Executioner, and in "Dr. Faustus," as Devil #3.

I went to Film School for a 1 Year Intensive Actor Training where I took voracious notes, and then I found the Actor's Foundry and Matthew Harrison and Jeb Beach (http://www.actorsfoundry.com/). Matthew has developed a phenomenal technique for the Actor's Toolkit, and he has an amazing understanding of human behaviour, and how to really nurture and push and pull things out of people to take their performances to a much higher, and more truthful level.

Week 1: At the Foundry is about getting the Script and doing a Table Read of your Scene for the month. Doing a read through, and then in a group setting, analyzing the scene, breaking it down, figure out your relationship, and what other questions you need to get answered when reading the entire script.

Weeks 2, 3, and 4 are about figuring out how you relate/connect to the character you are playing in the scene, blocking it, and then shooting it.

I've also done some work recently with Darren Jacklin (http://www.darrenjacklin.com/) where he began to ask me questions about what "the average day in my ideal life" would be like?

What time would I wake up? What would be the first thing I do? Would I jump out of bed, and be excited about the day, or would I be tired and miserable? What would I have for breakfast? Would I have breakfast with anyone else? If so, with whom?

What would I do after breakfast? What would I do for lunch? Where would I be? How would I be dressed? Who would I be with? Would it be formal or informal?

This got me to thinking back about my Acting Career over the past 10 years, and how I haven't fully committed myself 100%.

Sure I've gone to Film School, I got myself an Agent, I auditioned for a few years, I booked some work on The Chris Isaak Show, and I auditioned for X-Men, and Freddy vs. Jason where I got to meet one of my idols, and I've done a handful of Commercials, and some Indie Horror flicks, and been an extra on Stargate SG-1 and Smallville.

I haven't had an Agent in the past 4 years, since my last one dumped me. I haven't been Auditioning.

I've worked as Security in the Film Industry for the past 3 years.

I've taken Acting Classes.

But I haven't fully committed myself, and that's why nothing has been moving forward Acting wise. I've always been too busy with everything else, and making excuses.

That's when I had my 1st AHA of the week.

The very fundamental, and the very least that I should be doing as an Actor, is reading Scripts. Finding the ones that I like/enjoy, and begin breaking them down. Analysing them. Printing them up. Making my Choices. Figuring out what my Character Statement would be for every single scene.

I should be doing that for Screenplays for Feature Films and TV Series.

I should be rehearsing scenes with other actors. I love rehearsing. I should be learning my lines.

To that end, I am going to start with the Pilot Script for the MAGNUM, P.I. TV Series. It's my Goal to land the role of THOMAS MAGNUM and to get Tom Selleck to play MY Thomas Magnum's dad.

I own a copy, and I'm going to start analyzing it, and breaking down every scene that Thomas Magnum is in. Once I've analyzed the script, I can then begin Rehearsing it like a Stage Play, while I lose weight, and once I've lost over 100 lbs or more, I will film it and post it on my Website and have people compare my performance to Tom Selleck's. Hopefully create a bit of a buzz, and get me a shot at the Magnum, P.I. Movie.

After analyzing MAGNUM, P.I. it is onto "Supernatural," and "Smallville," and "Eureka," and "V," and "Caprica," and "House," and "Heroes."

Then it'll be "Iron Man," and "Wolverine," and "X-Men 3," and "Transformers 1 and 2," and "G.I.Joe."

So I can start envisioning/manifesting the Career and Life that I want.

What steps can I be taking today, RIGHT NOW, for my health and my diet? What Lifestyle Changes can I begin making to my current habits?

That's when I had my 2nd AHA!

The 3 fundamental exercises I can begin doing are: 1) Pushups 2) Situps and 3) Stairs (for Cardiovascular. )

I have 16 stairs from the main floor to the 2nd level of my house. I can begin doing those on a daily basis, to start getting myself back into shape. I can even do it a few times/day as they are right here.

I can also start making some healthier choices in cooking. I can either have my brother or my friends roommate, who are both chefs, to either come over to my place, or I can go over to their place, and get them to teach me how to cook some vegetarian meals, and I can Video Tape them instead of taking notes. I can even share with them my budget for the week, and find out what they would suggest for meals.

That way I can begin moving forward with nutrition and physical activity (only going as far as my body can I handle), and I can begin committing 100% to 10% of what it means to be an Actor.

What future do I envision for myself?

Where would I like to be 5 years from now?

What would I like my life to be like? Am I married? What is she like?

How is my Acting Career? I'm a Lead in a TV Series? Am I the current Action Star in Feature Films? Where do I live? Do I own on or more homes/properties? Who have I worked with? How much do I love what I do? Who have I met? Who am I friends with?

What would I like my life to be like 5 years from now? 4 years? 3 years? 1 year? 6 months?

But for right now, the questions is: "Where would I like to be 1 year from now?" (What are my thoughts going to have to be?)

I am 260 lbs, and I'm now in the best shape I've ever been in my entire life!

I am healthy, active, fit, and strong. I've never felt better. I can't believe how young and healthy I feel.

I love how I look in the mirror, but I love how I feel inside. My life is amazing!

I've finally been to Hawaii, the Carribean, Peru, and Australia!

I've finally completed BECOMING MAGNUM, and it was even more amazing a journey and an experience than I could have ever imagined. I've met, and become friends with so many great people on this journey, and as a result, I've just been blown away by it all.

I now live in San Diego in the Winter, and Vancouver in the Summer. And I get to spend more time with my friends, and growing both my Business and my Acting Career.

I've finally paid off my Student Loans, and bought my dream car - the 2009 Chevy Camaro (Bumble Bee/Transformers).

I am dating an amazing woman, and we've had a lot of fun together.

I look forward to what the next 12 months has in store!

The 3rd AHA of the Week

I began working on putting together a Business Plan this week for BECOMING MAGNUM, so that I can raise some money from investors, at the very least to get my Website revamped, and to hire a crew part-time so I can create some videos, pay for my Personal Trainer, as well as Supplements and Nutrition for my Weight Loss, as well as for Acting Classes at The Actor's Foundry.

I decided to ask my buddy Sam for his advice on putting together a Business Plan, since he has a background in Finance.

I will soon need to put together a team that can help me move this whole thing forward. I will need a Webmaster/Designer and a Salesperson. Someone good at negotiation, and knows the money world. Someone like Sam. I haven't asked him yet, but I will once we've completed the Business Plan together, if he'd like to come on board.

That's it for now.

See you at the top.

Mike.

Friday, October 09, 2009

Step #1: Creating my Visual Goal



If you're anything at all like me, and you've gone through the whole Yo-Yo Dieting/Weight loss routine, I'm sure you've heard of the importance of creating your VISUAL GOAL for yourself. On THE BIGGEST LOSER and Tommy Europe's THE LAST 10 POUNDS BOOTCAMP they usually have the Contestants pick out a Goal Wardrobe to fit into and wear.

I've decided to create my GOAL PHYSIQUE - using Photoshop to help me create my Visual Goal. I've taken a picture of myself from a few years ago when I was lighter, and in better shape, and "Cut my Head off," and then re-attached it onto the BODY of someone who has a similar build to what I'd like to achieve.

I've taken a picture of WWE's RANDY ORTON, and replaced his head with my own. So I now have a physical representation of what I am working towards. I've printed up some copies of the new Goal Physique and taped it up in my bedroom. I've also taken a picture of it with my Cell phone, and I've made it my Wallpaper on my Cell phone. Now, whenever I am tempted to make a decision that takes me away from my Goal, all I have to do is flip my phone open, SEE my Goal, and then make the decision to either move towards my goal, or away from it.

It's time for me to start making better decisions that move me in the direction of my goals, instead of away from them. I realized that I am the one who has the power to either keep me stuck where I am, or to start moving towards my goals. It is time to start moving forward, and getting myself unstuck.

I am worth it, and I deserve to be happy. It won't be easy, but it's time to start making certain sacrifices now in order to achieve my goals.

See you at the top.


Mike.

An overview of the past 18 months leads to a Turning Point.

With all of my financial woes that came as a result of September, and have continued on into October, it has forced me to take a step back and reassess the past 5-6 months. Let me give you a quick re-cap of how BECOMING MAGNUM has evolved since April of 2008.

I got a call from Director Kryshan Randall in March of 2008 asking if I'd like to be in a TV Pilot Trailer that he was directing in April. I've always wanted to work with him, so of course, I agreed.

It was for a show called "The Promoter," created by Ken Craw and Michael Hamilton. The first day of shooting was in a Penthouse. I brought my Sony PSP with my Trailer for BECOMING MAGNUM on it. I met the Creators, Ken and Michael, and asked them what kind of background/experience they had, and how long it took them to go from concept to Production on their "Trailer." At the time, Ken was a Writer on the TV Series "Robson Arms," and Michael had directed some Sports Documentaries. It took them 6 months to go from concept to production of the Trailer.

I mentioned that I had my own Project that I had been developing, and that I had a Trailer of my own on me. I pulled out my Sony PSP, and played the Trailer for them. At the first scene, Ken asked if this was BECOMING MAGNUM.

He had heard about it from his friend Coreena Robertson, who turned out to be a mutual friend. Both Ken and Michael loved the Trailer. Shortly thereafter, I found out that the owner of the Penthouse was Erin Cebula, an Entertainment Reporter for Global TV. She loved the Trailer as well, and loved MAGNUM, P.I.

Within 6 weeks of the shoot, Ken and Michael both came on board to help Direct and Produce BECOMING MAGNUM, and a few weeks later scored us a DEVELOPMENT DEAL with CTV. That Deal was in June of 2008, and it took until March of 2009 to get the Development Funds released to us.

At the end of November of 2008 while taping my performance for a scene at the Actor's Foundry, I ended up injuring my left knee. I had an MRI done at the end of February, and it turns out I tore the meniscus in my knee.

In April of 2009 we did a 3 Day Shoot for the development deal. We shot 2 days worth of footage at THE ACTOR'S FOUNDRY, where I study and 1 Day with my Personal Trainer, OCEAN BLOOM.

They then sent over 15 hours worth of footage to the Editor, who cut it down to a 3 Minute Promotional Trailer and sent it off to CTV. Because of the current recession, CTV decided that they were no longer going to be in the business of doing "One Off" Documentaries. CTV was out, but fortunately I got to retain ownership of the Footage.

In May I ended up falling and twisting my left ankle and knee. I haven't gotten my knee checked out yet, but there is definitely something severely wrong with my knee.

On July 1st, I moved into my current home, which is an amazing house, worth $1.3 Million and I only pay $500/month Rent. (The upside to the Recession.)

Shortly after we got the word that CTV was out, I did a Teleconference Call with the BECOMING MAGNUM TEAM (Myself, Brad King (my Nutritionist) and his wife and publicist Rene Neilly, Ken Craw, and Ocean Bloom.) We discussed the possibility of merging BECOMING MAGNUM with a Reality Show concept that Ocean had previously developed for Insight Films.

It was a great call, and we discussed where to go now that CTV was out of the picture. It has always been my intention to do something with the Internet. To Broadcast and/or Distribute it Online. Unfortunately neither Ken or Michael have any experience doing anything Online as it is all still so new, and so they both decided to pull out of the project. Both of them felt that it would just be way too much work to take on to create a Reality Show.

Ken is currently working as a Writer for the TV Series HEARTLAND, and Michael is busy working on some other projects, and neither felt that they could put in the time and effort that would be required to get a Reality TV Series up and running.

In July, I brought on 2 Business Partners for my JOINT VENTURE Business (I studied with JAY ABRAHAM for 14 months as part of his MASTER OF PASSIVE INCOME Mentoring Course.) It completely exploded my mind open to the possibilities of generating income, as well as to the world of Marketing and doing Joint Ventures. It has also been great in helping me to develop some concepts for BECOMING MAGNUM.

In August we landed our/my 1st JV Deal for what I am hoping will be my EXIT STRATEGY from Bouncing/Security. (I have wanted to get out of Bouncing/Security for the past 5 years, but haven't had confidence in myself or my ability to get out. I'm not interested in replacing Bouncing/Security with a Labour job, so my options before Jay Abraham have been limited.)

I was hoping to get the Deal, and begin working on it immediately, and then be out of Bouncing/Security shortly thereafter. That hasn't come to fruition. I'm hoping to get the Contract signed within the next 3 days, and beginning work on the JV Deal.

I have been struggling financially for just about as long as I can remember. I've gotten stuck in a rut, and I've used the EXCUSE of not having very much money prevent me from cleaning up my diet (eating healthy is expensive), I'm not a very good cook, and every time in the past that I've lost weight, it was because I pretty much ate the EXACT SAME meals EVERY DAY.

I need to learn HOW to prepare better meals, with some variety. I also need to begin TAKING ACTION every single day, that moves me closer to, or in the direction of, my goals.

I have to figure out what it is that I CAN DO, every single day, to start getting myself in shape, losing the weight, exercising, and eating right.

I have to create an ACTION PLAN that I can stick to, that will move me forward in the direction of my goals, with or without money.

I've wanted to revamp my Website for a long time, but again, I don't have the money to do that at this time. I know that the situation I am currently in is temporary, but being right in the centre of it, it feels like it is permanent.

Since the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result, I realized that it was time to take a step back and figure out what it is that I can BEGIN DOING IMMEDIATELY to start getting different results.

Since I don't currently have the money to get my Website revamped, (which I've been using as an EXCUSE from taking action), and I don't currently have any extra money, and things have been pretty tight financially, (for the gym, and better nutrition, acting classes, new headshots, etc.) which has also become an EXCUSE, I have decided to start a new Mantra/Affirmation: NO MORE EXCUSES. ONLY ACTION & RESULTS.

For my Website: I'd like to be able to upload Video's directly onto the site, including Video Blogs, as well as having this Blog linked directly to the site, have an ABOUT ME Tab, as well as the ability to create and share specific content for the Website. However, that's not happening at the moment.

What can I do right now?

I am going to look at YouTube and see what I can do to upload Video's and/or Video Blogs onto YouTube and then link them to my Blog. I ended up checking out some interesting Videos Online yesterday which taught me about Steadi-Cams. The key is the Counter Balance. I immediately tried it out with my Sony Camcorder and Tripod, and it appears to work. I can't believe how incredibly simple it is.

I also watched a few Video's that taught me about a Basic 3 Point Lighting System. Next up is to learn about recording sound, and find out if there is an inexpensive/cheap way to record good quality sound with my Camcorder.

I have been hoping to use the Panasonic DVX100 Camera (which we used to shoot my current, and slightly outdated Trailer). But it looks like I am going to have to use my Sony Camcorder until I can afford better quality equipment and gear, as well as to hire a crew.

So for right now, I will be doing everything on my own, with what I have, until things begin to improve for me financially.

The Bottom Line: NO MORE EXCUSES. ONLY ACTION & RESULTS.

It's time for me to go and do a NO EXCUSES WORKOUT. (15 Pushups & 20 Situps.)

See you at the top.

Mike.

Thursday, October 08, 2009

In a bit of a slump.

Ever since the 1st of September I've been in a bit of a slump. Things with my 1st Joint Venture Deal haven't gone exactly according to plan. We got the Deal (handshake) back on August 12th, and still haven't gotten the contract signed. (I'm partly at fault as I wasn't able to get the Owner to sign it before he went on Vacation for 3 weeks, and then once he got back I took it in to get signed, and he wanted me to make some Amendments before signing it.)

I will hopefully get it signed by Monday October 12, 2009, and then can begin working on putting things into place to get myself out of Bouncing (doing Security) once and for all.

Financially I've taken a few big setbacks, and I'm struggling to just get by. There was a mixup at work when I switched from 1 Bar to another (owned by the same guys) as their are 2 different Accountants, and one didn't share info with the other. My paycheque for the 1st of September was over $650 short, and I've been playing catch up ever since.

Last week my car broke down (radiator) and I had to park it while on my way to picking up my Paycheque. Then my Cell phone service got cut because I'm behind in making my payment. That'll be $200 to get my phone re-activated, and at least $500 to get my car fixed. (Money I don't have), plus I need to get some new Headshots and a Voice Over Demo Reel put together for my Acting Career, and I need to find a new Agent, as I currently don't have one.

I currently have $100 to my name, and I work until 2:30am and Transit will only get me so far. I have to take a $15 Cab ride home, and I have at least 6 more shifts before Payday. I also need to get food, so things are going to be tight for a little bit longer.

So things obviously aren't working out like I had hoped, and I've also been struggling with figuring out how to come up with money to get my Website revamped, and how to begin Production on BECOMING MAGNUM.

That's when I remembered 2 Key things: 1) It's time to re-read "UNSTOPPABLE," by Cynthia Kersey and begin building my UNSTOPPABLE Action Plan, and 2) My DVD FILM SCHOOL DVD's and Work Books that I bought at a Dov S-S Simens "2 DAY FILM SCHOOL" Workshop I took.

I've also realized that there are certain things that I can begin doing today (without money) for the Production of BECOMING MAGNUM.

So it is OFFICIALLY time for me to begin documenting (through my Blog and Twitter updates) as well as using my Sony Camcorder. It isn't going to be as professional looking as I would have liked, but I can at least begin doing something.

I have NO MORE EXCUSES.

It is time for constant, and consistent daily action. The only way I'm going to get out of this SLUMP/RUT is through taking action, and making decisions that are in line with my Goals.

The time is now,

Mike.

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Becoming Magnum Trailer

Just in case you haven't seen my Trailer for "Becoming Magnum" on my Website at www.becomingmagnum.tv, here it is for your viewing pleasure.

1st Gym Workout followed by interesting experience...

I ended up going to a local community gym tonight with 2 of my roommates. It wasn't really much of a gym, but I did end up doing about 15 minutes cardio/warm up on the Stationary Bike, and then I did:

Pec Deck: 20 x 25 lbs, Rear Delts: 20 x 25 lbs, Pec Deck: 20 x 45 lbs, Rear Delts: 20 x 45 lbs, Pec Deck: 15 x 75 lbs, Rear Delts: 15 x 65 lbs.

Incline DB Press: 15 x 25 lbs, 15 x 25 lbs, 10 x 35 lbs

DB Shrugs: 15 x 70 lbs, 15 x 70 lbs, 15 x 70 lbs.

After we got home, one of my new roommates has an Xbox 360 and we ended up playing "Guitar Hero World Tour," and I was using a rolling computer chair, with one foot resting on the seat, and the other foot on the floor while I played, so that I could look at the buttons on the guitar as I played.

It turns out that I got one heck of a Leg Workout doing this, as well as my wrist and forearms were a bit sore afterwards as well.

I think this is going to lead to a fun experiment. I'm going to see if I can use "Guitar Hero" and turn it into a Fun Workout because of my current issue with my knees, to strengthen up my legs as best as I can.

Shortly afterwards, another buddy that I work with stopped by. I ended up sharing with him my plans and goals for Becoming Magnum. He used to be overweight, and ended up getting into Boxing, and has lost quite a bit of weight. I was asking about his training, and he mentioned that where he trains, it only costs $100/year for a Membership, and that a lot of people quite because they can't handle the training that a boxer goes through.

That is something I'm going to look into. Boxing, along with Ju Jitsu with Shihan Tim Henry, my current instructor's instructor.

Eddie also happened to come across some meal recipes from Will Brink's "Fat Loss Revealed" Program, and commented on how similar it was to his diet for training. That is something I'm going to look into tomorrow, so I can begin changing my diet.

I've been Twittering what I've been eating daily for the past couple of weeks, and now that I'm conscious of it, it's pretty nasty.

I am responsible for every single decision that I make regarding food. No one else.

It is time that I start kicking things up a few notches, and turning my diet and my life around. It's time that I begin taking "Becoming Magnum" seriously, and starting to love myself again, and take care of my health.

That's it for now.

Mike.

Monday, September 28, 2009

MIND POWER & HOLOSYNC - Day #7







I've just finished my daily ritual of listening to Level 2 of Holosync Technologies - The Dive, immediately followed by an mp3 of "Healing Yourself" and "Creating An Abundance Of Money" by John Kehoe.

I've spent the past 3 months listening to Holosync's 1st Level, and I've just recently gotten the 2nd Level. I am really enjoying listening to - The Dive, and using it for both meditation and visualization of my goals.

I find that it really helps to calm my mind, and put me into a flow state for visualizing. I've been using it as a precursor for listening to John Kehoe's MIND POWER Audio's.

I highly recommend checking them out. I will be tracking my results on my Blog in regards to the results that I get from both Holosync and the MIND POWER Audio's so you can figure out if it is something of interest for you over the long term (and if they actually create the desired results.)

All the Best,

Mike.

No Excuses Workout - Sunday Sept.27, 2009


I have decided to label my workouts, "No Excuses Workouts" for 2 reasons.


1) In June I bought the book "Unstoppable" by Cynthia Kersey. The book is a compilation of success stories of various people who have all gone on to accomplish massive things in their lives.


I am inspired by the particular story of Richard and Dick Hoyt, a father and son who have gone on to accomplish amazing things despite their percieved setback.


2) Because of my current physical situation. In November of 2008 during an Acting Class, I ended up dropping to the ground during a scene in which I was "beating up" my scene partner. I ended up hitting my left knee onto concrete for both takes. As a result, according to the MRI that I had done, I tore the meniscus in my knee. Then in May of 2009, I fell and ended up twisting my left knee and things inside got messed up even more. I haven't had another MRI done yet, but it feels like the tendons and/or ligaments are twisted up inside.


Yesterday, on Sunday Sept. 27, 2009 I went to the Swimming Pool (50m) and did some laps. As it turns out, it was much easier on my knee's then I had thought it would be. (I tore the meniscus in my right knee back in 2004, and my doctor preferred not to operate on me, and as a result, my right knee has never fully recovered.)


I managed to swim 2 full lengths (From the starting point - to the other end - and back again) or 200m. I wasn't able to complete an entire 1/2 length (I only managed to swim about 75% of the way before needing to take a break and catch my breath), but I did it.


I forgot how much I love swimming, and it's a fun way to exercise. I look forward to swimming more often, and using it as a starting point for getting in shape, and beginning my transformation on my journey to becoming the next Magnum, P.I.


Saturday, September 26, 2009

The Rollercoaster Ride Continues...

I have just recently signed up for a FREE TRIAL with Typepad for a Blog. The reason for doing this is because I would like to be able to seamlessly sync up my Blog with Twitter, and Facebook so that I don't have to re-post anywhere else.

Also because Typepad claims that I can easily add Video's onto my Blog, and build Web Pages/Website around my Blog which is what I'm currently looking at doing since money has been very tight, and I don't have any extra money at the moment to get my Website: www.becomingmagnum.tv revamped.

I plan on blogging on a daily basis to update what I'm doing as I begin production on my "Real Time" Reality Documentary, "BECOMING MAGNUM."

Here are some updates over the past year.

1) I got Ken Craw (Producer/Writer) and Michael Hamilton (Director) to come on board and help me produce "Becoming Magnum."

2) Within 2 weeks of them coming on board, they got me a Development Deal with CTV.

3) It took 9 months for us to get the Development Funding.

4) We shot 2 Days of Footage with CTV's money.

5) Because of the Recession, CTV decided to no longer do "1 Off Documentary's" and so they pulled out.

6) This now means that I own 100% of the Footage that CTV paid for.

7) In June of 2009 I met Darren Jacklin (The Mega Manifestor) and he introduced me to Gary Goldstein (Producer of PRETTY WOMAN.)

8) In August of 2009 - both Ken Craw and Michael Hamilton pulled out - because they are experienced in creating content for TV, and I've decided to broadcast "Becoming Magnum" Online.

9) I am currently learning what I can about Online/Internet Marketing via Frank Kern, as well as I just signed up for an Account with AWeber to help me start building up a Database.

10) I forgot to mention that I injured my Left Knee during an Acting Class at the Actor's Foundry in November of 2008, and again in May of 2009.

11) My current status: Weight: Approx. 402 lbs. Injured Left Knee. Money: Currently earning under $2K/Month. No money to revamp Website at the moment. No Money for Production at the moment.

12) I am going to be blogging daily, updating activitiy and meals on Twitter, and creating Video Blogs with my Sony DVD Camcorder and then uploading them onto either YouTube or my Blog and/or Website down the road.

13) I am working on getting Gary Goldstein to Mentor me through his "Hollywood Insider" Mentoring Program to get in touch with both Tom Selleck and Brian Grazer in my attempt to get myself cast as "Thomas Magnum," in the upcoming "Magnum, P.I." Movie.

That's it for now,

Mike.