Jon Stojan
The Actor, a thriller/crime-comedy directed and written by the talented Hollywood actor Richard Blake, promises to captivate audiences during its highly anticipated release in April. The film tells the tale of an actor struggling with his own moral standards as he unwittingly becomes entangled in a web of deceit after witnessing a neighbor’s murder and stumbling upon a hidden fortune.
Seasoned actors Melissa Archer, Major Dodge, Donny Boaz, and Sheila Houlahan join Blake in this cinematic endeavor. Produced by independent film company Amberock Productions, founded by Blake and his wife Amber, The Actor is set to premiere on leading streaming platforms, including Amazon and Apple TV.
Blake, renowned for his roles in hit TV shows like NCIS: Los Angeles and Cold Case, as well as studio films Dragonball: Evolution and The House Bunny, fuels his creativity with his extensive experience in the field to assume the roles of both the director and writer of this compelling film. When asked about the inspiration behind the movie, he shared, “I had the idea for the film during my high school years. I did a 30-minute film titled Love Undercover, which was all about love, deception, and suspense. I remember using Collective Soul’s music as the soundtrack to that film. Fast forward over 20 years, my dream is now a full-length feature.”
Blake fans, Collective Soul listeners, and thriller-comedy movie enthusiasts are in for a ride as The Actor brings all of them into one package. The American rock band, celebrating their 30th year in the industry, collaborates with Blake for this creative vision. His high school declaration of one day working with Collective Soul has now become a reality, as the band is featured on the film’s full soundtrack.
The director’s love for classic cinema and his passion for comedic tragedies found in historical literature became his primary influences for this film. With The Actor being Blake’s ninth screenplay, movie buffs will witness the director’s gripping way of storytelling becoming more evident.
Blake’s intentional approach to trigger the nostalgia of 70s cinema adds to the film’s appeal. The director replicates the aesthetics of vintage movies, making The Actor a visual masterpiece for those wishing to revisit the allure of classic Hollywood. The movie’s violent undertones are also an artistic choice, bound to defy expectations. Filming in Texas also attaches a layer of authenticity to the story, as Blake has a personal connection to the area.
The red carpet movie premiere will be hosted at the AMC theaters in Dallas/Fort Worth on Sat, April 6th. This reflects Blake’s commitment to honoring the roots of the project. “Most of the cast and crew hail from Texas. Everyone’s looking forward to celebrating the event where all the magic happened,” Blake said.
Following this project, Blake has shared more exciting plans in the pipeline. His next venture, a series titled All This Time, revolves around kids who construct a time machine out of a treehouse. It promises a combination of adventure, faith, and family, illustrating Blake’s versatility in storytelling.