Tag Archives: actors

Mission 1 Billion Networking Meeting Guest Speaker Kathy Byrne – Dec. 17

We enjoyed a great November meeting. Some of our usual wonderful members showed up and quite a few new people. It is wonderful to have people looking to connect up with other content creators to network and collaborate and contribute to each other. I’d like to thank all who attend and help move our mission forward.

I’d like to thank those who share the events and invite others. Active participation is wonderful and so many are taking the initiative to help us grow into something incredible for ourselves, the state, and the charities we want to contribute to. It is good to get to know area filmmakers, actors, musicians and other talented creators. THANKS everyone for your support and participation!!!

One of these days we will remember to take group photo before people leave so we get all those who attended in the shot. Maybe, next time. What do you think?

NEXT meeting Wednesday Dec 17 at Schmidty’s Bar & Grill 16755 W. Lisbon Ave Brookfield, WI 53005 at 7pm is a GUEST SPEAKER EVENT. So come early so we can begin on time. 6:30 doors ar open (enter under the white claw sign). Stay late networking and getting to know each other.

People connecting on projects and helping each other out is what we are all about. We endeavor to be a useful resource to you!

OUR SPEAKER IS KATHY BYRNE

Kathy Byrne has been the Director of TV/Theatrical for SAG-AFTRA Chicago since May, 2010.  In addition to running the TV/Theatrical Department, she also is the head of Agency Relations for the Chicago local.  This entails working with Franchised Agents in the Chicago market.

Kathy is a firm believer in outreach to both actors and filmmakers who are beginning their careers, or who have worked on several film projects without realizing how easy it is to work with SAG-AFTRA actors and contracts.

Kathy oversees TV/Theatrical contracts in 11 states in the Midwest (including WI).  

Prior to her position at SAG-AFTRA, Kathy was the Project Coordinator for Film and Television for the Chicago Film Office for nearly 20 years.  She also was the Program Coordinator for the Chicago Outdoor Film Festival for 3 years.  Kathy is a proud graduate of Illinois State University!

You’ll enjoy Kathy. She is a fountain of information and wisdom. So come to learn something new you might not have known.

This is an important meeting regarding the business of filmmaking and content creation. One of the great benefits of working with SAG/Aftra and the other department unions is learning the business of how to spend money productively.

Show BUSINESS is first and foremost a business that creates entertainment product. The business world entrusts professionals who know how to wisely budget and spend investors’ money. Working with SAG is a fantastic way to gain that experience. You have a protocol to work and make work during your production.

Be creative and learn your skills as a filmmaker to wow your audiences and move them as you want to do with your project. AND learn the business of filmmaking so you can do it more often professionally while making money and building your reputation not only as a creative but as a savvy business filmmaker.

THIS is valuable to the filmmaker especially when so many do no or low budget projects in their spare time. Making a SAG project helps add your value to those who might hire you. It is all about experience, being a pro and knowing how to work within THE industry as well as outside of it. Some think it is too hard or they can’t do this, but remember diamonds are fashioned under pressure. The skills you gain are worth everything it takes to get there.

Kathy will enlighten us to many benefits and opportunities we might otherwise not realize. JOIN US! Mark your calendar today and make it a point to be there Wed. Evening Dec. 17th.

We’ll have more Mission 1 Billion (official website) project discussions, film events, speakers and class sessions coming up live and in person and will report on it here.

Also be sure to subscribe for free to Rex Sikes’ Movie Beat on spotify to listen to professional filmmakers share their expertise with you. More than 600 hours of pros telling us what to do and what not to do to be more successful. Click the link above to listen and subscribe.

Want to join Mission 1 Billion on Facebook? Use this QR code to let us know. Follow the sign in instructions and rules and become one of us.

It IS that simple! JOIN US!

LINK TO ARTICLE from Los Angeles Tribune about Dan & Rex Heartspire & Mission 1 Billion vision, mission and action. What will we do and what can you do to help! Become a part of something wonderful and helpful to filmmakers and others.

See ya next blog!

Actor, Story Teller, Media Visionary Rocky Wagonhurst Speaks at Mission 1 Billion Filmmaker Meeting October 22.

The meeting was a great success. We opened it to the public and everyone enjoyed Rocky’s talk and his suggestions on how to get a job in showbiz. We video taped it for Rex Sikes’ Movie Beat and we will make this talk available as soon as possible.

Recently I had Rocky as a guest on Rex Sikes’ Movie Beat and the discussion we had is available on youtube and on spotify. Here are the links: YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1NHjuMiXWXw

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2zoiOvG8US1aiu5efAxNv6

PLUS Rocky and I appeared recently on Pete Schwaba’s wonderful show Nite Lite with Pete Schwaba. https://www.youtube.com/live/lhiiaLZldcQ

Rocky’s biographical material and promo for our recent event follows.

Rocky Wagonhurst’s five-decade journey through the world of media is nothing short of extraordinary. He began in the 1970s as a Universal Studios tour guide and went on to appear on The Young and the Restless, star in national commercials, and play Laertes in a five-hour production of Hamlet.

He was also directed by Steven Spielberg in Minority Report alongside Tom Cruise and once soared 10,000 feet above Lake Tahoe in a glider with actor Cliff Robertson. His career has spanned radio, stage, and screen, ultimately leading him behind the camera as a seasoned television executive.

Currently, Rocky serves as Vice President and General Manager of The CW and My24 stations in Milwaukee, bringing his lifelong passion for storytelling and media innovation to local broadcasting.

Rocky will be talking on many topics; film, acting, television, AI, a career in the business and he will answer your questions!

WHEN AND WHERE???

Wednesday October 22, 2025 at 7pm sharp. Schmidty’s Bar & Grill 16755 W. Lisbon Road, Brookfield, WI 53005at our monthly Mission 1 Billion: Official Creator Network meeting.

Enter the door under the White Claw sign

Come early and stay late so we could begin on time.. Share with your filmmaker and actor friends. Wednesday night Schmidty’s has a special on large pizzas. Get one for 20 bucks and get a free pitcher of soda or beer.

This meeting is open to the public and free. Share with your friends. Please be early so we can begin on time.

To learn about out vision and mission visit our website: Missiononebillion.org

We have an exclusive private facebook group Mission 1 Billion: Official Creator Network which is by invite only. Find us on FB and send Dan Brezgel of Rex Sikes a DM if you’d like to join the others in our group.

We’re setting calendar for the upcoming months Nov through June of 26. We have other speakers and projects and a lot going on so you do want to be a group member and stay in touch. We will announce within that group as soon as possible.

We also have Rex Sikes’ Movie Beat recordings coming soon of both Director Michael O Sajbel and Rocky Wagonhurst. Look for that too. You can subscribe to Rex Sikes’ Movie Beat blog right here to stay updated and to the Rex Sikes’ Movie Beat Podcast on Spotify where there is over 600 hours of professional filmmakers sharing their expertise with you. Subscribe today!

You can find lots of inspirational videos and filmmaker content on Create Your Best Life With Rex on youtube. Subcribe, like, comment and share. https://www.youtube.com/@createyourbestlifewithRex too.

AGAIN, Come early so we can start on time. Stay Late. Order a pizza and get a free pitcher of soda or beer. JOIN US.

Spread the word to your talented filmmaker and actor friends.

Use this QR code to apply to join our FaceBook Group Mission 1 Billion: Official Creator Network

Next Mission 1Billion Content Creator Meeting Wed Aug 27 7pm CST

Digital creators, filmmakers, artists, actors, comedians, influencers, musicians and anyone that loves working on creative projects… Join the Mission 1 Billion: Official Creator Network.

Meeting: Bring a proposal for a project if you have one. It can be anything creative (Feature film, short film, comedy or music show, fashion show, etc) to present to the group. Bring your projects to the meeting to discuss and to vote on creative projects we can collaborate on. 

Come early – stay late. Please be on time. Make your calendar. Enter door under White Claw Sign 

We’re in the side barroom. Look for the White Claw sign above the door. Come on in.

Location: Schmidty’s Bar & Grill 16755 W.Lisbon Rd Brookfield, WI 53005 7-9 pm Arrive 6:30. Stay Late!

If you have a reel to share that is 3 minutes or less send the link to  Mission1billionus@gmail.com

September 24th meeting we will have a Hollywood Film Director Join us to talk on film production and answer questions. More details later. JOIN US

We’re pleased with the three previous meetings and who showed up. Bravo people for coming and contributing to these networking meetings. Big BRAVO to all who helped with the FO ART Festival. It was a great time. If you missed it, you missed something special.

Put Aug 27 on your calendar NOW and make it a point to join us

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If you are not a member in our Facebook group Mission 1 Billion you’ll want to join that too for announcement, important updates and get to know all the fine people in our growing group.

Here is the official website https://missiononebillion.org/

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Our mission is to help educate filmmakers and actors, through classes, events, networking events, speaker events and more. BUT not just that our purpose is to support production and help people monetize their efforts while also supporting charities. Our purpose is to help each other help each other and all do better as a result while helping people in need too. You can join us and become a part of something grand.

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Come join with the others. We look forward to meeting you and seeing you there. PLUS, there are more events I will share soon. Together we can go further than we can alone.

Join us on Aug 27th. Schmidty’s Bar & Grill 16755 W.Lisbon Rd Brookfield, WI 53005 7-9 pm Arrive 6:30. Stay Late!

Get a Pizza and get a free pitcher of soda or beer.

Wednesday AUG 13 Mission 1Billion: Filmmaker Networking Meeting PLUS…

We’ve had two wonderful networking meetings so far this month. Be sure to attend our next meeting.

Wednesday August 13, 7-9 pm  Location: Schmidty’s Bar & Grill 16755 W.Lisbon Rd Brookfield, WI 53005 7-9 pm Arrive 6:30. Stay Late!

We are in the side barroom. Look for the White Claw sign above the door. Come on in.

Put Aug 13 on your calendar NOW and make it a point to join us.

To send YOUR reel link (3 MINUTES IN LENGTH OR LESS) please email Mission1billionus@gmail.com

If you are not a member in our Facebook group Mission 1 Billion you’ll want to join that too for announcement, important updates and get to know all the fine people in our growing group.

Here is the official website https://missiononebillion.org/Our mission is to help educate filmmakers and actors, through classes, events, networking events, speaker events and more. BUT not just that our purpose is to support production and help people monetize their efforts while also supporting charities. Our purpose is to help each other help each other and all do better as a result while helping people in need too. You can join us and become a part of something grand.

Our mission is to help educate filmmakers and actors, through classes, events, networking events, speaker events and more. BUT not just that our purpose is to support production and help people monetize their efforts while also supporting charities. Our purpose is to help each other help each other and all do better as a result while helping people in need too. You can join us and become a part of something grand.

Come join with the others. We look forward to meeting you and seeing you there. PLUS, there are more events I will share soon. Together we can go further than we can alone.

SATURDAY AUGUST 16 CHARITY FUNDRAISER FOR MAKE-A-WISH!!! COME ON OUT!!

MUSIC AND COMEDY

READ

LINK TO RECENT Los Angeles Tribune Article on Heartspire & Mission 1Billion. 

JOIN US FOR THIS IMPORTANT ChARITY EVENT –

FO ART Festival & Fundraiser for Make A Wish! Saturday August 16

AT SCHMITDY’S TOO From NOON to 10pm Charity Make-A-Wish event. Music and Comedy

Help Each Other While Helping Others

As you may have read, we’ve been busy helping people help people.

If you read about the foundation we’ve created to help change lives then you know we are working to make a real difference in the everyday lives of everyday people.

Here’s s bit from the recent article I shared with you

“In a world flooded with content, what if every view, like, or share could actually change a life?

That’s the radical vision behind Heartspire Foundation and its global storytelling movement, Mission: 1 Billion—a movement turning cameras into compassion, and creative media into a financial engine for families navigating the hardest chapters of their lives.

But this isn’t just a campaign for awareness. It’s a fundraising force. And at the center of its launch is one of the most trusted names in child advocacy: Make-A-Wish.”

If you haven’t read the article you can read it here.

You can join us live online during the event Aug 16 by clicking the link in that article. So set the date on your calendar.

I invite you to go now and visit our website if you’d like to learn more about this important mission and how you can be involved.

MissionOneBillion.org

The world seems a turbulent place for so many and we’d like to help in ways we know we can and reach more and more people each day.

You’re invited to watch us OR to join us in this mission.

I’m excited by the difference we’re already making

AND how much more we can accomplish when good people act in unison and collaborate to do good and make things better for all.

We started with a big ambition and a small local event. We have more coming up and an important Make-A-Wish event August 16. 

It’s all growing. And the people joining us are excited and eager to be involved. Why? Because we are helping each other, collaborating together for each other WHILE helping others too.

So, read the article, visit our official website and decide how you will be a part of this global movement for positive change.

Rex Sikes’ Movie Beat chats with David Murphy Casting Director

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David Murphy, casting director and acting coach, is co-founder of the Chicago  acting school known as The Green Room. Murphy, as he goes by, brings multiple areas of expertise to his teaching.

He’s worked in the acting field for 20 years. He joined the staff at O’Connor Casting Company in 2001. He splits time between casting commercials and teaching.

Around the casting office, there are two “David’s” (David O’Connor is the owner), so this David is often known as “Murphy”. He has conducted well over 50,000 individual actor’s auditions.

To Listen Live Or Archived Click The Bold Link Below:

Rex Sikes Movie Beat chats with David Murphy Casting Director

For 16 year Murphy taught at the Players’ Workshop of the Second City. He’s directed over a hundred shows ranging from improv reviews to children’s shows. He has created several touring groups performing for such clients as GE and Novis.

Murphy has worked as an artistic director for Bedlam Productions, has worked in casting for Toast productions and has been a consultant to several fledgling theatre companies.

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Beyond his acting and voice over credits, he has been a casting director, theatre director and instructor. What is not as widely is that he is a Reiki Master.

Reiki is a healing modality using energy. Often, unfocused energy can be at the root of an uncreative and uninteresting performance.

Have you ever had a poor audition and wrote it off as having been nervous, or simply not “on” without exploring further what was at the root of the problem?

He helps actors, through self-reflection, energy work and discovery of higher creative self, to gain better control of their instrument so they can be present during the audition and bring their best self to the room.

To Learn More about David, acting and commercial on camera classes Visit The Green Room Studio’s Website.

The Green Room Studio

PS I have been a student of The Green Room. Murphy and others have been my instructors. I highly recommend their offerings. I am enrolling in another class this week.

The official website of Rex Sikes Movie Beat can be accessed through the link below. Be sure to visit!

Rex Sikes’ Movie Beat Official Website

Weyauwega International Film Festival Day 1 – Nov 11

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Weyauwega International Film Festival is underway. Shorts have been showing. Nice programming. I’m having an incredibly tasty pulled pork sandwich, cole slaw, and drink at moment. They make good food at the festival.

Short subjects began at 4pm. The are presented in blocks. I am eating while waiting for the next short series to begin.

Feature begins at 7:30 pm. So far so good. Festival is off to a great start. If you aren’t here you should be. We are at the Gerold Opera Hourse in Weyauwega Wisconsin – just west of Appleton. Come on out! Schedule and info at website link I provided.

Http://www.wegaarts.com

I finished teaching today at UWM. My guest writer, director Todd Robinson added incredible value to my students and me, and all those who will watch our discussion on youtube. A must!

Packed up. Said bye to the students. Left campus and drove a couple hours to Weyauwega. One of the most disappointing moments occurred along the way. I was planning on dining at a friends fabulous Soup Brothers restaurant before leaving Milwaukee, mmmmm; Richard’s food is awesome.

I opted instead to drive over an hour and stop at an incredible truck stop diner along the way. There I would enjoy their sumptuous truck driver fare! I’d have breakfast midday and I could barely wait to get some coffee in me too.

I pulled into the diner. Walked in. Horror of Horrors. I discover that about 2 months ago they tore it out and converted to a fast food pizza chain. UNBELIEVABLE! I can’t imagine these hungry, burly truck drivers are happy about this. Or anyone else for that matter.

WOW and I could have had wonderful soup!

Oh well, life goes on. I ate elsewhere, at another small diner along the way. No where near as tasty as the one that vanished but I got some food. A little while later I arrived at the B&B and slept until almost 4 when fest began.

I love this B&B. I’ll tell you about it in my last blog post. I know in one of the rooms next to me is or are filmmaker/s from the UK.

The food at the festival is delicious. I said that right. WOW this blog is a lot about food. I guess my shock at the diner is unrequited.

Drinks come in alcohol and non-alcohol varieties. The people are  fans and filmmakers. The films long, short, narrative, and documentary. There is something here for everyone. Friday the 13th is horror film day.

The shorts are very entertaining. If you can be here you should be. The cost is right, the films are right, the people right too! You will enjoy yourself, but only if you come on out! Hope to see you!

How To Work with Professional Performers on your ULTRA LOW BUDGET Feature Film and Short Films

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Have you ever wanted to Work with Professional Performers on your  ULTRA LOW BUDGET Feature Film and Short Films?

Come down University of Wisconsin Milwaukee – Mitchell Hall Room B91 on Sunday November 8th to find out how you, can have SAG actors in you’re projects! All filmmakers and filmmaking students welcome!

This Workshop presented by SAG-AFTRA Chicago and Kathy Byrne, (Director, SAG-AFTRA Chicago) will show how you, yes, you, can afford to use professional actors in your low budget feature film!

“There is a contract for every budget level. Feature films made for under $250,000 are covered under the SAG-AFTRA Ultra Low Budget Agreement – come find out how easy it is to work with this contract. We also have simple agreements that you can sign to use professional actors in your short films and webisodes as well! If You’ve ever wanted to work with SAG-AFTRA and Equity actors this is a can’t miss event!” Kathy Byrne.

UWM campus in Mitchell B91 on Sunday, November 8th at 2 PM. Mitchell Hall is the large building on the NW corner of Downer & Kenwood. Free Street parking or pay parking at UWM Union Parking Structure on Campus.

This FREE workshop will provide you a service to highlight the benefits and ease of casting professional actors.

SPACE IS LIMITED! Please RSVP by Wednesday, November 4, 2015 to Kathy Byrne at kathy.byrne@sagaftra.org.

QUESTIONS? (312) 867-5508

SAG/AFTRA 1 E. Erie, #650 Chicago, IL 60611

Join Us! RSVP Today!!!

Rocky Lang | Producer | Author | Growing Up Hollywood

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Ever wonder what really goes on behind the veil of Hollywood? Rocky Lang, who grew up in the 90210, is the son of mega-producer and disaster master Jennings Lang, (Earthquake, the Airport movies and thirty-five other features), and dishes it all out in his book, Growing Up Hollywood, Tales From The Son Of A Hollywood Mogul.

Listen to ‘Growing Up Hollywood’  click the bolded link below:

Rex Sikes’ Movie Beat chats with author/producer/director Rocky Lang Pt 2

Previous conversation with Rocky. To Listen click bolded link below:

Rex Sikes’ Movie Beat chats with author/producer/director Rocky Lang

He grew up with the likes of Steven Spielberg, Clint Eastwood, Walter Matthau, Billy Wilder and many more. Told in a self deprecating style, Lang weaves tales of some ofHollywood’s most bizarre and never before told stories, including;! !

* Was his father really shot in the balls by the jealous husband of screen siren Joan Bennett?!

* The night he showed up to a pajama party at the Playboy Mansion only to find out is was a private dinner.!

* His relationship with Steven Spielberg prior and after his meteoric rise.!

* He recounts the brutal fights between Sydney Pollack and Dustin Hoffman on Tootsie.! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

In addition to writing seven books, Rocky Lang is also a film director, screenwriter and producer. He produced Ridley Scott’s White Squall, staring Jeff Bridges and the CBS Emmy Award winning, Titanic along with several other movies..

Rocky Lang has been involved in the motion picture and television business all his life. He  Executive Produced, “Racing For Time” for Lifetime Television starring Charles Dutton, which received a Best Picture nomination for The Image Awards.

Previous conversation with Rocky. To Listen click bolded link below:

Rex Sikes’ Movie Beat chats with author/producer/director Rocky Lang

Growing up as the son of veteran producer and Universal Studios executive, Jennings Lang (“Earthquake” “Play Misty For Me” among others), Rocky knew early on that he wanted to write/produce and direct.

Lang set himself on a track that has seen him produce and direct five documentary films including the award-winning “The Making of Tootsie”, assignments directing the long-running hit show “Remington Steele” and then on to direct three features, “Nervous Ticks”, (Columbia Tri-Star) “Race For Glory”, (New Century Vista) “All’s Fair”, (Moviestore).

Besides his directing career, Lang has had deals as a producer and director with Warner Bros., Universal, New World, CBS, NBC, ABC, Twentieth Century Fox, Cinecom, MGM and United Artists.

Lang is also an award winning screenwriter, having written several screenplays and has received a dramatic writing award from the Houston Film Festival for his original screenplay, The Low Post.  His screenplay, Crossing Memphis, was optioned by Quincy Jones and Columbia Pictures.  Mr. Lang’s script, The Babe That Struck out Ruth sold to ‘bel Films.

Rocky Lang was enjoying a successful lifetime career as a Hollywood producer, director and writer when, in 2002, his life was dramatically changed by his young daughter’s diagnosis of type I diabetes.  While continuing his work in the entertainment industry, Mr. Lang’s priorities shifted as he immersed himself in the care of his daughter and the chronic disease that now ruled their lives. 

Realizing that there was a need for products that educate, entertain and empower children and adults living with chronic illnesses, he wrote the acclaimed children’s book Lara Takes Charge.  Due to the success of the book, Mr. Lang has forged strong relationships with doctors, scientists, hospitals, drug companies and other major medical institutions resulting in a wealth of resources and support for his efforts.

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His book Lara Takes Charge is in the hands of over 15,000 children, hospitals, and libraries.  

On May 29th, 2008, the American Diabetes Association honored Mr. Lang as Father Of The Year at The Beverly Hills Hotel for his advocacy for children living with diabetes.

He is also partner in the company Books To Film. TV, (www.bookstofilm.tv) an author and publishing service company that assists writers and publishers by helping them bring their books to Hollywood and the multi-media and entertainment industries.  

Lang has appeared at Book Expo America, Publishers University, Los Angeles Times Festival of Books and other conventions across the country.

He is also the creator of The CourageBag, www.couragebag.com designed for people living with diabetes which was recently bought by the international luggage company TravelOn  which was  featured on QVC. 

Mr. Lang has served on the board of Foundation School Community, a progressive school in Los Angeles, and the Health Education Advisory Board at Children’s Hospital, and The Los Angeles Community Leadership Board and ADA National Youth Strategy Board for The American Diabetes Association.

He attended the University of California, Los Angeles and has the honor of being the youngest director accepted to the American Film Institute. Mr. Lang lives in Toluca Lake, CA.

Growing Up Hollywood, Tales From The Son Of A Hollywood Mogul, is published byHLPI Books, $7.95, November 2014. Available from Amazon.

Rocky Lang Official Website

Someone (I know who) Stole My Web Site!!!

In case you are wondering what happened to the official Rex Sikes’ Movie Beat. A person I know and paid to work to work on developing another new site for me – hacked and stole it.

Parties are looking into it. It will be corrected with the appropriate actions.

This person has no claim, does not own the site or anything related to it but took it and my email accounts associated with it. He has interrupted and damaged my ability to business and communication. There are remedies for this.

The official site will be back, rest assured.

Discussion on air continue: Next up Peter Marshall Dec 4 11aE 10aC 8aP. See the posted link on Peter’s page in this blog site. Meet you on the air and in the chat room!