"Being interviewed later today by "I'm Here With Magazine" discussing the life and legacy of Bruce Blain, sharing some of my own story, and talking about why it's so important for emerging artists to receive mentorship and support. I encourage everyone to check out the amazing work they're doing spotlighting Canadian content creators!"
.
"I've refrained from sharing my thoughts and experience with this over the past few days as I was struggling to find the right words. But I've come to realize that there can be no "right words" in situations like this, so here goes.
.
Our industry has lost a titan. A brilliant actor, writer, mentor and friend to many, myself included. I first met Bruce Blain over three years ago at one of Jeffery Lando's famous Oscar night parties. He immediately struck me as a larger than life personality who was never afraid to speak his mind. I respected that...and the fact that he kicked my ass at Oscar bingo.
.
Over the next few years I ran into him frequently at film industry events and would see his face pop up randomly on TV shows shot in town. He was clearly a consummate professional who had been making his living in acting since before I was even in high school. It was only in the last few months of his life that I had the privilege of truly getting to know him. Three months ago, he came in to audition for a short film I was casting for director Matthew Leigh.
.
As a matter of fact, I had not intended to bring him in for this project. He had found the breakdown online and FB messaged me, basically talking me into giving him an audition. I knew he was far too old to play the part he wanted but for some reason, I brought him in. If just about anyone else had asked me for an audition in that way, I would've found it unprofessional and irritating, but with him I wasn't bothered at all. He was just that friendly and persuasive a guy.
.
As it turned out, bringing him in payed off as he was cast in a different role in that film. But auditioning in MiTribe Manor ended up paying off in another way, as I was to learn about his brilliant initiative Real Reel Productions and the work he was doing with Ambrose Gardener to help launch the careers of new and young actors. In a profession so defined by competition, to find someone who really wants to see other actors succeed and more than that, makes it their MISSION to help them succeed, is a truly rare thing. It spoke to his generosity, kindness and his believe that young actors should have every possible opportunity to get their foot in the door. His reputation as an acting instructor was already well established at this point through his "Auditioning 101" class. A close friend once told me that his class was the type of class he had needed all along without even realizing it.
.
My own company's mission is to provide a platform for emerging artists to share their work. Offering MiTribe Manor as the filming location for Real Reel Productions seemed to be a natural fit. Sadly we only got the chance to do two shoots here together before his passing.
.
ust over a week ago Ambrose messaged me saying he and others in the industry hadn't heard from Bruce in a while and were growing concerned. I offered to drive down to his apartment and check up on him. By an odd coincidence the building he lived in was right next door to the east van housing coop that I grew up in. I spent about an hour outside his apartment trying to buzz in. more on Rowans facebook.
Rest in peace my friend. - Rowan Jang
.
https://www.facebook.com/mitribemedia
.
Photo by Corey Chadwick Malone.
