Melissa
Anschutz
Melissa majored in Theatre with a minor in literature at
CMU and WMU, but believes that study can only polish,
not make you an actor. She feels the ability to separate
from reality and become someone else for a glimpse is
the truth in the craft. Among various Theatre credits,
her last to date was in 2008, where she played
Gwendolyn Pigeon, mastering the British dialect in “The
Odd Couple”. She joined the screen world immediately
following, landing a supporting role in the HBO pilot,
“Night Moves”. In 2009, she earned her SAG eligibility
with films like “The Domino Effect” and since, has
performed in 18 films, five television series, and several
commercials. She spent two years writing, co-directing
and performing in a skit driven television comedy series,
and has written, co-produced, and performed in the
comedic pilot “Paid Programming” set to premiere in
Sept 2011. She is an avid runner, which aids in
concentration for character development, as well as
maintains the ability to carry the intensity of a physically
demanding role.
Through traditional means from her agent, she was
given the script for “7 Stones”, auditioned, and was
offered a Lead role playing “Laura”.
CMU and WMU, but believes that study can only polish,
not make you an actor. She feels the ability to separate
from reality and become someone else for a glimpse is
the truth in the craft. Among various Theatre credits,
her last to date was in 2008, where she played
Gwendolyn Pigeon, mastering the British dialect in “The
Odd Couple”. She joined the screen world immediately
following, landing a supporting role in the HBO pilot,
“Night Moves”. In 2009, she earned her SAG eligibility
with films like “The Domino Effect” and since, has
performed in 18 films, five television series, and several
commercials. She spent two years writing, co-directing
and performing in a skit driven television comedy series,
and has written, co-produced, and performed in the
comedic pilot “Paid Programming” set to premiere in
Sept 2011. She is an avid runner, which aids in
concentration for character development, as well as
maintains the ability to carry the intensity of a physically
demanding role.
Through traditional means from her agent, she was
given the script for “7 Stones”, auditioned, and was
offered a Lead role playing “Laura”.
~~~~~~~~~
With knowing only of the solid reputation of DJ
Perry as an actor and producer, admitting
trepidation for my working alongside him in this film
is honest. In other words, my expectation and
concern was to be faced with a bit of arrogance.
What I found, was a hard working, down to earth,
highly dedicated, immensely talented actor, who took
his character to depths unwritten in the script. "7
Stones" set loaned itself to a variety of necessary
distractions, one of which, an exceedingly loud fog
machine, making it difficult not only to rehearse, but
certainly to concentrate. DJ’s command through
performance, could instantly redirect my focus away
from outside influence. His dedication to this film
and his character proved tireless with working hours
spent through meals and shoot times taking us
beyond sunrise. My respect for the actor and the man
behind “Joseph” is unmatched, and my experience in
working with him I consider the standout in my
career.
Perry as an actor and producer, admitting
trepidation for my working alongside him in this film
is honest. In other words, my expectation and
concern was to be faced with a bit of arrogance.
What I found, was a hard working, down to earth,
highly dedicated, immensely talented actor, who took
his character to depths unwritten in the script. "7
Stones" set loaned itself to a variety of necessary
distractions, one of which, an exceedingly loud fog
machine, making it difficult not only to rehearse, but
certainly to concentrate. DJ’s command through
performance, could instantly redirect my focus away
from outside influence. His dedication to this film
and his character proved tireless with working hours
spent through meals and shoot times taking us
beyond sunrise. My respect for the actor and the man
behind “Joseph” is unmatched, and my experience in
working with him I consider the standout in my
career.
