Fine Art America Photographer Selected By Director And Casting Director For American Horror Story

That is great new Michael so I am assuming then you play the piano along with your photography?

Congratulations to you Michael. Applause ! Very excitingnews for you - don't forget to breathe.

Here, sign my arm real quick Mr. movie star - before you get too busy.

& I do hope we get to hear you playing the piano.

Actually, I have played by ear, since I was 10 never had a lesson, and do perform at the university from time to time. I have been told my music represent 19 th century pianist from Europe.

I am excited about this.

And I am also going to arrange contract for use of any of my photography.

I am surprised, but I had stiff competition, and it is going to be a very upsacle lavish dinner party, 1830's setting here in New Orleans,

Congratulations....=)

Awesome, Michael. Congratulations!!
Can I get your autograph?

That is great Michael pass along my site address to them too :)

Oh and how much do you charge now for your autograph?

Christine and Jeff, the autograph is free.

I am speechless, almost, I was at the coffee shop after I met with the Director and the Casting Director, I am just amazed by the line up of famous actress and actors.....

I am sure the University were I work will have a big gala, premiere show of my eposode I apprear in.

I do not this role was not a stand in role or extra background, but its considered an actors roles because of my playing the piano, and I do know from previous scenes in movies and mini series the piano player does get air time.....

Well where I am a chef at the Univerity for Facility Dining Services, I have been requested by the staff to perform. And in chef attire I play and perform background music. from time to time.

I will not forgot any one you.

That's fantastic, Michael! Congratulations!!

Thank you, I did announce in other forums but had to share this fantastic news once it was confirmed.

And I will let everyone know when the eposiode appears on the FX channel.

I used my great great great grandfathers glasses today for the publicity shot. A portrait shot and they took a full length photo, and the Director confirmed next week I get fitted for my 1830's costume attire for the role.

There are so many links now I did not post but you can view all the hoopla on line by going to American Horror Story,

since Friday, one of the links spoke of Emma Roberts, Julia Roberts Niece moving to New Orleans, I was told to wear black slacks and a dress shirt, instead I wore to the audition, Deep Kakii pleated dress slacks, a white shirt with the color turned inside out to look like a band, and grey charoal vest with white stripes on the back. All the other guys had dark black suits looked like waiters, and perhaps did not fit the period look the director was searching for, and then again maybe he did view that video of me.

The casting call for the roll was 30 year to 50, I am 61, I passed for the old man Piano Player

Congratulations I want an autograph too! ;-)

Awesome Michael ...................................................................... brake a leg

Thanks I will post the link the University has posted because I am a chef and play the piano, I never had a lesson, do not know what the keys are, I do know to make chords as well, I hear the music and everytime I set down its comes out different.

Here is the link the university had made of me, it the video had nothing to do with my audition for the role in the movie, mini series.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dF0lqBZNaHA

This is one of the many performances at work. Remember, I am a chef, and when the President, or executive chef yells get Michael out there and play, I play. I have no clue what the keys or, the moment I sit down, I hear music and it changes everytime its different melody's of sounds.

I received the email from the casting company, and I returned the email....then kept getting emails from them and then they wrote hold on we are calling you. This was Friday, so I spoke to the agent, and then he instructed me to go to the audition today, and I went. I actually thought I had the role up until I went and there were 20 others there, and the competition was fierce professionals extras who have done the movies or mini series before.

I have a very extreme lean body, and I am certain I look like a 1830's character, thin and old....lol

WOW CONGRATS!!! ALWAYS WANTED TO DO SOMETHING LIKE THAT

Thank you, I actually went to the audition for America's got talent, and performed at the university, but the director of the show did not choose me, if they did I would not have known because my phone went dead.

Woohoo!! Just watched you play! Thats wonderful! My maternal Grandmother was like you...couldn't read a note of music, was never taught to play but she could play piano and organ by ear. There have been a number of famous musicians that don't read music so you are in good company. You're a natural!!

Completely amazing, wonderful you -- congrats Michael :)

Franchesica do it, take the leap and achieve everything you possible can.

Wow thank you Phyllis, and Carmen, I was always told by Music instructors the day I would have learn to read music it would never be raw or sound original.....but everytime I sit I just hear this music.

I am 61 and I never did anything and that video had nothing to do with my audition, besides playing the paino, they selected me I am certain because I have perhap the look of a character from 1830's.....

Who knows, maybe I was not meant to be on America's Got Talent, this may lead to something else....I will just take it in stride.

You are beautifully talented at the piano Michael. =)

Thank you Angelina if I could just be as talented with my keywords with my photography, I will be in business....lol, I thought to myself, you are never too old to do anything, never too old. And maybe not landing a spot as a performer on America's got Talent was meant to be but this may lead to something even greater, who knows, odd things have occured in peoples life.....

I took this new photo I posted about two years ago I pretty much still look the same...

way to go Michael, We are never to old to do anything.
I never picked up a pencil to draw till I was 50,
Maybe if I had started younger I'd be burned out or rich by now. lol
I'm really proud I got to know you a little on the Million views game.
You really have a wonderful talent. Go Michael!!!!!

jaxine cummins

Nope, never too old! You're just a kid to these folks......

http://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2011/12/21/82-year-old-eagan-woman-completes-her-college-degree/

http://www.globalpost.com/dispatches/news/regions/americas/canada/oldest-marathon-runner-centenarian-toronto





and these are just a few examples. There are tons of people still achieving and going for it, who don't let their age be a barrier. You're only too old to do something after you're buried.

Congratulations, Michael.

Cool!

Applause,applause.....so happy your natural talent has earned you this great moment,and especially glad we can share it with you.....music, maestro,please !!

I am humbled to be among so many wonderful artist and photographers, and thank you so much to share my a personal accomplishment with all of you. How odd is it every 10 years I have moved to a next level of life experiences, when one door closes so another one opens.

I will with time make an offer to let the right contacts know of my involvement here with Fine Art America, everyone may benefit from this opportunity bestowed upon me.

The University I work at has been the center of attention to a few renowned individuals the winner of Big Brother last season was a student at Tulane, the winner of the Iron Chef was a employee with the world renowned catering company Sodexo.

I am humbled and will take it in stride.

WOW HOW EXCITING IS THAT PHYLLIS, THANK YOU FOR SHARING THAT VIDEO!

That was awesome.

Both are what inspires us all, and that is to achieve our life dreams.

Life is so good, when one door opens so does another, every 10 years I have always strived to pursue my life dreams to the next level, I will make the necessary contact at the precise moment my involvement here at Fine Art America, which just might benefit each and everyone of you.

I am humbled to be among such great, inspirational talent and acclaimed artist and photographers here at Fine Art America.

I want to thank Fine Art America in letting me share my good news with everyone.

Amazing as it is I am still stunned, good fortune has come to many others at the University I am employed at, last semester a student won the Big Brother contest, a Sodexo employee won The Iron Chef, and I actually had a dream I won America's Got Talent, and there was a big parade, well who knows the University may sponsor a premiere showing of the episode I appear in. Doors may open for publicity for many individuals....

Thank you Jeff, Jannie, Vivian, JL, thanks to Murry, I appreciate that, Jeffery no fee charged here. smiling.


A truly special thank you to Jaxine, my competitor over at the Million Views, what a great inspiration you and everyone has been towards me.

Thanks to Angelina, and a special thanks to Janine who was an inspiration to many members here on Fine Art America expose yourself, reveal to the world the artist or photographer you truly are, change that avatar, hugs and more hugs to you.

Carmen the vision of color I see in your gallery.

Hey, I feel like I won an oscar, lol.

I have so much to continue and will alway ask for advice from my mentors all of you.

And Laura the happy smile, cheers me up everytime I see your avatar.

And Gunther for that generous congrats, I truly appreciate that alot. Hey, I can not break a leg, I have to step on the damper peddles of the piano.

Congratulation! :)

That is so very cool. Congrats!

Michael,

In your case, You Can't Keep a Good Man Down,... a Young (your only in your sixties) Good Man Down,.... a Young,Amazingly Talented (watched the video), Good Man Down,... a Young, Amazingly Talented,Truly Renaissance( your work here on FAA speaks for itself), Good Man Down!!!!

With the total ease, displayed at the "Ivories"..This gig is going to be "A Walk in the Park", better yet "A Dance through the Park"

By the way, Take your Camera,

Congratulations!!!! Enjoy every second!

Congratulations Michael. Can't wait to see it. Also looking forward to going to NOLA to get your autograph!

Oh, how exciting - very happy for you! Life is always full of surprises isn't it? I checked out your galleries, really nice work there - I particularly liked Colours Noxie Noxema.

Congratulations!!! I love that show and look forward to seeing your episode.

That's pretty cool, man! Congratulations! American Horror Story is one of the best things on TV these days. I'll look forward to seeing you on the show in the fall.

Michael, this is so exciting! Congratulations to you!

Just watched your video. Well played and a treat for those eating there. I love the piano. I have two in my house. No, I cannot play. My brother, son and daughter took lessons. I love to sit on the couch and listen to them.

I back tracked and saw where you posted the link to the video. Nice playing.

Wow So cool and such an accomplishment, Congrats!

Congratulations Michael. Your video is wonderful. Best of luck!

WOW!!!! Michael, This sounds like a great opportunity! Good things come to good people. Excited to hear more and please keep us updated on your wonderful experience. Also just watched your video...AMAZING!!! You have so much talent! Congratulations and Best Wishes!!! Suzanne :)

That is so awesome Michael! Congratulations and wow you can make that piano sing... You will be wonderful in the part and you never know it could be the start of a whole new career...
Enjoy every moment of the experience and the memory will be with you always!

Cheers, Barbara

Wow! Awesome news! Congratulations!
I am off to go watch the video.
Way to go!

I am so happy for you Michael.
Kind of a new world will open for you, to be taking a part in a movie. I've always wanted to join a movie making crew, I so want to help to create a film, I've got so many ideas....maybe one day someone will find my work and like it that much, to employ me...anyway, I should stop dreaming....


Best of luck and enjoy every second of it!

That was a beautiful, relaxing piece of music. If you record what you play, they could be transcribed and shared as sheet music. Or I had a friend with an electric piano that would print the music for you as you played. You deserve one of those.
Congratulations on your role.

Wonderful! And I too hope you enjoy this opportunity greatly. Have fun! Make friends! Influence art buyers!

Hello Gregory, its going to be fun and exciting, and when I got home from work this evening, received word they are designing my wardrobe for the 1830's party piano scene, the director did say it was going to be a very classic costumes for that ear....I also know its a very upscale and party, at a grand home or planation.

Hello, Francesa, well years back I had a reel to reel so every session I played since I had no clue what it was I was composing at the moment, I do have on reel to reel, thanks.

Mariana, never stop dreaming, I am full of them right this moment, I am still on a cloud, I did not sleep a wink last night,

Hello Gia, its going to be a couple of day shooting for that particular lavish party scene for that period. 1830'

Hello Barb, I will take everything in stride. This is a good experience in many ways, I alway thought I would not mind working in the industry, the background, Someone mentioned a camera, legally I will not be able to do that but cell phone with a good camera, before or after sets,

Thanks Suzzane, I am off for the summer from the university, and filled in today and after spent quality time on the baby grand.

Thanks Ann, I can image the piano they will be using a classic 1830's style in a parlor, the plantation home or upscale home had the parlor and grand dining room open and some even had there own ball room within the homes for entertainment. The costumes designs will be interesting to see for 1830's

Thanks Jeffery , glad you found it.

Janice wow, two that must sound great, I had a maghony American Baby Grand, and it was restored, I no longer have it, when the action was removed, the restorer found everything from watermelon seeds, to hair pins, and a negative and it was a photo of a young boy holding a foot ball taken I am sure outside his home uptown where the paino was.



Hello Shenna, well I went into to work today to fill in and the executive offices told me, they will be releasing a public relations media of my role in the mini series movie. My hand is sore from all the high 5's, they were there with all my involvement with America's Got Talent, had a performace for the entire employee staff and had a standing ovation for 4 or so mintures.

Hello Andrew, Shawanna, when I know of the release I will keep everyone posted.

Thanks Sharron, I am glad Roxie Knoxzemma appeals to you,

Brafford, I will not win any awards for my scene at the Piano, but I am sure I will be visible, I will not have any speaking lines to my knowledge unless that changes. And back then as now anyone at a party they do hover around the piano player.

Congratulations, what a wonderful op.

How cool is that Roger, thanks that is pretty cool.

Thanks Mary Ellen, it will be a fun time and I am sure a long time, party scenes I am sure are often retake, retake, with so much going on, pretty much at the same time, its going to be more upscale, and very formal for that era,

Thanks JC, and Mario, I will borrow a cell phone, for photo ops. I am sure they have individuals who stop to take photos of them in situations as in a movie setting before or after shoots.

That's great news Michael, and it's all been said by others here, so break a leg... i'll be watching for the episode... applause applause... =>))

Wonderful news, Michael! Now I can say my work has been featured by a movie actor!☺

Hello Marie, I never actually thought of that angle, well the costume department is designing my costume for the scene of the Piano Player in the 1830's setting lavish upscale dinner party.

Hello Ed, thanks for the show business pun, break a leg, but I can not do that because I will be at the piano in the scene.

Thanks for the kind words Michael, I am such a dreamer..
I was smiling when I read about you haven't slept any last night, because I wanted to ask the same question in my earlier comment, if you could sleep at all, after all this excitement (...I know, I couldn't), and you answered my usuasked question, which was very strange and nice in the same time....."mindreader" ;)

How are you feeling today?

This is so exciting! Congratulations Michael! Much success to you!

Hello Marianna, I did not sleep a wink, I did close my eyes for a few minutes, I had to be at work for 6 am, I am off for the summer from the university and visited with them Monday before I received the news. So the University and catering company I work for there, they will announce a Public Relations announcement, and its very possible arrange all this with a write up in the campus newspaper and a gathering in the campus theatre for a premier showing of the episode.

They initially would have arrange PR as well if I would have been selected on America's Got Talent.

I have been busy, working on a Face Book Fan Page, I am also working on Actors Guild, if I speak or say anything at the piano during filming I will automatic be inducted into the actors guild.

I am fine, today. My costume for the role is being designed and can not wait to see the wardrobe. The setting as you know i 1830's and my character has a title the Piano Man, very possible to be included in the credits at the end.

Does anyone know if you can have more than one Fan Page it seems they are designed by criteria. Arts, Performer, etc. etc.

Hello Michelle, thank you very much for the generous comment and best wishes.

This is great news, Michael. I love how you dressed the way you felt would look right, and were chosen, and how supportive they are at work too. I don't get that channel but I'll be looking for the updates here. From the times I've watched movie filming, it seems there's a lot of waiting around, but they have good food.

Wow Michael!

I am so happy and proud for you! You have become a very dear friend and wish you the best!

Sandra

Hello Sandra, thank you so very for the kind comments, its a pleasure being in your company as well, Cheers, Michael

Hello Kathi, years back I was in a mini series back in the early 80's and I do remember the layout of the food, just awesome and delicious food options, and I do remember, the breaks, cut, break, action, break, cut, roll'm how they manage its amazing technology and human intervention. Well, the entire crew there is a backup this a backup that, so many people watching behind the scenes so carefully,

This evening coming across the park near the house is this period Greek Rival home and its not far from the sound studio, and I suspect the taping will be there.

Now that I think of it, I remember the water color sketches of the home in the Directors office, I only saw it briefly, and it was light mauve rose colored pink plaster home with ornate Greek Rival columns and does have a grand pallor and dining room, and it does have a baby grand, I have a hunch, its the home. Just block from the Production Studios and my current residence.
'

That is awesome, Michael! Congratulations!!! :)

Hello Natalie, thanks for the generous comment. Its has been quite a unique experience thus far, taking it in stride.

Does anyone know, can you make more than one FaceBook Fan Page, can you have multiple pages.

Hi Michael - I am late to the party but wish you the best in your new adventure! How thrilling! Congratulations!

Answer to your question is: yes, you can make more than one fan page.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/create/

Happy Days!
CJ

I'm also late to the party, Michael, but I want to wish you the best. What fanastic news!! I enjoyed listening to you play the piano.

Michael! Very cool and congratulations! =)

Hello Elizabeth, thank you, I am still on cloud, thanks for the congrats. I think James Cromwell he is also in the movie, mini series, and we sorta look alike. I am very anxious.

Hello Patricia, thank you, I am glad you enjoyed it, the music always changes, never the same.

Thanks CJ, someone here on Fine Art America suggested that months ago, when I had gone in to audition for America's Got Talent, now this is confirmed I will be working on a Fan Page, thanks I had not checked into it but sure will now.

Look forward to seeing your FB fan page Michael - cj

Also noticed this little article:
http://smallbusiness.chron.com/many-facebook-fan-pages-can-create-28206.html

Thanks for the link CJ, it will be a project for me to start, I went and check it all out. I can do a artist, photographer fan page, a musician or combine it all in one. I will work on that. Thanks for the good wishes and info.

I have had a little fun today signing autographs, I am getting good at it also. Wish I could be that good with my keywords, lol

Wow, that's awesome! We watched the first season and I loved it. Season two was way too graphic for my taste but my husband still watched. Hopefully season three will see a return to a more moderate story line. I love the way they keep many of the actors from season to season. Hopefully once you're 'in' Michael, you'll get to come back in subsequent seasons! Congratulations and have fun!

Hello Karyn, this has truly been of the best life experience thus far, besides my going to cooking school and have such a long term culinary career.
Friends have informed me, the story line was all over the place last season, though the first episode was filmed in New Orleans, LA they have returned back to New Orleans, episode I appear in will be Pre Civil War, 1830's, I can not wait to see my costume, I have no clue but I do have a little knowledge of Louisiana History and wardrobes back then.

I will keep everyone posed on the latest, I do know the episode should air in October sometime.

Btw... Could you autograph my art? Maybe it would sell then.

Oh Karyn, I like that alot, I love your humor...heck what about me, gosh I have not had any sales yet either, can't imagine why, but have not thus far. Maybe this will change things, it sure would be nice.

Met an acting instructor this evening at the other coffee shop I visit, she is going to be conducting small acting classes after hours at the coffee shop. How cool is that.

Very cool ;)