Throwback Thursday: This screen grab is from a short I wrote, directed and acted in while in college called Homesick. I hate this film. It sucks on so many levels. One of my biggest failures ever. But, this screen grab brings up an interesting point.

Being an actor is weird. You get to kiss people who you’re not dating. Sometimes, someone you may not even like. It creates a false intimacy. In this case, the actor is a friend of mine. Odd, right? Once I was in a play where I had to kiss a beautiful woman who, in real life, was a lesbian tougher than me. She intimidated the crap out of me.

Scenes like this are never comfortable to be in. You’re not alone. Others are there recording it (in film) or watching it (in theater). It’s so damn awkward. Funny thing about this moment, the actress was recovering from having her wisdom teeth removed. Her cheeks were puffy. She was highly medicated. It was an extremely unromantic moment captured for all eternity. But, I was impressed by her dedication to show up anyway.

Good friend. Weird memory.