So as we all know INVASION is no more. The show was such an eye opener for me while it was in production and the show’s ending was no exception. I began reaching out to people, you know to commiserate and whatnot. Most folks I couldn’t reach, and those that I left messages with didn’t return them. It was as if people had already begun to distance themselves from INVASION. I didn’t understand why. Hadn’t the bonds we’d formed over the last 10 months superceded any network scheduling phenomena? Besides, there was a huge SAVE INVASION campaign which had been underway for weeks. Surely there was hope that a show this exceptional would be saved from the dustbins of mediocrity.
I came to realize that moving on isn’t just what folks do to take care of themselves financially, but its also a psychological and emotional salve as well. The state of television is in constant flux. One show begins, another ends and for the most part everyone accepts this with complacency. The cast and crews of t.v. shows have to bounce from project to project without a lot of attachment. After all, who but a lucky few can ride a show through to its fifth season? The “entertainment” part of this business is the pleasant surface that belies the turbulent waters underneath and most of the folks who flock to this town for the business are barely treading water. A desperate sense of self preservasion accounts for the shallowness which Los Angeles typifies. There may be a kind of heartless hollywoodness in Invasion’s fate but as Bill Fictner said, “Its a business. And we didn’t make our bottom line”. You can’t blame the bean counters if the numbers don’t add up.
I’ve kept in touch with a couple of Invasion folks and that’s what I walk away with. That and a really cool d.v.d. box set. And about 10 months worth of incredible memories.
9-25-2006
I just re-read the previous after a few weeks of letting my thoughts settle. I wanted to delete it all. How gloomy! But then again I thought those thoughts and felt those feelings or they wouldn’t have ended up there like they are, so I’ll leave them be and trust you get where I’m coming from. I guess what it states clearly is my confusion and disappointment in the days after the show ended. And the down time has been an opportunity to get some space from all of that and focus on what’s important in my life: my family.
So I’ve now had two months of “family time” and I’m moving on with a new project that I’m starting on my own. I’m setting up to teach an acting class in my home town of Fullerton. There is so much talent in Orange County and in my town in particular but very little training outside of the colleges in the O.C. and the acting classes up in L.A. I’m really excited about providing good and affordable acting coaching for local actors aspiring to work in film, t.v., or stage. The real-world advice alone from this “working” actor is worth admission. Its a project that I know will be good for me because it’ll keep me creatively (not to mention financially) fulfilled and will allow me the opportunity to give back to the community by contributing to the already very rich acting talent base here.
So, off to work!
Nathan
It really is a crying shame that such a great show is no more. I have not been interested in any television series for so long that it took me by surprise how quickly I got sucked into Invasion.
Congratulations on your teaching gig. Your experience will be much appreciated by your students, I am sure.
Comment by Jane — September 26, 2006 @ 2:24 pm
Nathan, even if the realities of money hungry Hollywood can be unfair, and the fate of a canceled show has forced you to rethink your paths and objectives, your decision to teach may lead you to an entirely new career which may become your new love . It did for me, and I am sure many others, who may have left one career for one reason or another, to reap the many rewards of teaching. I would never go back, and I have discovered a whole alternate creative outlet that I may have otherwise missed. I wish you the best of luck with your teaching venture and I hope you will still continue to act, because you are honestly, quite superb. I know your students will learn a lot from you. Thanks for keeping in touch.
All the Best,
AJ
Comment by AJ — September 26, 2006 @ 6:47 pm
Hello Nathan!
You continue to impress me with not only your acting, but your beautiful writing and soulful, astute observations. I’m glad the downtime gave you some “head space,” and I’m also glad that you’ve decided to teach and formally share your wisdom with others, in addition to our informal, though valuable exchanges here. You have so much to offer! And your students will be extremely grateful to learn from you soon enough! Best wishes, always -
Comment by Joanna — September 26, 2006 @ 7:07 pm
I’m glad to see that you have decided to persue a postitve, creative outlet for your talent. While I’m sure there are people that would love to take classes from you, I hope you don’t completely give up the thought of acting in another series or movie if the opportunity presents itself. There are those of us that love to see you act and may never get to, if you limit yourself to teaching. Best of luck to you with your new path. I am looking forward to reading future entries to this blog to tell us how things are going.
We will miss Invasion!! It was a great source for getting your name and face seen. Who knows, your best part may still be ahead of you. Although I think you were wonderful as Lewis, I would rather see you in a romantic comedy. You look like the kind of guy that would really fit a part like that. You certainly have the looks for it, and you seem to be lighthearted and definately likeable. I’m really looking forward to seeing where your career takes you. Keep looking forward as you go. Onward, Talon
Comment by Talon — September 27, 2006 @ 4:53 am
Nathan,
I’m happy to see you are in brighter spirits!
Good things are bound to come your way. You are such a talented actor and writer.
Best of luck on your new path.
Remember to always follow your dreams Nathan, that’s very important. A friend of mine told me that years ago…so I wanted to pass it on to you.
Keep us posted on how things are going with you, I enjoy reading your posts!
Sherry
Comment by Sherry Spofford — September 27, 2006 @ 5:31 am
Hi Nate~
Wow, everyone is making it sound like you are “giving up” on acting as a career. I know that this is just another ladder rung on your way up to stardom! Keep up the good fight! Don’t ever give up on your dream.
Comment by Rusty — September 27, 2006 @ 9:45 am
Excellent, Nathan! I hear you about things being hard/horrid when there isn’t work.. My old boss used to say production was the basis of morale, and I feel he was right. Busy=good. But, the unfortunate element in acting seems to be needing others to say yes before you get to successfully deliver your art and craft to the rest of the world. Creating this acting class is a great idea. You will develop a new ‘family’ there too, one that can go and change/improve the culture with their gifts that they developed with your guidance! Awesome. Can’t wait to hear more.
Comment by Adam B. — September 28, 2006 @ 8:02 am
Forgot to add a PS- once “Behind the Mask” comes out you probably won’t have a free minute to yourself with work coming in too… the film’s amazing.
Comment by Adam Barnick — September 28, 2006 @ 8:05 am
Hi Nathan,
I’m glad you decided to keep the original post, even if you feel a little differently now. That’s what a journal/blog is all about, capturing how you feel at the moment, as our thoughts and emotions are constantly evolving. I think it’s good sometimes to go back and re-read old entries to remind us of where we came from and where we’re going - the good and the bad.
Also, I was interested to read how you tried to keep in touch with your Invasion friends and found it difficult. I’ve had the same experience many times over with non-Hollywood people (and with some Hollywood people as well). Although self-preservation may be a part of what you experienced, I’ve learned it’s also just human nature that when you’re with a group of people on a regular basis, you bond with them, but once the group disperses, it’s very difficult to keep the same level of friendship and contact going for very long. But we can definitely take with us the good memories and what we learned, and look forward to new memories and new relationships. In some ways it’s similar to what we fans have to do with the demise of our favorite TV show.
That’s great that you’re going to be teaching - what a wonderful way to share your talent and knowledge while you look for more gigs! Thanks for keeping us up-to-date, and sharing your “gut” feelings with us.
Comment by TCS — September 30, 2006 @ 9:07 am