My latest project: Random Doors

Hey Everyone,

Just wanted to let you know about the latest feature film that I'm working on. It's called Random Doors and it stars Tom Sponberg, Bill Conner, Katrina Matusek, Will Leon and Lindsey Kidwell. The movie is about a serial killer who murders 100 people in 1 day - and still has time to update his Facebook status. I play the lead detective in this movie.

Be sure to add the Facebook Fan Page for this movie to keep up with the latest news and see the latest stills from the project.

Random Doors is directed by Randy Huckabone.

Toodles.

Sniper: Inside the Crosshairs showing on History Channel on Dec 20th and 21st

The two hour documentary, Sniper: Inside the Crosshairs, will be showing on the History Channel on Sunday, December 20th at 9pm and on Monday, December 21st at 1am. I have a small scene in this where me and two other Taliban insurgents get shot at. They also filmed us running all over the desert so there may be a Lord of the Rings kind of scene in there.

Arizona casting done by Good Faith Casting. Sniper: Inside the Crosshairs on IMDB.

'Illusions' screening this week

The short film, Illusions, will be screening this Thursday at 7pm and on Friday at 3pm. Illusions is about the blurred line between reality and our subconscious. I think.. Actually, I'm not too sure what it's about but I do know that I acted in it. So, if you want to know what it's really about, you'll either have to ask director, Lauryn Berger, or come out and see it! :) Illusions is Lauryn's Capstone project for ASU. It similar to a thesis project.

The screenings will be at the Lyceum Theater located at:
901 S Forest Mall

Tempe, AZ 85287

http://www.asu.edu/map/interactive/?campus=tempe&building=LYC

Doritos Crash the Superbowl Commercials!

So I recently ate about 15lbs of Doritos while filming 2 different commercials as a part of the Doritos Crash the Super Bowl contest. I'm not too worried about my diet since Doritos are vegan food.

I won't go through all the rules of the competition but the main rule is that no spot can go longer than 30 seconds. I can't believe how fast that is (that's what she said). So, as you can imagine, a lot of footage was left on the cutting room floor. But I can say, unequivocally, that I am tremendously proud of these spots. I think they're really, really good and I think you guys will enjoy them. And yes, the word 'unequivocally' was the word of the day on my word-of-the-day toilet paper.

Click both the links below to check out the spots. When you click the link, a large flash screen will load momentarily. When that's done, you can click on the 'Skip Intro' link in the lower right corner of the screen to skip the flash intro. You'll then be sent directly to the video itself. I'd appreciate any positive comments you can leave on the commercial pages. You may have to create a login account to leave a comment and I know that's a pain in the ass but the best videos with the most buzz have a chance of airing during the Super Bowl so any positive feedback you can leave is greatly appreciated!! In early January, they'll also open up the competition to user votes as well to help determine which commercials play during the Super Bowl.

The links to the commercials are below. They are directed by Bivas Biswas. Enjoy!

Kung Fu Crunch

TV Repo

A good day at the office for The Infected

Hey all -

Just wanted to update those of you who weren't able to make it to the A3F Heroes and Villian Challenge screening. Our film, The Infected, had a pretty good showing taking home the award for Best Directing, 2nd Place Overall Film (actually 4th when you consider 3 films tied for first but not bad!), Best use of prop and theme, and last but not least, taking the award for Best Ensemble Acting. Kudos to Jennifer Pfalzgraff, Laney Smith, Hemina Kapadia, Heather Taylor, Kevin Tye, Ted Quinn and Claudia Rubio.

With respect to the Best Ensemble Acting award, I'd just like to give a public 'thank you' to our director, Brenton Covington. Thanks for giving your cast a strong character driven script that challenged all of us and provided us with an opportunity to either shine or fail - it's all an actor can ask for.

For those of you that don't know, Brenton is taking his considerable talent to LA at the end of this year. This is a big loss for the Arizona indie film community and a big gain for Hollyweird. You can't talk about the pillars of the AZ indie film community without mentioning Dynamic Film. La la land is getting a good one.

On a personal note, I'd like to thank Brenton for the opportunities he's given me during my brief acting career. I still remember in early 2008 when I felt like the new kid on the block and got a chance to work with Brenton on short film called Crimes Against Man. I remember feeling somewhat intimidated to be working with him and quite frankly, I think it showed in my performance. But, it must not have been too bad, as B ultimately took a chance on me again and cast me as Larry in Red Corvette - a feature film which ended up being an official selection in the Phoenix Film Festival. To date, it's arguably the largest role I've had. So, thank you, Mr. Covington, and best of luck out in LA. Please don't change your cell number because I'll be calling you when you get that $15M film deal..

Ok, enough of this love fest. Time for a virtual awkward man hug. For those of you who bothered to read this whole thing, thanks for your support. It's keep me going when I wonder why I continue to spend most of my free time on this "hobby." :)

Have a great week!

Patter: Response is kicking butt and taking names

Pattern: Response, created in 21 days from start to finish by SyntheticHuman Pictures and directed by Stephen Krystek, had a really strong showing at the Project 21 Film Festival (ProjectTwenty1.com) in Philadelphia. The short film took home the award for Best Editing and Best Sound Design. The movie is visually sick. I love it.

The movie was also nominated for Best Marketing and Visual Effects. Not sure what else to say about SyntheticHuman Pictures. It seems they took home at least 1 award in each film competition they enter.

If you get a chance, check out the official page for the movie here.

Here is the trailer below:

Pattern:Response Trailer on YouTube.

Get your tickets to the A3F Heroes and Villains All Star Challenge!

Hey everyone -

Here's a friendly reminder to buy your tickets to the A3F Heroes and Villains challenge. The challenge is a film challenge in which teams make a short film in 72 hours. There are a few guidelines that each film must adhere to:

Theme: Remorse
Prop: a Liquid that a character spills onto him/herself or onto another character.
Line of Dialogue: Next time, things will be different.

Each film also features a hero or villain from the brainchild of Kleos Studios. For a rundown of the different characters, click here.

I had the privilege of working with D+NA and our film, The Infected (Dir: Brenton Covington), will be screening with the other great films of this challenge on Thursday, October 22nd at 7:30pm at the AMC Arizona Center 24 Theaters in downtown Phoenix. For more info and tickets, click here.

Here are some stills from the set of The Infected. Photography by Kathy Chu. Enjoy and thanks for your support!

Recently shot Tia and Maro for PBS

Recently, I was fortunate to land a featured in role in the short, Tia and Marco. In it I play a border patrol officer in the year 2025. This was a production for PBS , co-financed by IVTS, the government non-profit fund for independent film. It represents one of PBS's first forays into the fiction realm.

Tia and Marco is a part of a larger narrative piece called Future States, which explores how the US will handle social issues 20 years into the future.

Tia and Marco is directed by Annie Howell.

Filmed a Casino Arizona Commercial!

I recently had the pleasure of working with Timothy Kendall on a Casino Arizona commercial! Check out the cool threads they let me wear on set! It's a hilarious spot and I can't wait to show you guys the completed project. For some of Tim's other commercials, check out his website. Of note, I'm sure most of you sports fans out there will recognize his Buffalo Wild Wings commercial. Great stuff!

Pattern: Response Trailer

Here is a trailer for a short film that I acted in called "Pattern: Response" created in 21 days from start to finish by SyntheticHuman Pictures and directed by Stephen Krystek. It will be premiering at the Project 21 Film Festival Sunday October 4, 2009. More info at ProjectTwenty1.com.

Pattern:Response Trailer on YouTube.

Behind the Scenes look at the Wes And Felcher webisodes

I recently shot an episode of Wes and Felcher. Here is a look at some of the behind the scenes footage!

Behind the scenes of the Wes and Felcher shoot.

Shooting with SyntheticHuman again!

I'm stoked to announced that I'm shooting with SyntheticHuman again. I'll be participating in a 21 day film challenge. The short they are doing is called Scarlett Protocol. It's a wicked script with a great story. I think it's going to come out really well. For those of you who may have missed it, here's the first short that I did with SyntheticHuman as a part of a 48 hour film challenge:



Tip Jar on Youtube

New Drama Reel

In my desperate attempt to demonstrate some range, I've created a drama reel. Looking forward to the feedback!

Drama Reel on Youtube.

And for those of you who haven't seen it yet, my comedy reel:

Comedy Reel on Youtube

Shot an episode of Wes and Felcher!

I just recently shot an episode of the web series, Wes and Felcher. In it, I played the hard-ass boss called The Wig. It's pretty crude national lampoon style humor but I think you guys will enjoy it - or, you might never want to talk to me again. Either way, will definitely let you guys know when it's up!

Creative Artists! If you are looking for an afforadable website to promote yourself then read this post!

M&M Design

Our specialty: Web sites for creative cats – artists, actors, musicians, models and writers.
Need a portfolio to showcase your work and capture your artistic spirit? We understand. We’re one of you.
We are one tech savvy journalist/media entrepreneur paired with a design-savvy musician. Welcome to M&M.

Our process: Most talent Web design companies tease you with a low introductory rate, but that rate usually turns out to be good for just one page. Who wants a one-page Web site? Plus, now isn’t the time to be spending thousands on promoting your brand. You need a site, and we’ll build it for you at an affordable price.

At M&M, there are no illusions and no mysteries. Our pricing is straightforward and so is our process. We work to capture your likes/dislikes and ideas. We are a small business with a personal touch. We will show you a mock up of your design, work with your feedback and then build you a final product.

Rates
5 page custom Web site - $375
5 page custom Web site, plus domain/hosting setup - $550

For more specifics, send a note to anitaneets@gmail.com

Work Samples:
www.jmillerlive.com
www.eastwestmagazine.com

Mr. E Comics Episode 1 Released!

Mr. E Comics Episode 1 is here! Check it out below. Warning, I play Mr. Profanity so in case you were wondering, it's not suitable for work.

Mr. E Comics Episode 1 on Funny or Die

Mr. E Comics Episode 01 Mr Profanity - watch more funny videos

Trailer for FEED Released!

Hey Everyone!

Just wanted to let you know that the trailer for FEED (Directed by Rick Vasquez) was recently released! Check it out below! I'm sure my friends are going to have a ton of witty comments for me but just so you know, I've already heard all the airline security jokes so you'll have to come up with something different! But, I do think I'm going to keep the Grizzly Adams look. I'm pretty sure all the ladies dig it.

FEED Trailer on YouTube

The trailer for FEED screens on Saturday!

Hey Everyone, the trailer I worked on for FEED is screening this Saturday night at Stray Cat Bar and Lounge in Tempe! Festivities start at 6pm. Hope to see you there!

I made a brief appearance in the Middle Men Trailer!

An extended trailer for Middle Men was recently posted on break.com. I had a featured role as a masturbating terrorist in the movie. Yes, it was one of my finer moments. Anyhow, check out the video below to see the trailer. The trailer starts at the 45:35 mark. My brief appearance happens at the 49:07 mark! Enjoy! Disclaimer: Below video contains nudity and is NOT suitable for work.


Middle Men Trailer on break.com - Watch more Funny Videos

Raj Suri as Mr. Profanity

Raj Suri as Mr. Profanity
Originally uploaded by Raj Suri

Here's a shot of me playing Mr. Profanity for the upcoming web series, Mr. E-Comics. The first episode comes out on the 4th of July! That will be Episode 0. I'm featured in Episode 1. Be sure to check out www.mrecomics.com .

Room For One More

Here's a short film that I was fortunate to work on with students over at UAT.  Enjoy!

Room For One More from So Major on Vimeo.

Support AZ Film

As many of you already know, the APA is fighting to keep the Arizona Motion Picture Tax Incentive Program alive (MOPIC). As an actor living in AZ, it's imperative that you contact your Represenative to ask them to extend the program. Below is an email template that you can use to email your local government officials. Many thanks to fellow actor, Pete Kelly, for setting up the email template. All you have to do is cut and paste the email addresses and body of the email into your favorite email program. Obviously, replace my name in the email with your name. Also many thanks to all involved in drafting up the talking points in this email.

------------------------------------------------

To: kcheuvront@azleg.gov
CC: rgould@azleg.gov; dmccunedavis@azleg.gov; rmiranda@azleg.gov; rpearce@azleg.gov; spierce@azleg.gov; bleff@azleg.gov; jwaring@azleg.gov; paboud@azleg.gov; aaguirre@azleg.gov; callen@azleg.gov; sallen@azleg.gov; malvarez@azleg.gov; rburns@azleg.gov; mburtoncahill@azleg.gov; jgarcia@azleg.gov; pgorman@azleg.gov; cgray@azleg.gov; lgray@azleg.gov; ahale@azleg.gov; jharper@azleg.gov; jhuppenthal@azleg.gov; llandrumtaylor@azleg.gov; llopez@azleg.gov; amelvin@azleg.gov; jnelson@azleg.gov; jpaton@azleg.gov; rrios@azleg.gov; jtibshraeny@azleg.gov; tverschoor@azleg.gov
Subject: AZ Motion Picture Tax Incentive Program

Greetings State/Senate Representatives !

My name is Raj Suri and I'm a local working actor.It is my understanding that the Arizona Production Association is fighting to keep the Arizona Motion Picture Tax Incentive Program alive (MOPIC). An economic Impact Study is underway and the preliminary results are showing that the information the Dept.of Commerce (ADOC) has provided to the Legislature is critically flawed and underestimated.

· ADOC is only looking at taxes generated from post-approved spending and not taxes generated from all production spending ($44 million versus $91 million for pre-approved applicants).
· While some of the post-approved spending was ruled ineligible for tax credits, it still has a positive impact on the economy and should be included in the model.
· The permanent jobs that are created are career jobs that pay an average annual wage of $39,788, which is above the state average annual wage of $27,917.
· Since the initiation of the tax credit program, the state has seen a significant increase in the number of productions, production companies, and total production-related wages paid in Arizona.
· The economic impacts of this industry are similar to the tourism and convention industry. It supports hotels, restaurants, rental cars, etc., but in a vastly greater way since stays are not typically one to two weeks, but rather months at a time.
· The tax credit program is not a "spending" program. No state dollars have been appropriated within the state's budget to give away. The State is not losing anything by having this program in place.

Please support the Motion Picture Tax Credit.
Thanks very much for your time,
Raj Suri
Chandler, AZ

Great youtube comment..

Here's a recent comment I got on my Comedy Reel on Youtube.

"who is raj suri? Is he trying to market himself through these videos. His video was listed as a sponsored link! Not at all impressive! Were you trying to make the audience laugh or cry? Dont ever try this in India, you may be banned!!"

Rock! My first fan!

New Gigs

Somehow, someway, I'm able to continually use the Jedi Mind Trick on directors and producers and convince them to cast me in their projects.  It's a pretty nifty trick.  I can teach this skill to you for just 3 easy payments of $9.99.  Now how much would you pay?

The latest projects that will have to deal with me are Feed and Mr. E Comics.  I'll be filming a trailer for Feed shortly and a webisode for Mr. E-Comics at the end of the month!  I'm really excited to be attached to these projects.  Check out the links for each project to learn more about them.

Sniper: Anatomy of a Kill

Raj Suri as an Arab
Originally uploaded by Raj Suri

I recently had the pleasure of work with Karga 7 Pictures on "Sniper: The Anatomy of a Kill". I played a Taliban insurgent. I think it'd be fun to try and go through airport security dressed this way. I wonder if I'd get stopped?

Anyhow - the documentary is set to air sometime in Q4 of this year on the History Channel. Here's the imdb link: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1411248/

New Comedy Reel

I think most of you have seen this but I recently uploaded a new comedy reel to youtube.  It's not a whole lot different than my last demo reel.  In fact, it's exactly identical to my original demo reel.  The one thing that has always bugged about my original reel is that I felt it was a tad bit long.  As much as I like looking at myself, I just really wanted to make sure I wasn't boring the audience (like I am in this blog) so I shortened my original reel by taking out the intro sequence showing me as a bunch of different characters.  There is nothing worse than sitting through an overly long and painful demo reel.  Of course, I've already received feedback from someone saying that I cut out a part they really liked!  Despite this, I think the edit was a good one.

I also am now calling my demo reel a comedy reel.  I was going to add some dramatic material to the reel but I think the reel is really strong as it is in it's current form and I couldn't stand the thought of breaking up the continuity of the funny stuff in there.  Plus, I think the reel gives a casting professinal a good idea as to what my type is and how to cast me in comedy roles.  So, I decided to keep the reel as a comedy reel and I'm going to cut a drama/academy award reel soon.  As of now, the strongest material I have in that realm is from Red Corvette.  Being that it hasn't been released yet, I'm going to wait till the premiere before I upload the drama reel.  The first cut of the reel will most likely contain only scenes from Red Corvette until other projects currently in post get completed.  Of course, the one downside of uploading new reels is that the momentum of hits and ratings of old reels takes a hit.  For example, my last reel had about 200 hits in a few months and 1 rating of 5 stars (thanks mom!).  Oh well, it's good to have fresh material out there.  So, without further ado, my latest comedy reel:

Scenes from the above demo reel were created by the following filmmakers:

RenderFilms

SyntheticHuman Pictures

Gary Sundt

Michael Bast

Some trailers, a premiere and other updates

Well, it's been a while since I've updated this thing. With most people able to follow the stuff I do on either Filmixer, Myspace or Facebook, the need for this blog has somewhat diminished. But, not all of you are on one of those sites, so this update is for you - both of you.

Well the most exciting thing going on by far in my acting life is the upcoming premiere for Red Corvette. It's a feature film that I shot late last year with the boys over at D+NA. I've had movies premiere on a big screen before and usually I'm a wreck throughout the whole thing. It's pretty nerve wracking. I typically shake throughout the whole thing. Yup, I'm a big mess. Yay, me! For those of you who'd like to see the spectacle first hand, you can get tickets at this link. Here's the Red Corvette trailer:

Red Corvette on YouTube
As my friend, Lisa Shoap, says, I'm pretty bad ass in this.. Oh, and if you ladies needed another reason to come to the premiere, I've got a pool scene in this movie. Please ladies, try not to crash the internet buying tickets to this thing.

In other news, I've been trying to do the creepy/mean acting jobs lately. I don't want to be the actor who's only known for his good looks, impeccable comedic timing and nice body.. Not to mention, humble, too.. With that mind, check out the trailer to a short film I shot last year called Jones.
Jones

Ooooh, mysterious. That'll be a fun one when it's done!

Last, but not least, I was cast in Spinning Out, a Ryan Noble film. However, 15 minutes into the table read, I was promptly UNCAST from the movie. LOL. Turns out that I had a schedule conflict on my shoot day. That conflict was my anniversary celebration. 2 years! Although some days it feels like 20.. ha ha. Just kidding Ru! I wish the guys at Spinning Out the best of luck and hope to see the final product.

Well, if you've made it this far, I'd like to thank you for reading this and your continuous support! I have had auditions for some really exciting projects recently so hopefully there will be more good news here soon!