General Hospital star, Tristan Rogers, surprises BRIFT students

Jupiter, Fl: Students in Aaron Wells’ Sixty Second Filmmaking Class were recently treated to a surprise visit by television and film actor, Tristan Rogers. Writer/producer/director Wells and Rogers have been friends for some time, the result of having worked together on various projects, including the award winning short “Opportunity Knocks (OK).” “OK” is currently screening at the Kalamazoo Horror Film Festival in Kalamazoo, MI.  At Wells’ invitation, Rogers agreed to talk with the class about his experiences as an actor.

As an additional surprise, Wells brought along all the elements necessary to shoot a successful television show – a green screen, a teleprompter and trained technician – Patty Serrano, makeup artist Michele Poletti, who goes by the clever moniker of “Mish,” cameraman Cliff Gordon and script writer Dana Nickola. Together these professionals were able to create a realistic representation of life on the set.

Students were also given the opportunity for a Q&A sessions with Tristan Rogers, who graciously and enthusiastically offered both insights and suggestions. When asked how he had developed his acting “persona,” he honestly answered, “Find someone whose style you like and copy them. Then put in your own style. This business is learning from someone else. Just don’t let it take you over. Use your own imagination as well.”

Sixty Second Filmmaking is billed as guerrilla filmmaking meets guerrilla marketing. The class is offered on Monday evenings at 7 pm at the Burt Reynolds Institute for Film and Theatre. Anyone interested in taking the class is advised to contact briftfinancedirector@comcast.net for registration and cost information.

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The Burt Reynolds Institute for Film and Theatre (BRIFT) is a non-profit 501c3 organization that is committed to educating and involving the community and artists in all aspects of film, television, theater, live performances, film festivals and exhibitions, as well as preserving Mr. Reynolds’ memorabilia and the history of the film industry.