Eddie Mummy's Cast Reunion!

Back in 2015 we made a feature film called Eddie Mummy: A Love Story. Five years later we threw a zoom reunion to celebrate the digital release of that movie.

Here is the full reunion for your view pleasure:

To check out our movie head over to elephantscout.com/eddiemummy for more details.

Artist Spotlight: Eddie Mummy

Let’s get right into it! Tell us a little bit about yourself.

Hanging out in Downtown, Tucson

My name is Eoeri, but I go by Eddie. Eddie Mummy. Many, many moons ago, I lived in a great kingdom of pyramids, mathematicians, pharaohs, and the Nile. One day I met this beautiful woman, Amisi, and she basically married me on the spot. The second her father found out that we got hitched, he flipped. Then he started doing this dance and waving his hands around like he was conjuring up some dark energy the BOOM! Next thing I know I'm waking up all wrapped up. Mummified if you will. So for the last 2700 years or so, whenever my sarcophagus is opened, I get three days to break my curse. To find the reincarnation of Amisi and get her to fall in love with me and to prove that love with a kiss... Breaking a curse is hard fam.

That’s quite the history. Has it been a struggle?

I honestly don't have any real struggles. Unless you count keeping my organs fresh in my canopic jars. I guess living in a cave is also not that great. I was living in a house for a minute. An eclectic man wanted an authentic sarcophagus in his Egyptian themed foyer. But that place ended up being one of those Airbnb party houses that recently got shut down, that's how I ended up in a cave. I guess it's not that bad. Just a bit drafty at times.

I’ve heard Tucson has a lot of parallels with weather to Egypt. How has Tucson contributed toward your life?

Found some Papier-mâché friends

Tucson has been great for my quality of life. The dry weather has been fantastic for my joints... considering I don't have cartilage. And I hardly get any weird looks walking around town. I think it's cause I look like someone that really really doesn't want to get sunburned.

You’ve been around the block longer than most of us have, what type of stories do you most connect with?

As an actor, I most identify with fish out of water stories. Like the 1992 Brendan Fraser film, Encino Man. Or the 1999 Brendan Fraser classic, Blast from the Past. I really connect with these stories because they convey that no matter who you are, or what you look like, or what time you are from, there are still people out there that want to be your friend and accept you for who you are. You just gotta put yourself out there to find them.

What is a favorite memory you had from shooting Eddie Mummy?

BTS of ‘Eddie Mummy: A Love Story’

There is a scene in Eddie Mummy where me and my new best buddies, Brand and J.B., have a "Boyz Night". I don't remember any of it because, well, I don't have a liver and had one drink and kind of sorta blacked out. But from what Brand told me, it was an epic night.

How have you been spending time during the pandemic?

Usually, I'm just chilling, sleeping in my sarcophagus. But for some reason, there have been a ton of nosey hikers lately stumbling into my cave. Like a lot. I think I've been awake more than in my eternal sleep nowadays. And on top of waking me up, these people keep asking me for selfies and to do silly dances. Apparently I'm popular on something called tik tok. At least that's what the kids tell me.

Who do you look up to/what do you find inspiration from and why?

I've got to give mad props to the G.O.A.T.’s of the mummy world, the Chinchorros, Tutankhamun, Boris Karloff. Lately, I've been looking up to Peyton Westlake from the Darkman movie. Yeah, he's got anger issues, but he swings from a helicopter. That's pretty sweet.

BTS of ‘Eddie Mummy: A Love Story’

Where can we follow you on Social Media?

Instagram: @eddie_mummy

Thanks for your time, Eddie. Any last words?

Word on the street is a second release of ‘Eddie Mummy: A Love Story’ is going to be streaming on Vimeo. Proceeds will benefit three local artistic organizations in Tucson, and. we’re looking to raise $3000 for them. Set some time aside August 21st-31st for that!

Also, In all my hundreds of years of existence I am only certain of three things... a hot dog in not a sandwich. A corn dog is not a popsicle. And it's ok to be hooked on phonics.

See me in acton on VIMEO!

Artist Spotlight: Mario Tineo

Hey Mario! It’s good to see you again. Tell our audience a little bit about yourself. Who you are, where you're from, what you do.

My name is Mario Tineo, I grew up in Tucson. One night, at 10pm, when I was 17, I happened to come across a one man show on HBO called, John Leguizamo’s Freak. And I thought this guy is amazing, he made me laugh, he made me cry, and at the end of the show it was clear to me that this is what I want to do. After highschool I started taking acting classes at Pima Community College. They had auditions for Macbeth, which was my first audition ever. I was so nervous I didn’t realize they called me back that day. And I landed the part of Angus. That same month, I auditioned for a role at Borderlands Theater, and was able to book the role of a boxer in the play ‘Barrio Hollywood’. It was my first professional and paying gig, and we sold out every night. They even had to extend the run by three weeks because it was in such high demand. A month later I met Francisco J. Landin, and he put me in one of his student films which was my first on camera acting experience. Later I moved to New York and studied at the Roger Simon studio, and worked with an agent there for 4 years,

Sounds like when you started you were able to hit the ground running. Are you still in New York?

No, I’m back in Tucson and have been taking a break. I do self tape auditions here and there but I’m using the time to take things one day at a time. When I was started, I was kind of obsessed with acting. I always had to be working at acting, obsessing over every audition, beating myself up over little things. And with this Covid, It’s given me time to come to terms that acting is something I do, it’s not my total existence. I’m at a good place right now.

Tucson is a main connecting point in how we know you. How has Tucson contributed toward your life/career? 

Still from ‘Third Sun’

Tucson gave me my start. I was fortunate enough to meet some good acting instructors at Pima. Also I found the Studio for Actors, with Anna Risley, where I took audition classes, character study classes, acting on film, and even a business class. You learn to be an actor on the stage, and she provided hands on training, doing scene studies really taught me how to practice my craft with the techniques she taught me. I’ve met my friends in film here, that I’m still friends with to this day.

What have you struggled with in your career and how have you overcome those hurdles?

My biggest struggle is when I’m not consistently acting professionally. It leaves me feeling down, my confidence is non-existence.

Being connected to good people that have the same ideas and feelings of film and stage helps me get through that. Having a passion also helps. It keeps me moving forward, even though I’m not seeing results. That and being surrounded by good people with similar goals is tremendously helpful.

When you’re struggling or down, who do you look up to/what do you find inspiration from?

Dos Equis print Ad

I look up to actors who made it late in life. Because even though there was a struggle to ‘make it’ or ‘have consistent work’ in their life, that doesn’t matter, what matters is that they accomplished it. I find inspiration in that. Like Jon Hamm, he would book pilots that would never get picked up. Then Mad Men finally hit. And Samuel Jackson, who had a late start to his career. Stories like that keep me going.

Tell us about a favorite/memorable moment from working with us on Downshift?

The climactic scene in Downshift. That where all the questions of the film were answered, and it all came together like a crescendo. That was my favorite moment, even after the dialogue scene, when he hopped on the bike, the character came full circle.

What are you working on and looking forward to in your future?

Still from Elephant Scout Film’s ‘Downshift’

I think it’s just as important to have a successful personal life as well as a successful career. Right now I’m taking time to work on that, cause at the end of the day that’s going to make me a better artist, and that’s what I want.

Creatively I look forward to a time when I can work with my friends again. I’m also working with the crew of ‘Third Sun’ to get that finished and out in the world. I started working with Francisco on the treatment back in the early 2000s. It’s a personal story for me, it’s about a character that takes care of his mother, and by the time we started shooting the, I had started taking care of my father in real life. It was an interesting dichotomy of life imitating art. So with all this free time we were able to finish the editing and sneak in some quick pick up shots from the film. Hopefully we can share it in October.

What social handles do you have that our audience can follow you on?

Facebook: Mario Tineo Actor

Instagram: @MarioTineo

Last thing, what’s a glimpse of wisdom you can offer our audience?

Dreams are for free. So you might as well have them. Dream big. Chase your dream like your life depends on it.

BTS from ‘Third Sun’

Artist Spotlight: Michael Stone

Hey Michael, we’re excited to have you participating in our Artist spotlight. You’ve worked with us before, but tell our audience a little bit about yourself.

Michael Anthony Stone

I grew up in Sierra Vista, Arizona. I attended the University of Arizona where I graduated with a degree in Political Science. After graduation I was hired as a Police Officer in Sierra Vista. While working as a Police Officer I caught the acting bug. I retired from the Police Department a little over a year ago, and I’m now focusing on acting full time.

That’s awesome, what projects have you been a part of?

Zedd feat. Elley Duhe “Happy Now” Music Video

I have been fortunate to work on several TV shows, Music Videos and Films. I received my SAG-AFTRA card almost two years ago after playing a Police Officer in the Zedd featuring Elley Duhe “Happy Now” music video. I had a great time filming the video at a mansion in Malibu, CA. Some other projects I’ve been fortunate to work on were the films, You’re Gonna Miss Me, Good Cop Mom Cop, The System is Broken, NEED. I have also worked on several TV shows. One being, The Verdict with Judge Hatchett on The CW. It was a big surprise to learn that a lot of the TV court shows aren’t real. I had the opportunity to sharpen my Improv skills on that show. My family (my brother and 3 nieces) were also on Family Feud. Steve Harvey was hilarious and the entire crew were nice, helpful and professional.

Things have slowed down a lot due to Covid-19, how has it affected you?

The Stone Family on Family Feud with Steve Harvey

Covid-19 has had a huge affect on a lot of people. One of the ways it has affected my acting career is that the acting class that I was attending in person is now being done online. And of course, most Film and TV productions have shut down. Auditions are now being done on self-tape. Luckily, I have a self-tape studio at home.

What about Tucson, how has it impacted your career?

Tucson has attributed to my acting career tremendously. I started taking acting classes in Tucson over 9 years ago at the Studio for Actors with Anna Risley. I then began taking classes at the Bennett TheatreLab & Conservatory. There I learned a lot and continued to develop as an actor. I also met a lot of great hard-working actors who I still keep in contact with today. I’m currently being coached by Director Steve Anderson who is an excellent instructor.

Tell us one of your favorite moments from working on Good Cop Mom Cop.

One of the experiences I enjoyed most about playing the character of Sgt. Mills in “Good Cop Mom Cop” was the scene I was in opposite actor Stefan Orepeza, who played a young Cop and I was his Supervisor. In the scene his character had done something wrong and I was supposed to yell at him for it. Director Christopher Scott told me to let him have it and not hold back. I’m naturally a laid-back person, so It was fun going off on somebody.

In the midst of everything, how have you been spending your time?

Right now, I’m trying to stay busy during all what’s happening due to Covid-19. I’ve been taking acting class over Zoom. I’ve been working on monologues and breaking down scripts. I’ve also been binge watching a lot of TV shows and Films and studying the actor’s performances. I want to stay sharp so when productions start up again, I will be ready to go.

What social handles can our audience follow you on?

Facebook: Michael Stone

Instagram: @MichaelStonez

Any last words?

I want to leave you with this. I had this quote in a frame on my desk when I was a Police Lieutenant. Whenever I doubt myself, I read it. It says simply, “Believe in Yourself and Anything Is Possible.”

BTS of Elephant Scout Films ‘Good Cop Mom Cop’ with Stefan Oropeza, Michael Stone, Lucinda Serrano, and Bradford Trojan.

Artist Spotlight: Sara Jackson

Hey Sara, it’s good to see you! We’ve known you for a while now. How did we first meet and how have you gotten involved in the Elephant Scout community?

Headshot by Finding You Pictures

This is true! I believe it was 2015 when I joined the Elephant Scout family, so about 5 years now. I got called by the DP, David Icely, on Eddie Mummy about needing an actress to fill in for one of the roles, so I jumped on it. From there Chris Scott and I became friends, I helped out on some more projects with casting, and from there I graduated to the brainstorming team for marketing.

So, you’ve been an actor, part of casting, brainstorming & marketing—out of all those things, what are you most interested in?

I’m most interested in acting, but opportunity is few and far between right now, so I’m trying to do what I can from home more-so in the marketing realm. I do think it’s best to have multiple outlets/streams of income, especially as an artist. For me it’s helped supplement either areas where I needed more income or time.

Media image from Roadrunner Theatre’s ‘Cat on a Hot Tin Roof’. Sara Jackson as Maggie and Robert Anthony Peters as Brick. Photo by Focus Scout.

How do you feel like Tucson has contributed to your career?

Oh man, well, I was born and raised in Tucson, so Tucson is everything to me. I only recently moved out of state, so starting new in another city/state is a huge adjustment. I took a lot of familiarity for granted. I’m now realizing how great it can be to have a smaller community that supports one another and can befriend quickly. I am excited to be in a new place, but life in Tucson helped establish most foundational aspects of my life. Lifelong friends, a college education, a film/theatre resume, professional actor training & growth as an actor, healing & a sense of self—the list goes on.

Much to be grateful for. Do you feel like Tucson is a good place to start out as a filmmaker?

I think it can be! I think wherever you are, it’s up to you to put in what you want to get out of it. Some of the great things about Tucson is it’s pretty easy to connect with other filmmakers/collaborators, locations are easy to obtain (permits are rarely required), Tucson has great unique looks, and you can find really good talent. I do think it’s tougher for talent to make a living in Tucson, but it’s a wonderful place to get started or continue to develop your repertoire.

BTS shot of Good Cop Mom Cop. Photo by Kelsey Fernandez.

Some of the many reasons why we call Tucson home! You’ve worked on a couple Elephant Scout projects, what’s a favorite memory?

Sometimes I pronounce things in my head that are just flat out wrong, but I say them so seldom aloud, it’s not a big issue. So, on Good Cop Mom Cop, mine was the pronunciation of “homicide.” I kept saying “home-micide” rather than “hom-icide.” (Clearly I have a lot of experience in the detective realm). Every time I thought I got it right, I was wrong, and Chris would just laugh and shake his head. We had to do ADR for that word and I still couldn’t get it right for most of the takes. If I’m ever in another crime scene, hopefully this will have saved my career.

Photo by Focus Scout.

That’s pretty funny. What are you looking forward to in the near future?

Well, like I said, I recently moved (to Los Angeles), and I’m looking forward to building a new life. The industry is a on a hiatus, much like the rest of the world. I have no idea how that is going to affect my trajectory, but in the meantime, I’m hoping to work alongside some of my housemates and do some creative projects.

We’re wondering what’s going to happen as well. As you know, Elephant Scout aims to tell stories that represent diversity. There is a lot going on in current events that is relevant to that. How do you feel about what’s going on around us?

I think it’s really exciting! We’ve still got a ways to go to get to a working place of equality, but I think a lot of unseen people are finally being heard by the masses, and that’s a huge step in the right direction. I’m sure there will be many more growing pains to endure, but I am hopeful for the future. In regards to the entertainment industry, I really hope this overflows to open the doors wider for people of color to tell stories & tell them in ways that truly resonate. In the last few years Black people have made some incredibly powerful & beautiful films, and I hope we keep empowering them to do more.

Any social handles for our audience to follow you on?

Facebook: Sara Jackson

Instagram: @mssarajackson

Website: www.sarajackson.org

Thank you for spending some time with us. Any last words of advice?

Love the art in yourself, not yourself in the art. :)

BTS of a Better Help commercial by The Dog Days Project. Photo by Austin Buchanan.

Artist Spotlight: Bradford Trojan

Hey Bradford! Thanks for spending sometime with us. Tell our audience a little bit about yourself.

Image from Dani’s Agency

Hi! My full name is Bradford Reid Trojan. I am from southern NJ, right outside of Philadelphia. Played in a bunch of punk rock bands throughout high school and college until moving into acting in avant garde theatre with “Pig Iron Theatre” while still playing in a rock n’ roll band I fronted. I was in groups with members of nationally acclaimed “Dr. Dog,” if you have ever heard them. I’ve lived in Tucson for 17 years teaching yoga, working at my partner’s shop at the Tucson Herb Store, and finishing up college over a long period of time. I took a break from acting for years and began studying Buddhist philosophy and learning how to meditate. Meanwhile, I have always been writing and recording music and got more involved in the AZ film world around 5 years ago finding some regional success throughout Arizona and New Mexico. I also have a private practice treating people with trauma using a modality called Somatic Experiencing and Craniosacral Therapy.

That’s amazing. You’ve really been all over the life map. We wouldn’t know you if you hadn’t found yourself in Tucson, so how has Tucson contributed toward your life/career?

BTS of Good Cop Mom Cop. Photo by Binary Star Photography

Tucson gave me a breath of fresh air after growing up on the east coast. (If you haven’t been in the tri-state area, go try it out for chunk of time, it’s jam packed. I found it possible to reconnect with my actor side in Tucson after taking a hiatus from the acting world. Tucson has allowed me to live a meaningful life without needing to have a 9 to 5 job. And it’s brought me some really great film opportunities locally and regionally. I’ve met some really cool people like yourself!

We got to work with you on Good Cop Mom Cop (GCMC) and had a blast. You had such a wild character as Detective Maxwell. Tell us about a favorite/memorable moment from working with us on GCMC.

I loved working on GCMC! Everyone who was a part of the project was nothing short of wonderful. I remember doing some voice over (ADR) and having a laughing fit with Chris while redoing some of my lines as Detective Maxwell and making stuff up. One line had something to do with me as the Detective being angry because the Lieutenant didn’t bring cocaine for me to snort at the crime scene.

We’re itching to work on another project, but for now we’re holding off due to the pandemic. How are you navigating through life right now?

Photo from Facebook

My heart goes out to anyone negatively affected by what is taking place in the world right now. I am very fortunate to have a caring girlfriend and wonderful little 2 year old daughter. Other than the sicknesses I have come down with such as “cabin fever” and “stir craziness,” we have been doing a lot of outdoor time and trying to enjoy a slower pace of life. Although emotions and big feelings have been coming up for me, such as grief and anxiety, I am grateful to have the chance to see these with more clarity right now than I otherwise would in my busier day to day life. I miss having friends over to visit in our house though.

What are you working on, or looking forward to in your future? (Creative or otherwise).

I am starring in a local feature film “Love Song of William H. Shaw” which we had to halt production on because of the quarantine. We were so close to finishing ! Like 2 or 3 days from being wrapped. So close, yet so far. Unfortunately the main location we were shooting in closed due to the pandemic, so our production team is figuring out how to navigate that. Keep your fingers crossed for us!

I am releasing a new album "Meanwhile" on 7-7-2020 which is a collaboration with lead singer/guitarist of Dr. Dog. Find it at: www.bradfordtrojan.bandcamp.com.

In the meantime, you can check me out at: www.bradfordtrojan.com.

Last thing—What’s a glimpse of wisdom you can offer our audience?

If you can do something about the situation, why worry? If you can’t do anything about the situation, why worry?

Media image for Pondo Enterprises’ ‘Revenge of Zoe’. Bradford Trojan as Billy Shaw and Rachel Netherton as Fren-Zee/Zoe. Photo by Geoffrey notkin.