Rhonda Baughman Interviews Scott Reiniger

Granted, the era of the truly great film star has been replaced by the vapid red carpet ya-ya and paparazzi losers of saddest kind - but there are still a few stars who shine brightly, honorably, intelligently and who do not bring the stench of Hollyweird with them when they are interviewed. I'll be profiling a few of them this month and first among my favorites is Dawn of the Dead alumni Scott Reiniger. You know him best as Roger form the 1978 version and as The General from the 2004 update. But did you know he is the Prince of Ghor? No, really - check it out: (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/3750931.stm)
And while you're at it - read my interview with the talented Monsieur Reiniger below:

Rhonda: What have you been up to these days? We miss your cute little face ...
 
Scott: What I have been up to? Well hmm ...  many things but the essentials are probably what you're looking for. I am the director of the 'Acting for the Camera' program at The American Academy of Dramatic Arts (3 year conservatory training actors). Also I occasionally direct main stage productions for them. My life career coaching practice is now an aspect of a company I formed with a partner: www.ReelActorDesign.com through which we also shoot, produce and edit demo reels (check the site-self-explanatory) I have had also coaching clients who are senior execs in film & tv industry. I
guess you know I am a Certified Personal & Professional Coach (CPCC)...yah? I trained 3 years for that at The Coaches Training Institute (CTI) in No. CA. I also from time to time direct professional productions with some well known folks. From time to time I coach clients for media - to appear in front of the press, on tv etc. Recently for Carol Shaw...creator of the makeup line LORAC and who is
the top makeup artist to those celebrity red carpet women such as Nicole Kidman, etc.

Rhonda: I guess a more appropriate question may have been what haven't you been up to? Your resume is longer than mine and well, a little intimidating. And you have quite a following on the internet from what I can tell -
 
Scott: Do I?
 
Rhonda: Oh my, you're cute and humble ...
 
Scott: (laughs)
 
[Side note: his laugh is throaty and full - an absolute must-hear! So if you're at a convention where he's stationed - stop by his table ... ObsessiveZombieGirl -over and out.]
 
Scott: ... and I am working on getting a very unusual screenplay produced that I will direct if we get it financed: "White Room Night".

Rhonda: What are your current music and film recommendations?

Scott: Films: "Breach" (w/ Chris Cooper) Music groups: Cold Play, Sugarland Express, Opera singer Renee Fleming ('Handel) I have very eclectic and broad tastes ...
 
Rhonda: I had heard that about you. Quality or Quantity?

Scott: Quality is always foremost for me in everything from creativity, products, film, music and in the depth of relationships and connection with others ...

Rhonda: What has attracted you these days?

Scott: Beauty and grace in all things always attract me. People who are original, individual. What is unseen, known and felt that is as real and present as what is seen in our material world.
 
Rhonda: Please describe a list of your current peeves ...

Scott: People who are so engrossed on their cell phones, blackberries while ordering their complicated lattes at Starbucks while the poor Starbucks employee is trying get their order. Inconsiderate. Also that too many parents favor distractions for their children with cells, gameboys,
tv, etc. rather than real interaction and conversation with their kids. One more thing: the miserable state of our public education in the U.S. that serves to dumb down children and that many parents don't even read to their children.

Rhonda: If this were not an interview for my highly respected colleagues, I would use this as an opportunity to flirt mercilessly with you ... I find intelligent flirtations so few and far between these days ... What are your plans for the new year? Will 2008 be a bang or the planning of a bang?

Scott: My plan is to make a big leap to create a greater awareness of my unconventional work as a Career Development Coach in arts & entertainment that dispels the myth and mystery of "the business" that has been handed down for generations. Bottom-line truth: There is NO mystery.

Rhonda: What was your highlight(s) of 2007?

Scott: My daughter's development as a woman, a human being and watching how she operates both confident and considerate in our world. Her landing a key position as the right arm to executive producer at Film Independent that produces the LA Film Festival and The Spirit Awards
(www.filmindependent.org). Directing the play, "The Exonerated", the true story of six people falsely accused, arrested and sent to death row who were released 10-20 years later. A very enlightening, thought provoking, moving, disturbing learning experience for the audience, the cast and myself. Also, knowing I have had a deep positive impact on the lives of those I have taught, directed and coached.

Rhonda: I would say so! That's amazing. What would you like to teach that you haven't taught already?

Scott: What is 'beyond' acting. Performance as doorway, a vehicle, to help others change their lives to a positive and powerful view of themselves. I do integrate this into my work but it is not officially a workshop or class title. My mission on this planet is to: create the space to arouse the individual spirit of others and defend their right to express it.

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