Paul's Corner

Dear Paul,

Your letter supplied the answers for the questions that we all have secretly wondered about. Thank you for being so open, so honest, and so mesmerising, as you described the experiences of the making of "Strictly Ballroom", especially that last kissing scene.

I always thought that holding that kiss with Tara and dancing at the same time, must have been a difficult feat, but it was done beautifully!

Paul, I know you have an agent, and I don't want to tread on his/her toes, but I just read that Baz Luhrmann is going ahead to film "Alexander The Great" in Australia, even though Oliver Stone's verision is being released soon here in Florida, starring Colin Ferrel and Angelina Jolie.

An epic like this could generate jobs for thousands, and you certainly have "Dancing With The Stars" on your resume, as well as name recognition from all that you have done in your career.

Luhrmann's name may also stir up all kinds of emotions, but heck, maybe it's worth a try.

I picture you in a supporting role and not just one of the thousands of sword bearing and sandal wearing extras!!

Leonardo DeCaprio and Nicole Kidman were slated to play the leading roles of Alexander and his mother.

Shalom and Love,

Gran Mil

Paul,

I feel for you, and I don’t want to seem presumptuous here, but I think that you might be looking too much at the negatives and not enough at the potential good that DWTS can do for you.

If the channel 7 PR machine is to be believed then DWTS is responsible for a massive increase in the number of people who are signing up for dancing lessons. I would be extremely surprised if dancing schools wouldn’t chomp at the bit to sign you up as an instructor / “special adviser” or whatever; just so that they could use you as a marketing tool if not to actually teach.

I don’t know if you are for or against the “dancesport” rules or whatever, and I think the beauty of this is that it doesn’t matter. You can sell yourself as anything from the “Dancing for fun not to win prizes in the pan-pacific dancing contest” right through to the “stickler for precision AND NO LIFTS” guy.

So why not fire off some letter like the one below and see what happens? [BTW I know some of the sample “bends the truth” but what job application doesn’t?]

It’s not acting but it might be better than other options. Anyway, it’s something to think about.

Brian

---sample---

Dear Sir or Madam,

Recently, I found it necessary to clear my working commitments to allow me to be a judge on Dancing with the Stars.

Now that the show is entering hiatus, I find myself both available and anxious to remain involved with the enthusiasm and freshness of amateur dancing. Perhaps if you have an opening for someone such as myself to teach you might contact me on the following……yadda yadda yadda…

Firstly Baz does not return my calls.

Secondly I am not a ballroom dance teacher - I am an actor, choreographer, occassional ditch digger come beer brewer. I am happy to to do all kinds of consltancy type work - I am available and people know where to find me.

Sounds kind of snippy for someone who said he was "scraping the barrel" and looking for work at a grog shop a few hours ago.

Don't worry Paul I'm sure more work will come your way. As for Baz not answering your calls he is letting HIS ego and his desire to make ALL the money get in the way of hiring a fabulous actor. Forget him. You and your family might not always be living high, but you've always been ok. You will continue to be, the bond of love you have supercedes any job, any christmas present, any beer brewery. That is the only thing that really matters...the rest will come togeter with a little work.
Now for the rest of my thoughts...Brian it was a bit rude of you to suggest how Paul go about writing letters to request employment. I think he and his management team..having been in the business for a little while now..can handle it. I also believe the reason he was "snippy" was because he just got finished saying people don't get him for who he really is and then you suggest to him that he do something he doesn't do. I know you were trying to be helpful but it came off as very arrogent. You should understand that acting is very much a business of showing your ego in public but eating it big time in private. An actor must humble themselves to get jobs then behave like they belong on the red carpet when they get there. I can imagine it gets to you after awhile. There's my take.
Congrats to Tim..sorry I missed you last time.
Peace, Inn.

I'm a lurker here. I think I posted once ages ago. I just wanted to say to Brian that Paul has every reason in the world to be snippy. I have a kind of awe for people who stick it out in the entertainment industry. It's tough sticking to what you want to do when the work is so hard to find. It's stressful being out of work and worried about money. I've seen people in musical theatre reduced to tears by a producer crushing their hopes of taking the show they were in to Broadway.

It's a profession. Yeah, if he wanted to, Paul could probably be a teacher, but that is his choice. And who says that the same skills that make him a great actor and dancer would make him a good teacher?

I think it's a shame that work is so thin for him. But I wouldn't want him to give up. The star of the show I was talking about above joked bitterly on the closing night of the show that he was going to real estate school. Thankfully, he didn't. His life hasn't been easy, but he is currently acting and is perfectly happy. Not famous, but busy and making his way.

I don't think Paul can back down from being 'famous' at least in some circles, but I can't blame him for wanting to be busy and happy in his work. If he's not a teacher at heart then the money earned there would never be enough. Money is good, but job satisfaction is better in the long run.

I'll probably drop back into lurking again. I just want to say again to Paul that I really admire the work of his I have seen and that I hope he finds what he needs/wants in his future work.

Paul,

I had no idea you felt this way, or that you were going through this. I obviously cannot understand what you are going through, but I can empathize.

I worked damn hard to get my degree, and by all accounts I am a very good counsellor/social worker (according to those clients and professionals I work with). At this point in time, I am working as a receptionist part-time at a car dealership. It breaks my heart, and it makes me sick sometimes.

Yes, I realize it pays the bills, but there is something to be said of the debt owed to my self-esteem. And you know what? I get damned snippy sometimes, too!

Christmas is coming - I can most certainly relate to that pain of having so many loved ones to cherish and no dough to do it with. I do my shopping all year to avoid the stress of the holidays and not having money when the time arrives. However, this year I haven't been able to do that due to my lack of funds all year.

My husband (soon to be ex, sigh....) makes good money, and I feel so awful for not being able to contribute to our household. I should be making the money my friends are making - what happened?? I moved to a small town, that's what happened.

I'm sorry, I didn't mean to take this over with my own stuff...I just needed to vent. Paul, I can understand that it's NOT about the money, but more about pride...but please understand that you are worth so much more than the demons you fight. Everything you need is right inside (cliche, but true), and people just have to see that.

The good people in your life already do.

Byn

Oh Paul I'm so sorry I said anything. I feel horrible for bringing it up. I just want to apologize. I can understand your resentment. That fact you don't benifit financially is a crime. You helped make that film what it is. I just see it as another example of greed and egotism.

There is so much more I'd like to say about your situation and journey in life but I fear others would take offence - and possibly you as well. I know that talk of faith can bother and upset some. I, personally, have a strong faith in the Lord and pray for him to hold you and your family close and help you find and open the door to your true journey, your true path.

What I encourage you to do is reread your last post to us about the incredible week you had. Hold onto that joy. Hold tight with both hands. You deserve that feeling. And it's there for you, know that. I've had to learn to do this. To push away the beast so I can focus on what is good and beautiful in my life. I know you are fantastic at fighting the beast as well. Your beast has a different name than mine but it fights just as hard to cloud our vision and steal our thoughts. It can't win.

((((hugs)))) to you and your beautiful family. Know you're in my prayers.

Jill

Snippy? Yes it probably is snippy - that is a bit of how I feel. I do appreciate your thoughts Brian and thank you for your encouragement but I did feel you missed the point a little. Inn said it well - thanks Inn - so I wont repeat it here. I am talking with one of my fellow judges on the Dancing with the Stars team about going to his studio to talk to his dancers about the art of perfomance etc It may or may not happen and it would be a one off event. Whilst that helps I would certainly like an ongoing job.

Snippy too because I humiliated myself several years ago trying to get in touch with Baz to get an audition on Moulin Rouge. I dont fancy doing that again nor should I have to.

Beggars cant be choosers but they can be snippy.

Jill nothing to be sorry about, this post came about from how I felt after reading Kelly's last post and thinking about if I did indeed resent SB. As always it is good to get in touch with things.

Thanks Paul. It is good to get in touch with things and explore your feelings indepth. I can answer questions that have been left unanswered. And help put thoughts to rest. I hope you have gained some of these be exploring how you feel.

As for being snippy. Snip away. I'm suppose to have this higher understanding of life because I've been hit with my own mortality. There are days were I bitch about everything from the coffee tasting like crap to having to cook dinner. You'd think that everyday I'd be on my knees being thankful for the day. HA! Just because we've been given experiences amazingly good (SB) or amazingly bad (cancer) doesn't mean our mines and attitudes are always gonna be a certain way. I've talked about this a lot with other BC survivors. Others expect us to act a certain way all the time. They don't realize that isn't reality. I'm sure people think you should be eternally grateful without cease. Again HA! Okay I'm going into babbling mode! I'll be quiet. Sometimes I feel like all I do is babble and never say anything helpful. I'm trying!

Take care

Jill

Okay I realized what I wanted to express! Ya know, if you knew me in person I wouldn't talk half as much. When I write, I become much more expressive. That's why I majored in English I guess. In college I was the revision queen, posting again is my revision.

I reread Kelly's post and it hit me. Everyone around me now defines my as a "cancer survivor". It gets really old after awhile. They attribute all I do with my cancer. Sometimes it just annoys the hell out of me. I am far more than "cancer survivor". One night at couple's group, one of the members made sure that all the new members knew I went through my battle with cancer last year. I hated it! Now that is their definition of me. It's hard to get around it once people know. Of course I don't feel that here because you all know how to look beyond the labels. I think that's why I feel more comfortable here. It's a place were it's my choice to bring it up or not. I'm not forced to.

I can see that's how you feel with SB sometimes. You need people to see beyond it. You are not Scott! You are Paul Mercurio - person of many talents, interests and loves. I'd resent people who refused to see that has well. The trick is, as I've found, not letting that frustration take over.

Okay I'm done! Really. All of you can stop reading my next post if it starts with the words "Oh one more thing . . . "

Jill - giggling and blushing and glad you can't knock on my door!

Paul..
Man I almost feel bad for posting my recent change of events. But I take it all with a "severe" grain of salt. Anything can fall apart just as easily as it came to be.
I'm sorry you're in the position you are in. I know you and your agents will work hard to find you something. I also know that you rise above situations like this and make the best of them. Go for that bike ride to clear your head. Go work out at the gym everyday. Keep yourself really busy. I realize you may take a job that underutilizes your true talents, but keep you mind and spirit free. Keep your health and body in great shape. When the next call comes..next week or next month...you'll be ready.
And snippy? Who isn't? And for god's sake anyone is entitled to be after being screwed by someone like Baz. And other things as well.
You know I'm in your corner. : )
Hang in there mate. Things do change. Just as surely as the earth rotates every 24hours, our lives do the same thing. Spirits high! Health high! Make some beer...and ride the bike. I like how you can portray people differently myself. You show different people in SB, Exit to Eden, Joseph and the 1st 9 1/2 weeks. You are completely different personas in those movies. Some actors have traits that show up in every movie they make to the point of predictability.

Jill...your posts are always OK. You're right about the cancer thing. People don't want to be reminded of it everytime they are introdued. It's actually quite rude. It's personal and you share it with those you want to.

Inn..your comments were so appropriate.

Oh, one more thing... HA just kidding Jill! I too am a cancer survivor and if it makes you feel any better even your family forgets after awhile. It's been 16 years and now when I say "when I was going through my treatment" then someone will say "oh yeah, you did have cancer". Then I wish I could forget..but that's another thread.
And *you shouldn't start a sentence with a conjunction* more on "snippy". I am often snippy. As you all know I work at a famous video store. I am a college educated person and customers talk down to me all the time because they think I'm "just" a retail manager. It's makes me snippy..you bet. We all live with our trials, just try to be the best person we can, and spread a little love while we are at it. I know you guys sure do and I love all of you.
Peace, Inn

Inn-Do you know how many times I tell my 7th graders not to start a sentence with a conjuction!!! They can't me, in my writing, when I do it. I calmly explain when they can write it correctly 100% of the time and KNOW they are writing it correctly, they too can break the rule! That usually quiets them down.

Love all!

Jill

Oh man, that should read "They CATCH me"!!!! I've gotta start checking my posts before I post them!

Jill

or..if they make a note saying they know it is wrong immediately after they write it. Lol

Did I miss the point? No I don’t think so. I saw your point and suggested that you temporarily accept being cast as the dancer that everyone (present company excepted) thinks you are. I suppose that makes what I said worse not better but, for good or bad, that was what I was trying to say. DWTS has “reminded” everyone about Paul Mercurio – The Dancer. As a dancer, your profile hasn’t been this high in ages.

I was trying to say, “I know you want everyone to see you as an actor and people insist on calling you a dancer but why not take the money and run?”

Yes, I’m sure that you would much rather get an acting job that is well paid and allows you to show off your range and ability, but judging from your posts, they don’t seem to be beating down your door with great offers. Only you know what your financial situation is, but you’ve been painting a fairly bleak picture over the last few posts.

If you have the money, then hold on to the dream, if you don’t have the money, then put the dream on hold.

….and cash in on your unwanted fame as “Paul Mercurio – The Dancer”

That was what I was trying to say.

Brian, more to the point I dont like to hear what you have said because I have spent plenty of time trying to move away from PM the dancer. Thank you for saying it as it pushes me to think about broadening my outlook and maybe changing it.

One main reason I have run away from the dancer tag is because I am a Ballet Dancer not a Ballroom Dancer - so when people call me the dancer guy I feel like a bit of a fake. You know when people find out I cant dance like Scott Hastings they seem fairly let down. I may clarify though if I chose to go to lessons and get into the sport then I would (as indeed I did) be able to dance like Scott Hastings - however it is not my cup of tea though.

I did make an effort to embrace my dance side last year and happily I started to get a little work choreographing - something I love doing but alas I seem to have chosen professions that are not so prolific in job opportunities or perhaps I am looking in the wrong place.

I am happy to take the money and run as long as it is me Paul Mercurio dancer doing the gig, I am occassionally offered work where they obviously want Scott Hastings and I cant take it, because I am not him and because when they find out I am not him I cant take that either.

Thanks for the thoughts.

I bet it's hard for anyone to live up to a screen persona. Scott got backing music, sound effects, multiple takes, camera angles, editing and the rest. Paul is just a human being.

There is also a strange something that allows film characters to get away with things that real people can’t. I really think that even if someone looked like Pierce Brosnan, introducing themself as “Bond……James, Bond” (or any other Lastname…Firstname Lastname) complete with eyebrow lifted would get a response like “You’re a Wanker…..Complete Wanker” from most people.

I hope something turns up for you. I really do. I didn’t come to PC as a Paul Mercurio fan. I loved Strictly Ballroom but I’ve never seen any of your other work. You seem like a nice guy to me though and it sucks that you have made it so far to the top and have so little to show for it money wise. I think that part of the problem is that, particularly in Australia, there is only room for a very few at the top in acting and similar fields.

I am reminded of a guy who worked for me years ago who had a golf handicap of 3. He was only a kid (18? 19?) and he quit to try out being a golf pro. The point I tried to make to him was that the 20th highest paid golfer in Australia probably earns $20,000 a year at it. The 500th highest paid lawyer in Australia is probably pulling in seven figures.

Anyway, I’m off to bed. Stay frosty Paul. Sorry if I trod on your toes. I didn’t mean to.

It is okay to tread on my toes and please unless you insulted me intentionally (which you didnt) there is no need for sorry's. As I said I appreciate the push that encourages further growth.

Oh and by the way thank you for making Dancing with the Stars available to the guys here at PC. I know they get a kick out of it and appreciate it also!

Hi everyone! This is a test to see if my posts are going through

Paul - I know everyone's comments have run a different direction than this and I wonder if you will even see this post now that this thread is a few weeks old - but - "Joseph" was just playing on the tv tonight - and I just have to tell you how extremely touched I was by your performance in that production. The humility and faithfulness portrayed in that movie by your character has stayed with me through the years from the time I first saw it when it originally played back in 95 on tv. I want to thank you for doing that role - for taking on a part in a spiritual relm and for doing it so beautifully. I know you aren't "Joseph" but that there must have been parts of "you" that came through in that performance of him. My feelings about it in retrospect lead me to believe that you truly do have a beautiful soul. The need I felt to express that to you, is what lead me to your sight tonight, and now I am writing you a personal note. amazing. So whatever else you do in your life with your talents with your passions, I hope you have satisfaction that what you did with that role was maybe one of the great parts of your life. I hope you have joy that you took it on - I hope the experience was a good one for you. Thank you for sharing yourself with us!
May you have peace!
love,
sherry