Being involved in a creative vocation can seem to those not involved like it a constant cycle of self-immersion followed by adulation. In truth, it’s like an iceberg; you see about 5-10% of the work that is involved. There have been countless airings of programs that show celebrities “before they were stars!” This seems to imply that one day something magically happened and these household names went from being working stiffs to having the mystical crown of fame placed on their head. The reality is that creative individuals who pursue their vocations become increasingly more adept as they persevere, just as a carpenter, teacher, or any other professional would. Also part of the reality for musicians, painters, actors, etc. is the fact that they need to earn a living as they pursue their path. If these individuals are lucky, they get the chance to practice their wares at the same time that they generate the income needed just to survive. That may be somewhat exaggerated; there is a difference between basic survival and maintaining a somewhat moderate lifestyle. Whether it is Paul Rudd selling video games, Keanu Reeves enjoying cereal, Brad Pitt convincing us about potato chips, Leonardo DiCaprio advertising bubble gum, or Morgan Freeman helping to cure us of our bad breath with Listerine (https://youtu.be/g7Nuwo0LLGk ), numerous high profile actors have peppered their more serious roles with commercial roles.
A recent example of this is Canadian actor Alex MacPherson. Alex has seen many movie and TV roles come his way in the past couple of years. With major acting roles in films like Dead Rush, Bite, as well as the television series See No Evil, MacPherson is seeing a great deal of visibility with the viewing public. Acting roles are like sunshine; you hope they will come soon but you never know, so it’s best to be prepared. Actors who are proactive will pursue avenues like commercials; which is exactly what Alex MacPherson did when he was cast for the In Movement standing desk commercial. Luckily, as an actor who needs to stay in shape and a fitness enthusiast, MacPherson enjoys the product. It turns out acting is easier when you genuinely appreciate a product. It’s Alex’s feeling that any and every role is an opportunity for him to find a part of himself that connects with both the character and the audience. He states, “Working on set for InMovement was a different experience for me as an actor. I’m in this industry because I am a creative obsessive; my mind never stops thinking about movies and shows and how I want to be a part of it all. On the other hand, as an actor, I have had to accept that commercials will help pay the bills as I continue my climb towards fame and stardom. I must say though, when the product is something you believe in, a commercial is much easier to get behind.”
While Shakespeare may set the bar for the difficulty and prestige of many actors, most of their lives are not spent speaking in iambic pentameter. Most actors spend their efforts finding characters in much more common circumstances; it’s a pursuit that MacPherson enjoys. When he was cast in the InMovement commercial, he viewed it as a chance to act as well as to challenge the status quo. He explains, “As a health conscious person who leads an active lifestyle, it was easy for me to get behind to concept of InMovement’s standing desk product. The commercial featured myself and two other actors as we deliver facts about the health benefits of the desk, straight to camera. Products like the standing desk are constant reminders that just because something has always been done a certain way, it doesn’t mean that it’s good for you or can’t be improved upon.”
Adrian Cowan is one of Alex’s costars on the InMovement commercial and remarks at how MacPherson threw himself into the role as seriously as any major film production stating, “I was really impressed with Alex. He is a very focused and driven individual. You meet people in this industry whom are very driven, you know that they are striving for excellence no matter what opportunity they are given. When you always give your best, your best continues to improve. Alex’s talent comes from who he is as an individual, he is very charismatic. He seems to amplify every situation he is in with his essence.” Macpherson confirms that the experience was not as different a situation as one might think for an actor. He tells, “Northern Lights Direct (the production company) were extremely professional, and the director, knew exactly how to evoke the emotions he sought from me, as I delivered my many lines. It was exciting to have actual members of InMovement’s marketing team on set, as I was able to see their positive reactions to my performance, in person, and in real time. The other two actors were extremely talented as well. Working with a great cast and crew always makes the experience a pleasure.” Like so many who came before him, it’s likely that you’ll soon see Alex MacPherson leading the charge for glory against insurmountable odds…as well as convincing you to walk behind your desk.