Big Announcement! A game of cards – Go Fish (Guess who's gonna be on a National TV Series)

About 3 weeks ago I made an announcement on my Facebook. I have had these plans to write about it, but really wanted to tell you about the joys of my siblings wedding. 

So here it is, we have started production on a new TV series based and filmed here in Calgary.  A few weeks ago, I was chosen to be a supporting cast member on a comedy series called Go Fish. It’s a very fitting title especially with some of my Singapore friends whom I taught to play the game. Here is the synopsis taken from iperformarts (production company):

"This TV comedy series follows five roommates as they try to make their way through the world. Each of them is following a dream, however, in the pursuit of their goals they often find themselves in hilarious predicaments which sabotage any progress that they may be making.

Each of the roommates have different goals, one wants to be a Lawyer, one is trying to become a fitness instructor, another is a model, and one is an actress. The fifth roommate is the very rich owner of the house that they all live in, and wants to get married….

Each episode follows the girls through one day in a series of short chronological skits."

A lonely little goldfish is the physical manifestation of each roommates failures, this fish seems to suffer an untimely demise in each episode, and is promptly replaced by whoever caused the fishes end. No one seems to even notice that the fish is different each time.

So where do I come in? One of the lasts pieces to the puzzle, I ended up casting for the show a few short days after getting back from my last Asia trip. As I mentioned my role is as support so I won’t be appearing in every episode, but will be a reoccurring character, the handsome neighbour.  My character lives next door to the girls, and is constantly trying to get a date or phone number at least. Without giving too much away, let's just say that I am a bit of eye candy on screen with my wardrobe. 

My experiences overseas filming television commercials have led to an interest in acting. I constantly talk about challenges and adventure is this is exactly how I see it. Excited to work on this production would be an understatement.  

I would like to share more, and I may share bit by bit as production goes along, but for the most part you are just going to have to stay tuned for when the show airs here in Canada (and for those overseas I will be certain to share online links).

Sharpen your tools

In any industry you require a certain set of skills and tools to get your tasks done. Unfortunately modelling doesn’t provide the greatest use of my brain, but does require maintenance of my physical self. The minimal stimulation is balanced off by my strange desire to read scientific journals and non-fiction books ( currently on 7 habits of highly effective people). I frequently discuss what I do to maintain my physique (currently boxing is my sweet tooth). Diet is something crucial as well that I have mentioned. Also very important is maintaining a clear complexion. With all the makeup I have had smeared on my face, sometimes it takes more effort than others.

When I was in Korea, my roommate, said to me you can always tell the models that work a lot by the complexion of their skin. He told me they all have pimples and oily skin because of the makeup. While there is some truth to this, I feel there is much more than that. Genetics is a big part, diet comes into play and of course how your treat your skin.

While I do get the odd pimple, my skin is for the most part rather dry. After running out of my normal moisturizer, I came across an opportunity to try something new (unfortunately not available in Canada yet). I met with the people at V10+ and discussed my skin concerns.  The obvious makeup problem came about so a good cleanser is important. Issues of dry skin, resulted in the hyaluronic serum.  A good sunscreen is essential too, especially being in the hot tropical sun, and needing to have pasty white skin as a model. And lastly a once a per week exfoliating water base peel.  Frequently I laugh at my knowledge as a man that has developed with skincare and cosmetics. 

I always said modelling wouldn’t change me, well it has. My knowledge of makeup and maintaining good skin is far higher than 99% of straight guys. Oddly enough I know which makeup feels like a layer of mud on your face and which ones breath. With that experience I have truly gained value for good skincare. 

For the past few weeks I have been trying these products out. The hyaluronic serum stuff is unreal. I am used to a cream, but with 3 drops from a dropper and rubbed over my face, I get rid of that dry stiff skin feeling and don't have the cream residue on my fingers. Which turns out to be a real pain when everything these days is touch screen.

The other one that I really like is this water base peel. It's pretty cool. Just a little bit left to dry on your skin for a few seconds. Then rubbing it all you can see all the dead skin that you have left over. Seriously no wonder my skin is so dry. I am results driven so seeing what the product does at the moment of use is rewarding.

Personally sunscreen is sunscreen for me, but when in Asia as a caucasian model it is crucial to maintain that healthy white skin. And I have never really used a cleanser much, so I haven't noticed the same impact as with the other 2 products. 

Good Things Keep on Running

Before I get started here is one of my latest pictures. And I am actively using my twitter now find me at @wintonyk and instagram username 'wintonyk' One Charlie Harper look alike coming your way. 

With a little CCR stuck in my head, I have just rolled into my place after another 10 k run. Finally they are getting a little easier. An old buddy from Jr. High and I have taken to getting back into the running groove.  Today my dog Diesel joined us. I think he is a little tired.  

One week after settling my feet back into Calgary I started bar tending. There is a Brewing Company and Restaurant called Brewster’s in Alberta and Saskatchewan. It’s been a great experience so far, and continues on from my previous bartending experience. As the name implies beer is the specialty, with an endless selection premium craft brewed beers, there is one no matter what your taste buds desire.  For me it’s our Bow Valley Brown Ale, but the River City Raspberry Ale is certainly the most popular.  

In the modeling world, I have been a little busy, for Calgary that is. Last week I managed to squeeze in 2 photo shoots. For the first one I had a wonderful “date” with a beautiful blonde woman from Saskatchewan. The whole team was great to work with, it’s such a pleasure working with a good photographer and team.  It creates a world of difference when everyone is professional and knows what they want from the shoot.

The second shoot was the following day shooting for Marks (formerly Mark’s Work Warehouse). When the company shifted it moved to a more general lifestyle store, selling some more casual clothes. This shoot was from the waist down for some new trendy jeans.  Once again everyone acted very professional making thing easy. Are you noticing a trend in Canada?

Not hating on the caliber of photographers I worked with in Asia, but there is certainly a degree of separation in talent and available resources. Whether it be lighting or creative direction I found this a nice treat.

Guess who's back!

Lately I have noticed my affinity for air travel. I find myself yet again on a plane. This time from Winnipeg back to Calgary. The past week has been a fantastic time spent with my grandmother, aunts and uncle. The week involved a glorious return to the golf course where I hit the ball, then grabbed a new ball and hit it again. Losing a total of only 9 golf balls I thought I did pretty good on 18 holes. 

A case of strep throat and jet lag set me far back in my activity levels. This was something I was thoroughly looking forward to. With pollution, and humidity aside I relish in the Canadian sun and fresh air. Finally after 7 months I have had the opportunity to go for a fulfilling run. Fully recovered from everything, I took in the incredible scenery that is found around my Amma’s (grandmother in Icelandic) place in Gimli, Manitoba.  Sites of newly flowered canola, and stretching fields of wheat graced my eyes. A run goes by much faster when you can enjoy the beauty of your home country. Canada is a country so large that it is nearly impossible to grow tired of the incredible landscapes.  Yet, you can sometimes forget about what you have until you miss it. The return to my glorious reinvigorated my love for the land.

I noted on facebook recently that running 10 k when you haven’t run that kind of distance in a while can have devastating effects. Maybe a slight exaggeration on my behalf, but JELLO legs is the best way to describe them after a run. I finished in just under an hour. Which is truly not that bad, but a solid 14 minutes slower than my norm. I want to get back in this saddle.  7k a few days later was certainly much more tolerable.

They say you never get used to the heat in SE Asia, and I truly believe that I am not meant to spend my entire life in that environment. My body adapted though, to the humidity at least. The 10 k run, despite pushing myself I didn’t sweat. Well I did, 3 beads. That’s it. A 28 degree day in dry heat I had very limited need for sweat. It is kind of cool to see the change in how the body processes, in its distribution of heat. 

An update on my modeling world is probably due as well. Just because I have returned to Canada doesn’t mean things stop. I  have an audition this coming week for a movie, a meeting with FORD models and a meeting next Monday with my agents to discuss more Asia options, I am hoping for Korea, Japan or maybe Hong Kong.

Find something close and keep it (my best tvc yet)

Here is my supermax razors ad. This was easily one of the most enjoyable and rewarding TVCs I have filmed.

I have been writing a little bit more emotionally lately as my current adventure is coming to a close. A contract in Singapore has come and gone, Bangkok flew by, and then another 8 days in Singapore visiting. This is something I have kept hush hush. As of right now, June 16^th I am sitting on my Air Canada flight back to Calgary.  Wait what?

Well father’s day is Sunday, so I thought what better gift to get the guy that has everything, than to be connected with his son he hasn’t seen in 7 months.  Now it’s not a complete surprise as they are expecting me on the 18^th. But with the enlistment of a wonderful brother and soon to be sister in law, they arranged to catch a “movie” tonight.  Big thanks for helping pull this off.

Well back on task, in my recent post “ A reason, a season and a lifetime” I reflected on much of what I have come across with regards to friendships while in Asia. And while you can’t always pick out a role, you can recognize what it is. Sometimes it’s a flash in a pan and before you know it, things disappear. Other times, even within a few days you can pick out someone that will last longer.

A perfect example of this is my guardian angel Mel. I met her at my first fashion show in Singapore, a completely chance encounter blossomed into an unfathomable friendship that I am sure will last. She has taught me a lot about the industry but more importantly life. Who knows I may have even taught her a thing or two as well. 

In the 8 days I spent in Singapore visiting, it was supposed to be a relaxing holiday. That is was to some extent, however I kept myself busy. I failed to recognize on my journey back how many friends I really wanted to see. The unfortunate thing is I am sure there are some I missed and I apologize for that. 

Amongst all the reminiscence, I still found time to meet some new friends. Some great friends at that, the negative of being a social butterfly.  I wish I could have had more time, as we all do, there is never enough time in a day. 

I didn’t even find time to hit the gym. Only once was my body rocked by the steel and sweat that I love so much. Not to say that I went without exercise though. Even when busy visiting, sometimes a simple suggestion of a walk instead of that Iced Mocha Frappucino can do the body good. I easily walked 2 hours a day during that entire week. 

All that walking goes against the stereotypical Singaporean mindset.  Everyone seems to take the escalator queuing up to go upstairs rather than taking the express lane known as the staircase.  Anything over a 5 minute walk is out of this world. It’s impossible to get completely used to the heat, but honestly a 20 minute walk is close.