Sagamok Anishnawbek actor looking to make it to the big screen

By Leslie Knibbs

SAGAMOK ANISHNAWBEK—We’ve all read or heard about the struggles of actors starting out in film, these ‘unknowns’ consistently hold down ‘day-jobs’ to make ends meet while pursuing their dream; actor Bruce Willis worked as a waiter to pay the bills while chasing his dream of acting. There are countless similar stories in television and film. In most cases, those who succeed have something special going for them along with their dedication and hard work.  Dan Townsend, Sagamok citizen, is one of these ‘unknowns’.

Townsend works full-time as what he calls, “an industrial/commercial custodian” at the paper mill in Espanola. When not doing his janitorial work at the mill, Townsend spends his days pursuing his love of acting taking on background roles in television and film around northeast Ontario. He’s a neophyte in the film industry, grabbing whatever roles his casting agency calls him on. Townsend is prepared to put in the hours on set and eventually become a member of the Alliance of Canadian Cinema Television & Radio Artists (ACTRA).

This fledgling actor is working towards becoming a member of ACTRA in the Additional Background Performer category. In order for Townsend to be eligible for ACTRA Additional Background Performer membership, he must have worked as a Background Performer 15 days within the last year. Once Townsend reaches this goal, he will start his journey to becoming a full-time member of ACTRA working towards accumulating 200 on-set engagement days, or 1,600 hours then he will enter the Apprenticeship program. It’s a long haul, but Townsend is determined to reach it and fulfill his dream taking on most roles offered.

A strongminded Townsend just added to his list on May 4 with a role in the series The Silencing.

“I did the Silencing last night (May 4), but I let my hair down to portray a street person. Tuesday will be Happy Place, where me and my daughter will play the father and daughter role.”

Back in the Spring of 2017, Townsend learned the Northern Casting Agency in Sudbury was looking for Indigenous people for background acting work in various film and television projects. He hadn’t done any acting since attending W.C. Eckert Highschool in Blind River where he appeared in high-school plays – a long time ago for the 46-year-old.  Looking “to try something new,” Townsend called this reporter to take a few photos to send to the casting agency. It wasn’t long before the casting director at the agency contacted Townsend for further discussions. The rest, as they say, is history.

Since this first contact with the agency, Townsend has appeared in several projects including CTV’s series The Cardinal, the film Happy Place and the series Bad Blood as well as others filmed in places such as Sudbury, North Bay, Parry Sound and Azilda. Townsend typically receives two weeks-notice when his services are required allowing him enough time to make a shift change or book time off to take the role offered.

“I was interested in getting into acting since I was very young,” he said.

Townsend with his dynamic presence; standing about six feet tall, wearing his hair in traditional braids, and with his deep baritone voice, it’s no wonder a casting agency would be happy to have him on their roster of actors. Townsend has sent a demo to CTV looking for voice-over work; they have asked for additional demos.

In film and television, Indigenous actors have made their mark for decades performing alongside major players in the industry. Perhaps the first was Daniel Simmons, more commonly known as Chief Yowlachie, a member of the Yakima tribe in Washington State. Although he started out as an opera singer in the 1920s, Simmons performed for over two decades in early film. More recent Indigenous actors include Graham Greene, Wes Studi and the late Russel Means amongst others.

The Northern Casting Agency encourages and develops background actors of Indigenous descent out of their Sudbury location. Those interested in a career in the film and television acting are urged to contact the agency via e-mail at:  northerncasting.bg@gmail.com