The Film Scout – I Was In A Movie!

The Neon Highway

Wanted to switch things up a bit this month and tell you about a unique experience I recently had which made me think about something bigger.

I’m in a movie! As in lights, camera, action!

Two years ago, I landed a role in an independent movie called ‘The Neon Highway,’ which was filmed right here in Columbus. Produced by Stratton Leopld, starring alongside Beau Bridges, Rob Mayes, Sam Henning and T.J. Power and includes many many other very talented people.

This experience marked my debut in acting, and I owe immense gratitude to Jeff and Sarah Holbrook for making it possible.

Now, let’s rewind to the moment I received an email from a casting agent. They wanted an audition tape for the role of ‘BARTENDER AT SHORTYS.’

Me? A bartender? Well, if there’s one thing I’ve learned from movies, it’s that you’ve got to commit. I transformed my living room into a makeshift bar set, meticulously arranging every detail to mimic the ambiance on camera.

I made sure to dress the part as well. Method acting, you know? I even watched more bartending tutorials on YouTube than any sane person should. Hey, call me Daniel Day Lewis.

After several hours of filming, I finally edited it all together and submitted my audition tape. The agent’s prompt response caught me off guard, and to my delight, I was offered the role. This exhilarating experience not only introduced me to the world of acting but also ignited a newfound passion and appreciation for the art of storytelling through film.

But let’s take a moment to appreciate how far Columbus has come in embracing the art of filmmaking. A decade ago, who would’ve thought we’d be making waves as Tinseltown? Sure, there’s still work to be done—infrastructure, politics, you name it. But the future is undeniably bright for filmmakers in our city.

As I stepped onto the set of ‘The Neon Highway,’ I was greeted with a sight to behold— they gave me a whole trailer to myself, with my name on the front door and everything. I was even given makeup. Talk about feeling like a bona fide Hollywood star! Even with just three lines, I soaked in every moment, from rehearsing in my trailer to witnessing the hustle and bustle of a full-fledged movie set, I kept thinking how great it was to see a movie set in Columbus.

Fast forward 2 years later and we’re at the world premiere held in Nashville. Leading to that night I kept what I thought was a humble spirit. Being a movie guy, I’m well aware of the concept of deleted scenes, and I was certain I was going to get cut. It was too good to be true. To my standards, I only got one take perfect – perfect enough it warranted Beau himself to give me a fist pump.

But here we are on the red carpet, the cast and I on one end and media on the other. You have to understand that I’m someone who doesn’t expect much, and this event was amazing. The most awkward part about the premiere was doing press. I learned that it’s really hard to talk in-depth about a role you’re only in for a few seconds and make it into a workable interview. Overall, my experience was great, and I was surprised that the director, William Wages, still remembered me, along with every other member of the cast long after filming.

Okay so that’s great and all, but how was the movie?

Well what’s ‘The Neon Highway’ anyway? It’s a song Rob’s character Wayne writes in which he feels he’s got a big hit on his hands. After a tragic accident, he decides to put it all away and focus on other things until he meets a washed-up country music legend Claude, the two head back to Nashville for a second chance. It’s an underdog story you’re familiar with but with enough original material that’s able to keep this film in its own category. What I admire most about this film was the simple approach in story and that it’s something anyone can relate to. The film’s co-star Rob Mayes plays Wayne, who we follow through the bulk of this film’s story. Rob is able to play this complex character with grace having to portray someone who feels that their time is up but is able to keep going no matter what it takes.

As for veteran actor Beau Bridges, he is definitely the right balance of both comedy and drama. I’m happy to say, and I’m not just saying this because I’m in it, but the film itself is actually good. I was mostly surprised at how funny it was. And my scene didn’t get cut. I remember clinging to my girlfriend’s hand once my scene was up. I’m relieved to say that my scene got a big laugh, and it fits perfectly. I think I should also point out how this film’s story was very compelling, given I’m not usually fond of country music. A quick shout out to Sandra Lee-Oian Thomas, who plays an important role in the film, and is also her first film since being in “Jingle All The Way.”

As the credits rolled and the lights dimmed, I couldn’t help but reflect on the journey that had brought me here. From that first audition tape to the glitzy world premiere. As the film makes its theatrical debut and gears up for streaming, I can’t help but marvel at how far Columbus has come. Let’s raise a glass to our city’s growing presence in the world of cinema—and who knows, maybe you’ll see me on the big screen again soon.

Cheers! To the future of filmmaking in Columbus.

By John Houzer