We recently chatted with filmmaker and actor David Meyers about his online series ‘Bloomywood’ – the comic/tragic story of aspiring screenwriter Michael Bloomstein. Meyers has acted in such genre films as “Killer Caregiver” and the science fiction film “Campus Code.”
The series can also be viewed here.
What was it like working on ‘Killer Caregiver’?
I played Eugene, a gardener slightly on the spectrum, who was framed by the “killer caregiver” in question, played by TV and Soap star Camila Banus. It was such a blast to shoot, and I actually became good friends with the screenwriter, who has been a huge supporter of Bloomywood -- so it ended up being a great experience
What was it like working on ‘Campus Code’?
It was really fun -- it was my first feature that had well-known stars, and obviously being a project directed by Catherine Scorsese gave it a lot of buzz. We actually shot my role right as Hurricane Sandy was about to hit Philadelphia and New York, so it was a very surreal time. The creators were really nice, and tried to do something where the audience could pick their own journey through the film -- but it didn't really work, so they just released it as a conventional film. Netflix was able to pull this off a few years later, so they were just a little ahead of their time.
What have been some of your other roles?
I've done commercials with Danny DeVito and James Franco, I shot a few projects for Adobe, some episodes of TV and had just been cast on a BET show right before Covid. I've also worked on films with Molly Shannon -- and one of my personal favorites was a pilot called "Rainbow Ruthie" that rightly got a ton of festival buzz. I can't wait till everyone sees that one day....
What scripts have you written and which have been produced?
I've had plays produced across the country; my most successful one was called "We Will Not Be Silent" -- which was produced by five major regional theatres, and was supposed to come to New York with Michael Shannon before COVID-19. I'm hoping that still happens, and am also developing that as a TV property for Michael. I've also got a few other TV projects, but I'm really excited about "Bloomywood."
Can you describe trying to get established in LA?
It's been good, and fun -- but also a lot of hurry up and wait. Everyone is really busy in this town -- from endless readings to business lunches. As Michael Bloomstein says in the show "Think how many movies would get made if people didn't eat lunch!" I think the key has been trying to stay positive -- and focusing on the joy and excitement that got us interested in doing this in the first place. A lot of people become jaded, but if it's not fun, it just doesn't seem worth it.
What are your ultimate artistic and career goals?
To just keep creating things for a living -- but "Bloomywood" has been different. It's been my favorite thing I've ever done -- and it's been so rewarding to see people's reactions to it, specifically to the kind of improv comedy that I love. Scripted improv is my favorite format, and I'd really love to continue developing properties in that genre.
Can you describe the beginnings and development of your web series?
I was meeting my friend Taylor Gregory one afternoon; I had just come from an audition where the director left right before I went inside (I had been waiting for an hour).
Taylor and I laughed about the indignities that artists face chasing their dreams, and said -- “Hey, why don’t we do this show where you play this guy who is so nice and tries so hard, but always gets stepped on.” Taylor called it “Doormat.” I love to improv -- so I said, “yeah -- and we can go out and do this with real people.” So the show is a much exaggerated version of my experience, and that’s how “Bloomywood” was born.
