Rich Greenfield:Amercian Comedian Exiled in Poland

Migration to Laugh.pl

2011-05-09T12:15:00.000-07:00

Hi,
I would like to thank your for your years of participation in this blog. I am currently in the process of migrating this entire blog over to the www.laugh.pl web site. All the old posts will be moved to the blog under the categor Rich Greenfield Archive. Thanks again, and please visit Laugh.pl to stay in touch with me (Rich Greenfield) and all my activities.
-RG

A Great Foundation for a Future of Laughs

2011-04-06T01:40:00.001-07:00

I used to get a thrill out of running events and organizing Comedy shows. However the novelty of the affair has quickly turned into tedious management and mindless detail. In the future I hope to leave event organizing to people who are really good at it. Here I would like to mention Michal Sufin. He is truly talented at organizing events. His shows regularly draw crowds of people and cover everything from Improv Comedy, and Spoken word to Sketch comedy and performance art. On the other end of the spectrum is one of Warsaw's most loved Comedy teams Standup Polska. Stand-up Polska is a team of young and edgy comics that are an integral part of Stand-up comedy in Poland. Comedy is such a difficult business that many groups seem to tire from the constant demands. However Stand-up Polska continues to improve both their material and their approach to events. These two groups are leading the way to making live comedy in Poland a force to be dealt with. Both groups have the support of Comedy Central, and members of both have appeared on National media in the past year. With time the groups will grow ever stronger, and will (if they are not already) become the defacto master's of the Comedy scene in Warsaw, Poland for years to come.

Recording a Gameshow Pilot

2011-03-11T13:20:00.000-08:00

Two weeks ago I was called into the offices of a well-regarded tv and film production company on Warsaw's east side. I entered the building and rode the elevator to the top. I was soon greeted by a man that I had seen a year ago (2010) when I was attending my call-back audition for a new season of a tv show they had been working on for some time. I was asked if I'd be interested in this new project. I said, "yes."

Two weeks later I take a bus across town and arrive in a strange part of southern Warsaw. It's a cold desolate place that reminds me more of Cudahy,WI than the capital of a European nation. There's no sidewalk, so I walk in the dirt and mud to the studio. I enter and discover to my surprise a former member of my comedy group.

We greet each other at a distance. As I look at him I think to myself, "What kind of a small town is this?" As I turn around I see a giant green screen. It will be in front of this that I will stand. It will be here that I will create a tv show pilot. This is my first tv show pilot.

The filming took about 5 hours, and a crew member was kind enough to give me a lift home, all the way across town. Everyone on the crew was really nice, and aside from a moment where everyone lost their mind laughing for no good reason (there was a pun in the script) the recording went smoothly.

Comedy in Warsaw: An Update

2011-03-05T03:58:00.000-08:00

Today in Warsaw you can attend the Stand-up comedy shows of two groups of comedians, Stand-up Polska and Standup.pl. Beyond that you can check out shows by one of the two Improv troupes in Warsaw Klancyk and Ab Ovo.

Beyond that there is little choice. We know from evolution that having a small initial set can lead to a degradation in quality, is this the same for entertainment? Perhaps it would be healthy for more people to participate in the live comedy entertainment industry in Warsaw.

I have been calling for months to start a Warsaw-based Improv troupe, but the response has been rather minimal. Some people can keep watching the same comedian on stage night after night. I on the other hand like variety. Warsaw, at least today, seems to lack any genuine variety in Comedy.

Perhaps the EU can grant some money to an organization that will generate interest in Stand-up comedy, and Improv comedy, and sketch.

Poland, a life in a country I'm from, but not really.

2011-02-02T09:47:00.001-08:00

Moving to Poland did one major thing, it nearly-totally destroyed my Social Life as 80% of my friends (even today) live in the USA. The most difficult thing about being an Immigrant in your own country is that you can't really fall back on the things "normal" immigrants fall back on including the feeling of finding people like you. I am Polish and in Poland, but grew up in the USA, so I always feel left out here, and everyone expects me to speak Polish without an accent. It's hard to take living in a country seriously when you have to go 1,2, or 3 steps back in communication skills (Polish grammar sucks) in order to function in Polish society. Now, many people I know don't know a word of Polish (at least not anything besides swear-words) but I don't want to live like that. I actually think Poland is a very interesting place with terrible marketing. There are many opportunities here, but it's a very competetive market in the creative industry (as it must be globally) and it's been difficult for me to get any semblance of normalcy here, as I am employed as an English teacher, and it's just not a perfect fit for me. I wish I'd have time to finish Tato Jones (which I regard as unfinished) and send it out. I really should be working harder on getting a "real" job instead of just "hunkering down." When the economic crisis ends, no one knows, but one thing is clear the longer we continue down this path the sooner were all going to be miserable. (PS: I think this is by-far the longest response ever to a facebook post of mine).

Anti-Comedy Anyone?

2011-01-31T14:15:00.001-08:00

http://www.livestream.com/nslf/video?clipId=pla_f3f9f093-b6ad-4bd0-ba5a-dbfb82316eaf&utm_source=lslibrary&utm_medium=ui-thumb
This evening I served up a raw dose of good ole Anti-Comedy. A blend of absurd randomness and behavior, seldom paid for but often observed in everything from art films to rain storms. It was all about the moment and misunderstood by many. It takes a few views to make it really matter. Once you get over the fact that it's not what you'd expect at a comedy show, or any show for that matter you realize that self-expression is always pretty. It's not about making you feel good, it's about giving you an experience you'll never have again. It's not about entertainment, but about creating a moment in time that can only exist for those people present. This is not a performance I created for the joy, or for the fame, but for a deep desire within me to express myself against all odds. When faced with a force of haters and thugs I am destined to come up with something pungeant and frothy. I don't serve up hot-cross bunds to everyone. You all get a special treat. This evening, I created a special event for my least admirable fellow-humans. Go forth, and live your lives, for the live in the past is a sad mistake. Worry not about me, but about yourself, for after all that is all you really have, and can count on. I will not stop performing, and even then their is video. But video doesn't do justice, like live performance. Never give up, never give in. Thank you to all my friends who attended tonight, and no thanks to all the rest.

Does anyone listen to National Polish Radio?

2010-12-21T09:36:00.000-08:00

When I got up this morning I was excited. It was going to be the second time in as many weeks that I would be speaking on the radio. I was notified of my appearance just 24 hours prior. I had no idea who it was that had invited me and why I was going to be interviewed, aside from the fact that the show would be about Stand-up comedy. I arrived at the Polish National Radio Station early in the morning and notified the station that I was in the lobby. I purchased the worst cup of tea I have ever half-consumed in my life, and waited. A woman at the front desk called, "Anyone here for Channel 4?" I answered and was told to wait some more. After some time a woman finally came downstairs and asked the front desk about me. "Look for the guy with the best smile," was how the woman was supposed to recognize me among the 3 people waiting to get onto the air. She approached me and took me upstairs to the recording studio. I walked in and I was immediately introduced to the dj. After a brief moment in the engineers side I walked into the soundproof (most likely) recording booth and within a few minutes I was on the air. "Ok, welcome back everybody, we've got a guest this morning, and he's doing a one-man show in Warsaw. What is stand-up comedy anyhow?" As the dj asked me these questions I began to think too much. Instead of being in the moment I was somehow just beyond it. Within what seemed like seconds our conversation ended. I was told that the dj, "might check out one of my shows someday," and escorted out of the studio. As I left the building I anticipatedthat the interest in Laugh.pl would skyrocket. Upon checking my online stat system I was surprised to discover that only 24 people visited my main web site (laugh.pl) and as I read these numbers I came to realize that the support and interest of the media is not enough. In order to compete in the cut-throat world of entertainment you have to offer an innovative, interesting, captivating product that keeps people on the edge of their seats. In retrospect I wish I would have had more fun with the interview, and I would have garnered a bit more interest. So that makes 2 radio appearances and 1 television appearance. What does the future hold for Rich Greenfield? Only time will tell, and if I can ever get back into creating multimedia that's entertaining I'll have won half of the battle.

Friends and Comedy Don't Often Mix

2010-12-19T06:30:00.001-08:00

In March I met a man from Belfast. He seemed like quite the violent and aggresive sort of person I needed to move my idea of a virtual comedy club along. I teamed up with him in September of 2010. At the start we had a simple idea, "to provide local comedians with a regular evening where they would be able to hone their skills in stand-up comedy." Eventually, the idea turned into something like, "let's run over everybody in town getting to our next gig." Quality went totally down the tubes and everyone was in a dog-eat-dog mood. An organization cannot survive long after the founders are less than friends. All it takes to end an inspiring project (or at least a partnership) is a drunken late-night rant directed at you by your "partner" in the organization. After our little "chat" I decided that it was time to take Laugh.pl back to it's roots. I plan on starting 2011 with a well-defined concept for Laugh.pl with only one rule in mind, my way or the highway. No more partnerships, no more boards of directors. They cliche goes that to get something done you have to do it yourself. Well it seems, that instead of looking for a "partner" I should've just gotten off my ass and talked to some venue owners on my own. However I guess I needed to be convinved by someone else first.

Happy New Year to everyone, and wish me luck as I carry Laugh.pl into a new era in 2011.

Polish Stand-Up Comics Get Demolished in Local Press

2010-10-01T08:31:00.001-07:00

In local periodical,Poland's young and ambitious (and sometimes madly self-centered) stand-up comedians were torn a new one by Warsaw based Rzeczpospolita TV in a recent article titled, "Zacięta Walka" (fierce battle). In the article writer Julia Rzemek and Krzysztof Materna cast doubt on the current state of stand-up comedy and write that, "Among the talented [Stand-Up Comics] of Poland's young scene, there are no masters." A painful thing to hear when channels like Comedy Central and Polsat have created shows centered on showcasing the same 10 or so "top-comics" currently active in Poland. When you see the same comic on two tv shows in the USA it means he's got something special, in Poland it means he bothered to go to the audition.

Does Standing Up Make One Funny?

2010-09-21T04:24:00.000-07:00

Telling Jokes vs. Being Funny
Getting on stage, holding a microphone, and telling jokes is all it takes for most people to consider themselves comedians. I have met many hard-working performers who have "polished" their act only to realize that they were polishing burnt rubber. It's important to have funny material, but it's more important for your funny material to matter. It's one thing to make a person laugh, but to make them think is the real challenge.
More than Entertaining Drunks
Comedy can and should be about more than striking the lowest note on the ladder of taste and waiting for the mere shockwave to destroy the audiences ability to think, and instead go for the "gut reaction". If it was more than a bit difficult to make a crowd of strangers laugh at the mere mention of orgasms, or sex, or the church, there would be far fewer operating comedy venues.
Shouting, Swearing and Others Ways to Get Laughed At
People considering careers in comedy should start by reading about what interests them, and getting a real deep perspective on their topic of choice, whether it's masturbation, broken families, or religion. When a performer has nothing to say, and is just reciting things off the top of his shallow head it's not going to get the same kind of reaction (at least not as long-lasting) as when he thinks about the issue, and really let's himself experiment. Why should comedians get to hurry through their work, while playwrites, poets, architects, and even visual artists have to put time (if even just thinking time) into their work? Comedians are not separate from the performing arts, or the arts in general. It's a myth that Stand-up comedy is "something beyond, something else" it's really just rhetoric designed to stimulate our sense of irony. Stand-up is a one-sided faux-discussion about events, issues, and people important to the comedian, and hopefully important to the audience as well. In our desire to entertain people we should strive not to educate them, but to make them think. For when people think and laugh at the same time they change, and when comedy influences change it ceases to be something "else" and begins facing up to the reality, comedy like everything else designed for an audience must be honest with itself, and look at more than just the laugh meter for feedback.
Endnote
I cannot say that I know what comedy is, after all if that was true I'd be getting paid to do it. However, I am certain that as an audience member I am almost always more satisfied when the artist (comic) makes me think, and not just react.

Surprised by an Open Mic

2010-09-15T02:08:00.000-07:00

An Interesting SMS
I wasn't planning on doing anything that night. While sitting in the kitchen doing nothing in particular I received a text message, "Open Mic tonight. Want to go?" The message was from Stephen, a friend of mine from the United Kingdom. I responded with a request for details. I killed time surfing the web, and thinking of ways to stay calm. This would be my first solo performance since comming to Poland in May of 2009. I hadn't been doing anything like Open Mic nights for over 18 months, so I was quite rusty.

It's My Time
The host of the evening a bearded man holding a wireless microphone and standing in front of a large LCD screen introduces me, "Rich Greenfield." I fumble up to the stage and grab the mic. I was excited about the peformance not only because it was my first in a long time, but also because I could try and see how I would do performing in Polish. I decided earlier in the evening that I would use a bi-lingual blended method for getting my ideas across to the audience. The people at the show where these hipster-artist types, and probably all lived in lofts. When I spotted their funny hats, and sharp colored outfits, I knew that English would have to be used to wooh them, and Polish to put them into their place. After 10 minutes of rambling and improvisation I was finished.

Post mortem
All in all, I think it was a performance that would of been better had I been really warmed-up. When I would do shows at Thai Joes in Milwaukee I would have a good amount of time (and quiet) to get into "my zone." However, at this cafe I didn't have a place to hide. It was raining outside and I had been fighting a cold for a few days and didn't want it to get worse. I had no place to hide inside as the place was packed. So I just kind of burned myself out talking to people and getting distracted. My main issue was my lack of focus, and a distinct cohesiveness or plot in my performance. In the future I must force myself to warm-up before going on stage, and most importantly to refrain from idle chit-chat prior to performing, as it tends to melt everything in my mind together into a glob of nonsense, rather than a well-formulated tale.

Open Mic Night in Warsaw, Poland

2010-08-30T10:03:00.000-07:00

I am going to be hosting the first "Rich & Steve's Non-Stop Laugh Factory" Open Mic Night in Warsaw Poland on September 20th 2010. We are trying to promote English language comedy in Poland and we are also interested in providing a place for comics to test their material. The location is great, we managed to work closely with the owner and got a great deal on the venue. I am excited, and will post a video when I am finished. For facebook users interested in our group visit here"

Booked for My First Poland show since 2002!

2010-06-16T12:39:00.000-07:00

I am very excited to announce that I have been booked for my first performance in Warsaw, Poland in over 8 years. When I performed here back in '02 I tried to do a show in Polish, as there wasn't much of a demand for English performers back then. Today the situation has changed quite a bit as many more youth are English-capable. The first show will be this Sunday and the next date is a Tuesday.I will try to post excerpts from both shows.

UPDATE: Both shows ended up being cancelled by the event organizer. I was quite surprised as such things are quite rare (in terms of Stand-Up comedy shows) in the USA. I don't remember the last time a show was cancelled due to low attendance. My group "Scrambled Ed's Happy Farm" performed in front of 10 people in a theatre made to seat 250.

Chłopaki z Taśmy UPDATED

2010-03-28T14:23:00.000-07:00

I recently taped an appearance on the Polish dating/reality tv show "Chłopaki z Taśmy" (the boys from the tape). I had a great time, and it was my first speaking role on Polish television. I appeared as myself, however I consider the experience to have been more acting than reality. I had a great time, the other talent was really professional and they treated us to some great food. I can't tell you who won, however I can say that the experience was a lot of fun. The episode should air sometime in May or June. I'll let you know if I find anything out.

UPDATED

I watched the show a few days ago and was pleased with the way that I was presented. I was second in the show to be interviewed. My entire on screen time lasted about 4 minutes and 30 seconds. I have posted three screen captures from the show to give you an idea of what it looked like on tv.

Apetyt Na Zycie

2010-03-28T14:16:00.000-07:00

I will be appearing as an extra in the Polish language tv show "Apetyt na Zycie" (an Appetite for Life) sometime in 2010. I had a great time filming scenes in the semi-permanent coffee shop film set built especially for the show. I had never been an extra in a professional production and it was a rewarding experience. Everyone else was focused on complaining. I made myself stand-out and managed to get into at least 3 scenes. I am doing an assortment of things while in my role as background-character. In one scene I am reading a book on the steps. At one point I run across the shot and fetch some desert, which I eat. In my second shot I am chatting up a nice looking girl in a colorful dress and drinking some beverages. In my final shot I am seen outside of the cafe playing frisbee. I was glad to be offered so many chances to be on camera. I am not focused on the money ($20) nor the exposure (minimal if any). I had a great time taking part in a project of this caliber, and consider it training towards my acting career. Most of the other extras just sat hidden away in the break-area and most didn't get any camera time at all. I was very eager to get on camera and made myself noticed. I think that is the most important thing in a situation with a "grab bag" of extras talent. You have to make yourself stand out. The crew was nice and we were fed sandwiches for breakfast and for lunch we got served some surprisingly delicious mushroom soup. I'll make sure to post information on when these episodes air.

Another Audition

2010-03-01T01:24:00.000-08:00

I recently auditioned for a TV series to be filmed in Warsaw starting sometime in Spring, 2010. The audition was held in a seedy-looking pre-war building that featured an art gallery, an antique shop, and of course the photography studio where the audition was held. The response to my audition was positive, however I am beggining to think that that is how they talk to all the actors in Poland, as I have not gotten any time on-camera for national tv yet. Hopefully this will happen soon, and I will launch my acting career in Poland.

The Only Way I Manage to Get Stage Time: Karaoke

2010-02-22T10:05:00.000-08:00

I was inside an office complex and decided to attend a karaoke night at the Irish pub located there. In the USA I don't usually do karaoke and prefer to do open mics, however there is a total shortage of open-mic nights in Warsaw, and I can't seem to find one that is active. The easy solution is to sing some karaoke. I usually sing the same song, Californication by Red Hot Chili Peppers. This song has some very whimsical lyrics including; first born unicorn and many more. It's too bad that this city doesn't offer more options for the amateur actor/performer to hone their skills. This lack of performance venues is one of the things I miss the most about living in the city. Eventually I'll get the courage up to ask a club owner if they wouldn't mind letting me perform in their club on an off-night. It might be difficult as I don't really enjoy performing in Polish, because when I do that I come off as either psychologically challanged, or confused. I shine in the English language and can't imagine having a serious career in Poland, as most work requires one to have a pristine Polish accent, with no hint of foreignness. I'll just keep at it while I can, and someday soon crowds may line up to hear my version of Californication.

My Comedy Journey (extracted from a PDF)

2010-02-17T02:43:00.000-08:00

Video Experiments
When I was 9 years old I had access to
my first camcorder. It was a RCA VHS
camcorder built in 1989/1990. I spent
some time learning the basics and was
soon creating short films with my
brother Jacek. Me and Jacek would
recreate movies from our pop-culture
upbrining including our first film with a
semblance of narrative, a play on Bruce
Lee’s bad lyp syncing. That was when I
was 9 years old. My dad Mac would
later “accidently” erase the tape of me
and my brothers first video project, and
most likely several projects after that.
Theatre Performance
I was just twelve years old when I was
cast for the role of Leroy Herdman in
“The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” at
the Performing Arts Center in MIlwaukee
(Currently named the Milwaukee
Center for the Performing Arts). I was
inspired by Jon Layton to persue a
career in performance. Layton later
cast me in two productions all without
having to audition. I would go on to
appear in 4 theatre productions before
finishing highschool.
Stand-Up Please
Although I enjoyed performing in
theatres; I was bothered that I couldn’t
really express myself in this way. I had
things to say (at 16) and was interested
in pursuing alternative venues. In the
fall of 1997 my brother Jacek spotted
an ad in the Milwaukee Journal looking
for “Comedians.” I responded and was
soon performing in front of an
audience in Grafton,WI. It was the first
time I was in a bar without a parent or
gaurdian present. The man who ran the
show was named David.David would
later attend a comedy class with me
taught by Roz Turner.I enjoyed the
adult atmosphere but was releuctant to
stick to my rudimentary act. I finished
one of my performances with an
attempt at improvisation, and failed–I
hated the performance so much I would
avoid appearing alone on stage until
about 2 years later as a student at
UWM.
College or Not?
After taking an 8 hour HSED test I
passed highschool and began planning
for my college studies. I took the ACT
and scored a 22 composite. This was
reasonable considering I had not
learned anything during the last two
years of highschool. I took my [ACT]
score to UW-Milwaukee admissions and
registered to attend the film program. I
attended classes, but soon lost
interest–mostly from an innability to
handle the workload of 15 credit
semesters. I begain hanging out at the
student cafe. It was called the 8th note
and (at that time) was featured as a
smoky haven for everyone on campus
addicted to nicotine.
Don’t Waste the Stage
Feeling highly “intellectual” in the
atmosphere of University I began to
pester the students working at the 8th
note about the lack of performances on
the tiny stage. I managed to gain
permission from one of the students to
do a short 5 minute performance.
Having nothing prepared and no idea
what I should talk about I started
talking about a world made out of
cheese and switched to a tangent about
running. Althoug the performance
basically sucked it motivated me, and
sparked an interest in “raw improv.”
Although I had performed improv in
highschool, this performance had a
differant style to it. While performing I
made friends with a coffee shop
patron/student Robert Rudnick. We
would have countless discussions about
performance, film, and general culture
until losing contact somtime around
2002. College was not for me [at the
time] and so I dropped out after a
single semester.
The Couch and Other Coffee Shops
I would perform in nearly 70 performances
between 2000 and 2005.
These appearances would last
anywhere from 3 minutes to 45
minutes and would most often be
unpaid. I was sometimes reimbursed
for my gas money. I was so excited by
the prospect of living the renegade
performer lifestyle I took little care for
my monetary success. It wouldn’t be
until I turned 23 that I would return to
College, as a student at the MIlwaukee
insitute of Art & Design.

Audition Week

2010-02-04T11:51:00.001-08:00

I am having a great week auditioning. I have managed to score three auditions this week. The first one was for a commercial for the bank BPH. They were looking for smart/business people so I showed up in a sweater and made an ass of myself. Needless to say, no one called be back for a chance to appear in the ad. The next audition was for the Szymon Majewski Show. Both of the auditions took place in the same building, at a company called "[...]One". I didn't think I would make any headway in either of the auditions, however on Tuesday I managed to get a call-back audition for the Szymon Majewski Show. I went to the headquarters of the production company in charge of the show. There I ran into a man named Piotr, who was the first one to show up. Eventually a 7 people showed up for the call-back. We calculated that about 90 people were in the first audition, so some of us took that as a sort of small victory. A few people voiced the opinion, "At least were better than the 93 people who didn't get call backs." However I wasn't so happy about it. The fact that only 90 people showed up made me realize that the casting process was far from over. When I checked out the web site, I was a bit distraught to discover that they are asking for submissions for talent all the way up to the end of February. The audition involved some screen tests taken in a small conference room, and some "on the street" interviews in the mall below the office. I didn't think that my performance in either segment was anywhere near my abilities, however I haven't really figured out the language (Polish) yet, and feel I may never reach the same proficiency in it that I have in English. At the end, the last thing anyone said to me at the company was something quite lame, "Um, how do they say... I'll call you!" I felt a bit like puking at that moment, as that is just about the lamest statement to make to someone. I am excited however, because there is always another audition to conquer, on Saturday I am due to "try-out" for a dating show.

Warsaw Improv Lessons

2010-01-17T07:32:00.000-08:00

I recently participated in a 3-hour-long improv workshop held in the basement of a club in Warsaw. About 25 people showed up to the improv lesson led by Michał of the Warsaw improv/sketch troupe "Klanczyk". I had a bit of trouble with the Polish language, as I spent 23 years living in Milwaukee. It was interesting to try to do improv in Polish, and watch as everyone reacted to the guy with the American-accent who seemed a bit "slow." In improv you generally have to move fast, think fast, and speak fast. I had trouble with the third one. I am planning on attending more improv workshops with this group, and am also planning on performing at an Open Mic. Warsaw's comedy scene is very immature when it comes to Improvisation/Stand-Up Comedy. Although Poland has a rich theatrical and burlesque tradition including a very popular style called "cabaret" the country is quite far behind the UK and USA when it comes to fresh, young, stand-up and improvisation talent.

I'm in a book! Well it's an Ebook.

2010-01-07T07:55:00.000-08:00

Philip M. Parker the inventor of a system to automatically write books on hundreds of topics "assembled" a book entitled "Dialogues: Webster's Quotations, Facts and Phrase" published 2008 by ICON Group International, Inc. you'll find an interesting article about yours truly. I was excited when I found it, but when I realized it was auto generated, and an e-book I was kind of bummed. However, you'll notice I am on the same page as Reservoir Dogs and ROM Hacking. You can find the mention here:

Another Film Appearance Found (Who is Russ T?)

2010-01-06T02:28:00.000-08:00

I was able to get a link to one of the two movies I have been unable to find a clean copy of for some time. I contacted the director of the movie and he was kind enough to send me a link to the video so I would be able to embed it in my blog. I haven't watched it and am not sure if I will even be in it. I am quite well known for being cut out of film projects (e.g. Star Monger, and Scare Me). I'll watch the rest of it and let you know if I managed to survive the edit suite. This is my first appearance in a documentary since "Underground Comedy", a video I am unable to currently find online. However this is differant in that I am an actor recreating past events in this video, where in the "Underground Comedy" video I appeared as myself.

First "Performance" in Warsaw since 2001

2009-12-20T03:05:00.000-08:00

I guess I haven't come very far in the Entertainment scene in Poland. In fact it appears I am sliding ever further into Warsaw's obscure. I attended the birthday party of my friend David Prior at Bistro 44 in Warsaw. When I saw the chance to perform, even in something as "base" as Karaoke I jumped at the chance. I requested a song in Polish, with "an interesting combination" of complicated words. The DJ picked a song for me, and when I started singing most people in the club where quite surprised as I was actually able to sing the words without too many mistakes. This picture is the only record of the event.

Plastic Pop, Milwaukee Designer Creates Marketing Kit

2009-07-26T12:44:00.000-07:00

My friend Adam Widener (aka Plastic Pop) has created a complete marketing kit including web site design, dvd case and cover, and logo. I have always wanted to put together a compilation DVD, and now I have the design. Check out the concepts here: http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=greenfield&w=39169325%40N04

Absolute Nonsense Network television show

2009-07-21T01:25:00.000-07:00

From 1999 until about 2002 I worked closely with my Co-Writer, Co-Star, and Camera Operator Brent Perry on the public access cable television show, ANNtv. The program featured irreverent rants by me and Perry (aka Brock Perenevich) about life in Wisconsin, West Allis specifically. The clip below is of me making fun of the concept of "paying to skate on frozen water." Filmed at the Pettit National Ice Center.

Safehouse & Shepherd Express Controversey PDF

2009-07-21T01:16:00.000-07:00

I recently found a PDF that is evidence of the controversy surrounding my attempt to promote my appearances at the Safehouse in Milwaukee,WI. I was tired of being a no-body who was often given the last slot of the night for 3 minutes for years, I was 20-something and determined to get my self noticed. I requested that the Shepherd Express list me in their events section associated with the SafeHouse. I was surprised to discover that I was listed to the late Tony Miller. I didn't call the Shepherd for several months to notify them of the error, and no one noticed. One evening Tony Miller came up to me and asked, "Have you seen the Shepherd Express latley?[What's with] this Rich [Greenfield] & Tony Miller hosting the comedy night? That's not right you shouldn't do that, this is MY show. The event resulted in my being given the cold-shoulder by the Milwaukee comedy community, and may have resulted in my not being cast for the Michael Gull film "New Day."
PDF

Appearance on "The Grabowskis"

2009-07-21T01:10:00.000-07:00

In the Summer of 2007, I was ready for a change. I decided to return to my earliest passion, acting. I searched the craiglist postings far and wide, and managed to come up with a call for actors for a web tv series. This episode was filmed at the "Palamino" bar/restaurant. I was 26 and excited to be part of an exciting series. It was one of my first chances to be involved with something "serious" and my appearance was a prelude to my being cast in "Spirit Lake" a year and a half later.
S3 - Honey's Wings

First (and Only) Warsaw Poland Performance

2009-07-21T01:04:00.000-07:00

It was summer time, and I had recently (1999) done a web design favor for a Polish community centre. In exchange for helping them with their web site they agreed to help me promote my "improv talents" by booking me at the Dzielnicowy Centrum Promocji Kultury in Warsaw Poland. I was booked around August of 2002, and was surprised to see they had actually printed posters for the event, which mentioned my performance as part of a chronological list. I also, posted my own fliers around Warsaw to try and promote the performance. Needless to say, only a handfull of people attended. Below is a sample from the performance.

The Streeters Cartoon Series

2009-07-21T00:53:00.000-07:00

In 2002 I was employed by the now-defunct "Sugar Star Design" as a web designer. At the time I wasn't sure what I wanted to do with my life. I had been a college (UW-Milwaukee) dropout and was just sailing through life. While working on some minor graphics projects, the owners of the company asked me if I wanted to help them with a television show they were going to be working on. I agreed and provided my voice talents to the program. I recorded the majority of my performances during an 8 hour recording session in a studio in Milwaukee,WI. I was 21 at the time, and glad to be part of a project where my talents in voice-over were realized. I hope you enjoy the clip, and look for my two appearances as the voice(s) of:Mr.Smyth and Cuddles the Bear.

"The Streeters" Episode 25 from Erik West on Vimeo.

Student Film Discovered

2009-07-21T00:41:00.001-07:00

I recently found an old student film I starred in called "Commonplace". It was directed by Derek Dobbels, and written by Derek Dobbels, with some of the dialogue from the office scene improvised by me. The movie was filmed in the winter-time in Milwaukee,WI sometime around 2006.
Commonplace

Spirit Lake: First Shoot

2009-02-20T08:49:00.000-08:00

I will be participating as an actor in an upcomming feature film by Joe Shakula or BibSimmons called "Spirit Lake." I am just hoping that I don't freeze my bones, it's quite cold today. For more information on the production visit the official website at:http://spiritlakemovie.com/

Aono Trailer

2009-02-20T08:35:00.000-08:00

I am in the new Matt Wichlacz short film [AONO] premiering this March 2009. I enjoyed the production and I was happy to get cast in a speaking role, and such an interesting film.

My First Impressions of AONO

2009-02-08T06:59:00.000-08:00

Last year I performed a supporting role in the Matt Wichlacz short film Aono. When I previewed the rough cut at Ma Fischer's in Milwaukee, it was 7:40pm and I was interested to see what this movie might look like. I had my doubts, after all the director was still in highschool during production, he had very little film experience, and had just purchased the video equipment for the film. The filming was as professional as a film with a $2000 budget could be,including some catering; french fries and coffee. Well when I started watching the film I was impressed with the look and feel-the entire project is in black and white, a fitting color for a Milaukee short. I don't want to give anything away, so I'll just say, stay tuned for the movie premier which is set for sometime in March. Thanks to everyone who was involved,it's great to be part of a project that exhibits the importance of characters and story over stale drama and action sequences.

A look back at 2008

2009-01-18T03:00:00.000-08:00

I started out last year with what would be my ONLY live performance. I appeared for close to 40 minutes as the featured performer at Poet's Monday. Poet's Monday for the uninitiated isn't just for poets, it's for all manner of vocal performers from story tellers, and improvisers to poets and singers. The show starts out with an open stage and ends with the feature performer. The show is often followed by a live music performance. Entrance to Poet's Monday is $3.

My performance went as intended, and I succeeded in entertaining and enlightened the crowd. I don't remember a single thing I did during the show, and the only record is from the memories of people in the audience. I regret only one thing about 2008, and that is that this was my only live performance. I am going to spend more time this year performing on stage, instead of only in film.

I traveled to Poland, my home-land, and stayed there for 7 months. I attended classes at the well-regarded Academy of Fine Arts in Warsaw, and when the semester was finished I instructed students in the English language for over 100 hours as a native speaker. I returned for a semester at MIAD, and during that semester managed to appear in 4 short film projects, two of which are still in production.

I was glad to have participated in a number of video projects in 2008.I played a villain in Ashley Donaldson's untitled film, a young soldier in Johnathan J Bells drama about pre-war Wisconsin , an office employee in the 48-hour film festival submission "Magic Pen", a man attacked by an alien (cut from this role:voice over talent used instead)in Nathan Behmlander and Erik Holman's film Star Monger, and a philosopher/time traveler in Matt Wichlatz film Aono (set to premier in Spring 2008.

2008 was easily my most productive year in terms of acting work. It followed 2007's first appearance in a serious film "Autumn Lost", produced by a team from UW-Milwaukee. After the experience with the UW crew I decided to dive into local film, and began getting accepted for roles. I was to appear in a film for Meghan O'Connell but was recast do to schedule conflicts she ran into.

Looking ahead at 2009, I am glad to have been asked by Nathan Behmlander to voice one of his characters for his thesis animation, by Don Ford to star in my own internet series "5 minutes with [Rich]," an offer by Joe Shakula to appear in a short film project, and an invitation by Brian Janick to perform live in his "Twilight Zone" sketch series. I am happy that everything is falling into place this year. I hope you'll be one of the select few who appear at Poet's Monday, cause you never know when I'll stop by. Thanks to all of my collaborators, fans, and fellow-actors for a pleasant 2008.

Getting Shot with Arrows

2008-11-23T16:08:00.001-08:00

I recently participated in a film for the National 48 hour film festival with one of the 5 teams from the 2008 regional 48 hour film festival in July. The film is called "Magic Pen" and I ended up getting a non-speaking role. When you watch the clip, you might notice that I am in the bottom of the screen (the office employee in grey reading a book) after some time I can be seen running from a bunch of arrows, and finally I appear as the man getting pumelled by dull arrows, and dying on the tabletop. This is the second scene where I die on a tabletop; the first one being for the internet sitcom "the Grabowskis". I had a great time filming, and hope that everyone enjoyed themselves.

My Comics

2008-11-02T00:39:00.001-07:00

I have decided to experiment with single frame comics. I have posted my 4 most recent examples.

My Resume

2008-10-11T08:16:00.000-07:00

Age: 27
Height: 6'
Weight: 153lbs.

Experience

Internet
Cat23.com (2005), Sketch comedy program
Role: George W. Bush

The Grabowskis (2007), Sit-com based in Milwaukee,WI
Role: Steve

Student Films
Banananine (2000), 24 hour film festival
Role: Man rolling down flight of stairs

Scare Me (2005), Mark Borchardt Horror Film currently in production
Role: Extra in Party Scene

Chaos (2007), UW-Milwaukee Collaborative Film Project
Role: B

Theatre
One Act Play Festival (2004), Walker's Point Center for the Arts

Animation
Killer Planet (2005), Milwaukee based 3D Animation currently in production
Role: Mark Klukowski

The Streeters (2004), Cartoon aired as part of locally produced "Making the Grade."
Roles: Cuddles the bear, Rabbi, Nerd at Coffeeshop, French Bear, FBI Agent

Training
Comedy Sports Levels I,II
Improv Olympic Level I

Special Skills
Foreign Languages: Polish
Experienced Moped Rider

1 Year Since Autumn Lost, and Another Film Role

2008-10-11T07:42:00.000-07:00

It has been a year since I posted my blog about being in the UWM/Tate Bunker short film, Autumn Lost. I played a neurotic middle-aged man named Marty. This week I entered my third day of filming for the M.W. film "Aona" due to be released early in 2009. The film includes a cameo by Veteran Wisconsin film-maker Mark Borchardt as a diner patron. The film is being shot on digital HD video, and will be approx. 10 minutes in length. I am having a great time filming and hope that everything goes well.

Open Mic & Showcase Live Broadcasts

2008-10-10T02:48:00.000-07:00

Welcome to our Live Broadcasts page were you will be able to view our upcomming shows from the comfort of your living room, or mobile device.

After 6 year hiatus: Rich Greenfield returning to Poland

2008-03-08T23:19:00.000-08:00

I originally performed in Warsaw Poland in the summer of 2002. The sixth anniversary of this event will be marked by a return performance in the same venue, the Prage Neighborhood center for cultural development (DCPK, dzielnicowy centrum promocji kultury). The exact date is still being negotiated. The performance will be digitally recorded and posted in it's entirety on this blog. My performance will be a delicate blend of English, Polish, and gibberish.
-Rich

I just got Booked.

2008-01-03T07:59:00.000-08:00

I have been invited by Tim Kloss of Poet's Monday at Linneman's Riverwest Inn for a 5th feature performance. The show is scheduled for February 4th and starts at 9pm. Program highlights include, several new characters, differant storylines, and increased audience interaction. If you haven't seen my live performances before they are best described as a blend of Stand-Up Comedy, Improv, Theatre, and Film. The best reason to attend is the extremely low $3.00 cover charge. I am excited about this show, I haven't performed my "brand" of comedy for almost an entire year.
-Rich

The Joys and Strains of Being an Actor

2007-10-30T11:09:00.000-07:00

This last weekend (October 27-28 2007) I was one of three actors cast for a collaborative film project that's part of an upper level class offered at UW-Milwaukee. We filmed on location in Kewaskum, WI. The trip up took about 45 minutes and when I arrived, I was emotionally blank. If you haven't been to Kewaskum, it's quite a simple place. The neighborhood were we were consisted of widely dispersed homes, a BP gas station that was connected to Woody's On The Run, and a Ace True Value.

The motel where the majority of shooting took place was a red deal with "1 floor of quality." The name of the motel is the Bonne Bell (pronounced Bon-ee-Bell). The name says it all, the place was perfect for the film, and a disaster for a vacation. I don't stay in many motels, in fact the last temporary residence I had was at the Hilton in Minneapolis.

The shooting was standard taking about 12 hours each day, with lunch breaks in between shooting sections. The crew was, in my limited experience, quite large. There was a sound guy, a boom operator, a camera assistant, a camera man, a director, a continuity person, and countless writers.

My first film experience was a lot of hard work, waiting in line, and freezing my ass off. I am glad I was able to participate in the production of a real film, not some cheesy video production.

Fired From 1000 Channels

2007-10-19T13:59:00.001-07:00

I auditioned and was cast for the Racine,WI based improv troupe 1000 Channels. When I wasn't able to make it on time for my first rehersal I was promptly fired (via email). At least I won't have to drive my moped 25 miles twice a week anymore.

UWM Film

2007-10-19T13:40:00.000-07:00

I have recently been cast in a collaborative film project for UW-Milwaukee's Film Department. The film, as yet untitled, will feature three characters and will be filmed on location in Kewaskum, WI. The film will be shot on 16mm color film and the film will be featured in UW-Milwaukee's film festival in December. Shooting is from October 27-28 and will probably take all day long.

This is my first "real" movie role. I was an extra in Mark Borchardt's Movie Scare Me. A rumor (unconfirmed) exists that my scene was removed from the final cut of the film, which is yet to be released.

In 2000 I appeared as a man falling down the stairs in a film for the 24 film project hosted by UW-Milwaukee. I originally attended UW-Milwaukee as a film major, but dropped out due to personal reasons.