Houston actor featured in new DVD release

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Posted: 3/3/08

Horror movie or sci-fi film fans looking for a new DVD to rent may notice a local connection the next time they are perusing places such as Blockbuster or Hollywood Video. Houston resident and actor Lynn Michaels is one of the featured cast members in Witchcraft-13: Blood of the Chosen, the new release from Tripod Films.

In addition to starring in Witchcraft-13: Blood of the Chosen, Michaels recently signed a three-picture deal with Upstart Filmworks to produce, write, and/or act in films for 2008.

Mel House, CEO of Upstart Filmworks and director of Witchcraft-13: Blood of the Chosen, said that having Michaels on a movie set is like having "10 extra hands."

"There is nothing about filming a movie that he [Michaels] doesn't know about," explained House. "He even did stunt driving for me on Witchcraft that blew me away. He knows the business inside and out from A-Z. He is a total asset to any director or producer; I'm glad he's back in the business. 2008 is gonna' open a lot of doors for us."

House continued, "We begin shooting principle photography in May on the feature film Walking Distance, an original screenplay of mine, followed by Pack .44.' A lot of people are going to get a good look at Lynn on Pack! I wrote the part for him; it's hot! Hey, Tarantino did it for Travolta and most of his actors over the years-it's just good business. A good director and writer always knows his players first (the short list). Hollywood has been on to that since the start."

According to House, English director Rob Walker loves a script written by Michaels and Molly Vernon about the true crime, I-45 serial killer (s) "Trashman."

"It is sensational-ripped from the daily headlines- as well as an unsolved and ongoing case, very Zodiac," said Walker.

Over the decades, Walker has directed actors such as Eric Roberts (coming soon in the latest Batman -The Dark Knight installment co-starring the late Heath Ledger), Famke Janssen (of James Bond and ˆ fame), Eddie Izzard and John Hanna, just to name a few.

A long-standing member of the Screen Actors Guild himself, Michaels moved to Hollywood at the age of 17 to fulfill his dream of becoming an actor. In less than three months, he was working in television, with credits that include roles in shows such as "T.J. Hooker," "Tales of the Gold Monkey," "Knight Rider," "The Love Boat," "Fantasy Island," and "Falcon Crest" and "CHiPS." In addition to those appearances, Michaels was also a familiar face in many commercials of the day, appearing in spots for Exxon, Minute-Lube and ESPN-most notably those promoting the Marvin Hagler, Sugar Ray Leonard and Thomas Hearns fights.

"I worked with all the top TV stars of the day, made a ton of money and met some wonderful people, some that I still keep in touch with," Michaels said.

In 2005, after a 14-year absence from show business, Michaels decided to re-engage the film world and (after hiring all local cast and crew from Houston and Austin) produced, wrote and acted in 401-KO, a short film submitted to prestigious film festivals including Sundance, Tribeca, Toronto, WorldFest -Houston and Dusk Til Dawn Film Fest (where it won the coveted "Independent Spirit Award" second only to the Best Film honor). 401-KO is available for purchase online at www.indieflix.com. The film may also be viewed at the Web site http://www.dtdfilmfest.com/winners_2005.htm

Now firmly back in the movie business, Michaels has committed to several other film projects for 2008 in addition to his Upstart Filmworks deal. Recently, he was hired to provide additional written material for the upcoming Hot Scramble for Paul Ben-Victor, best known is his role as Spiros Vondas on HBO's The Wire and for recurring roles on Entourage.

When not immersed in his current Hollywood projects, Michaels can be found pursuing another love -hair styling. Known to many as the owner of the upscale Lynn Michaels Salon River Oaks, it should be no surprise that even Michaels' hair-styling career has Hollywood roots.

"I had a terrible car accident," Michaels explained. "It took about a year to recover, so I began studying hair coloring and cutting with legendary hair guru Sam Brocato. I found it fascinating. Working on women, helping them to feel and look beautiful is magical so I decided to open a salon in L.A. rather than return to acting, although I still did some theatre and a few television spots. But, my heart really wasn't in it-the salon was my new love. But I was still involved in both worlds since my actor pals really got my salon business started by coming in and referring their friends and agents."

During the next decade, Michaels began doing national and international hair shows as a platform stylist for clients such as Rusk, Sebastian International, Farouk Systems and Brocato USA. Michaels was also was the contributing fashion editor for ''Ambience" magazine, prior to receiving contracts to do hair and make-up for photo shoots for Guess! Jeans, Jimmy'Z, and Oak Tree. Michaels' work has been featured in national magazines such as "L'Uomo," "Celebrity Hairstyle Guide" (featuring Halle Berry, Nicole Kidman, Martina McBride, Sandra Bullock, etc.) and "Celebrity Shortcuts 101" featuring the elite of Hollywood's "A-List."

Recently, Michaels decided to open a new Kingwood satellite location. The opening of the Lynn Michaels Salon in Kingwood is tentatively set for mid-April.

For more details, visit www.lynnmichaels.net .