Supporter Spotlight: On-Set with Donald Mowat
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Actors' Fund of Canada: August 2014 Newsletter Actor Jake Gyllenhaal (L) with Makeup Artist Donald Mowat (R) on the set of "Prisoners." Photo: Alcone/Warner Brothers Supporter Spotlight: On-set with Donald Mowat Actors’ Fund Board Member Donald Mowat’s credits are amazingly prolific. If you IMDB Donald, you have to keep scrolling for quite a long time to see all his credits in the Makeup Department. The most recent of which is Makeup Department Head for Sicario starring Emily Blunt. Donald Mowat is an award- winning makeup artist, member of various IATSE Locals across North America and staunch supporter of the Actors’ Fund of Canada. Donald recently sat down with Rebecca Russell, Development and Communications Coordinator for the Actors’ Fund, to talk about his work, his support for the Fund and his thoughts on the entertainment industry as a whole. Actors' Fund of Canada: August 2014 Newsletter Thanks for taking time out of your busy schedule, Donald. First off, why do you support the Actors’ Fund of Canada? I truly believe that, especially in this industry, if you helping someone else you’re helping yourself and the entire community. That’s why I made it my mission, over the past several years as a Board Member of the Actors’ Fund, to try to get the word out there. I think it’s really important that we look after our own. This is often a feast or famine industry and unforeseen circumstances could put any of us, at any time, in the position where we need a helping hand. Many people in this business are unaware that the Actors’ Fund of Canada provides confidential and compassionate emergency funding which is available to all professionals in the entertainment industry. Through my work with the Actors’ Fund, I wanted to create awareness about the gaps which I feel exist in our Canadian social framework, specifically in the areas of dental emergencies, mental health, provincial medical coverage, and workers’ compensation. If this was a perfect industry we wouldn’t need the Fund, but until something changes I feel very strongly that supporting the work of the Actors’ Fund of Canada is vitally important to the health of the entertainment industry as a whole. Makeup Artist Donald Mowat (L) with Emily Blunt star of Canadian Director Denis Villeneuve’s “Sicario.” Photo: Jennifer Bell Actors' Fund of Canada: August 2014 Newsletter Can you tell us about some of your recent projects Donald? What do you find is the most effective strategy in raising awareness and fundraising for the Actors’ Fund on-set? I’ve been fortunate enough to work on some amazing projects in the past year including “Life” with Robert Pattinson as well as “Everything Will Be Fine” with James Franco and Rachel McAdams. I’m currently filming Canadian Director Denis Villeneuve’s “Sicario” with Emily Blunt, Benicio Del Toro and Josh Brolin in New Mexico and prepping for “Bond 24” with Daniel Craig. When I arrive on a film set normally within a few weeks, and over the many long hours spent working together, I will approach cast and crew to speak about the Fund. I hand out pamphlets and I explain that the Actors’ Fund is available to everyone in the entertainment industry, but nothing is more effective than the testimonials. When my colleagues hear the stories of people who have been helped by the Fund and see their faces: that is very effective. It sends a very clear message: that could be me. Imagining yourself in someone else’s shoes is a powerful way to help change minds and encourage positive actions. My goal would be that every single person who is working in film and television in Canada become an Actors’ Fund of Canada donor. A great way to do that is through the REEL Friends program or by making it an annual gift. It’s very simple to support your community: make a donation to the Fund. Actors' Fund of Canada: August 2014 Newsletter Makeup Artist Donald Mowat (L) with Benicio Del Toro on the set of “Sicario.” Photo: Jennifer Bell How has working with the Actors’ Fund impacted your life, Donald? I would say it changed my life! It really gave me a different perspective on things. I didn’t realize the extent of the hardship that injury, illness or other unforeseen circumstances, can bring to people in our industry. I feel like I’ve been able to make a difference, by raising funds and awareness, but we need to keep the education going. We need more people on-set who are able to continue this grassroots fundraising. It has been a profound honour to serve the Fund and our community. I would like to thank all my wonderful colleagues and friends who have contributed to the Actors’ Fund. I challenge everyone reading this, especially my brothers and sisters in IATSE, to get involved with the Actors’ Fund of Canada by becoming a donor, creating awareness, organizing fundraisers and sharing your story if you have been helped by the Fund. Visit www.actorsfund.ca to learn more. Actors' Fund of Canada: August 2014 Newsletter Actor Melissa Leo as character Holly Jones (L) with Makeup Artist Donald Mowat (R) on the set of the film "Prisoners." Photo: Alcone/Warner Brothers Donald Mowat’s term on the Actors’ Fund of Canada’s Board of Directors will end this September. Thanks to Donald for his insight, support, knowledge and enthusiasm which has had such a positive impact on the Actors’ Fund of Canada. For more information on this story or for the full newsletter please contact: Rebecca Russell Development and Communications Coordinator Actors’ Fund of Canada www.actorsfund.ca [email protected] 1.877.399.8392 .