Most of my time this quarter has been spent in Vancouver working on New Lines third installment of the Final Destination film series. New Line signed me to star in the latest installment of their popular horror series, "Cheating Death: Final Destination 3. I began work in Vancouver on March 17th. It has been amazing to show up each day, or night as the case may be, since I was on night shoots through May 2nd. The set is amazing. There are so many different forms of medium used in the film to create the special effects and stunts. I'm learning something new everyday.
James Wong, who directed the first film, is back in the director's chair and he is so great to work with. He is also one of the producers on the project and wrote the script with Glen Morgan. The film is scheduled for a 2006 release.
The story takes place six years after the events of the first movie and centers around a high school senior who has a dream about a fatal crash involving her friends. When parts of the dream start to come true, the survivors are forced to deal with the fear of cheating their own death. My co-star Mary Elizabeth Winstead and I play classmates who become unlikely allies in a race to save our own lives. It promises to keep you on the edge of your seats. This one has some great twists. With what they can do with CGI and other forms of modern technology, it should be pretty amazing to watch. Be sure to stay tuned for all the news on when it will be released in theatres. It's set for a 2006 release.
Mary has been great to work with. She and her boyfriend Chris have become great friends with Micol and me. We all celebrated my birthday together. I'm having a great time getting in a little golf and hanging out with the producers and other cast members.
ANOTHER YEAR OLDER
I spent another birthday on a film set. For the eighth year in a row now, I've been lucky enough to be a working actor on my birthday, so you won't hear any complaints from me. I turned 22 on April 10th and got to celebrate with all my new friends on the set of FD3.
My family threw a surprise party for me during a quick break I had when I was home for Easter weekend. It was especially great since I had already been away from home for three months, and was getting ready to be gone again for at least two more. It was sort of a Welcome Home, Happy Birthday and Adios all rolled into one celebration. Traveling and work is great, but coming home is still the best. (BIRTHDAY PIC HERE)
Thanks to all the fans that sent me electronic birthday cards and greetings via the website. I had a chance to take a look at them and it made my day. You guys are the best!
YES, THAT'S MY GIRL
Yes ya'll…she's brainy and beautiful. I saw on the message board where someone had dug up a little scoop on Micol. For the record, she actually has three names, Micol Amanda Elizabeth, and yes it is her listed on the honor roll for her impressive 4.0 grade average. Get this, she cooks too. What more can a guy ask for. She's perfect!
So, all you girls out there…let Micol be an example to you of how much you can accomplish. Set your goals high and never underestimate your ability to be beautiful and intelligent young women with the ability to take on the world and do anything you set your mind to. Here is a little extra scoop…Micol danced competitively most of her life, was on the Oklahoman State University pom squad for two years and is a Pi Beta Phi.
YOUNG HOLLYWOOD AWARD HONOR
On Sunday, May 1st, Micol and I flew from Vancouver to LA to attend Movieline's Hollywood Life 7th Annual Young Hollywood Awards. I was honored to receive this years' "One to Watch" award. It was presented to me by Dennis Quaid, which made it extra special. 
As fans, you may remember that he took a chance on me about 7 years ago and cast me opposite him in the first film he ever directed, Everything That Rises. It was my first lead feature role and we had some great times go carting, fly fishing and shooting off fireworks in the mountains of Montana together. We also made a really great film that I am proud to have been a part of. Check out www.wireimage.com and search for my name for some of the photo moments from the red carpet, me getting my award and some behind the stage shots with Dennis.
APRIL CONTEST WINNERS
I'm pleased to announce that the winners from the April contest are:
B. Santschi (Switzerland) - Signed DVD box set of Rings film and short film.
C. Graham (California) - Signed framed print of Ring Two poster.
Congrats to the winners. We will be getting the four shot cards out to the other contest entries later this month. Thanks again for your support of the MSRTDRP.
MAY CONTEST NEWS
Same deal, new prizes. Send in your entry with your name and address on a card and a $5 donation to benefit the MSRTDRP. Mail it to the Noble Media address. Mark the envelope…"May Contest Entry". Two lucky winners will be selected to win one of the following prizes:
A personally signed Spin Poster
A personally signed Spin DVD
Send your contribution to:
Ryan Merriman / MSRT
c/o Noble Media Group, Inc.
53 Sunrise Creek Road
Superior, MT 59872
Or, send PayPal donations to donations@noblemediagroup.com
TUNE IN TO WATCH
Here is a special FYI. Spin will air on the Hallmark Channel. Be sure to tune in to the Hallmark Channel on Sunday, May 22 (check local listing for time) to catch this great film. Based on a novel by Donald Everett Axinn, Spin is a story of life and loss; courage and conviction and the will to be a family born of wings.
NOTABLE QUOTE: "Courage is greater than fear…Let your dreams soar
UNTIL NEXT TIME…"ROCK STEADY"