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I had the opportunity to sit down with the talented Micah Cole Pittman – join us as we explore his acting journey through his most recent role in This Time of Year, a short film presented by Blushroom and written and directed by Adante Watts.
What inspired you to pursue acting, and how did you get started in the industry?
Acting and performing have always been an interest of mine, even when I didn’t realize that’s what the desire was at first. It really took form when one of my friends needed an extra and took me to set. He had the leading role, and I remember being so jealous of him. From there, I started taking classes and working on my craft as an actor.
Can you tell us about the film and what attracted you to this particular role?
Set against the backdrop of New York City in December, This Time of Year follows two strangers, Noah and Jordan, who meet through a holiday companion app and spend an evening wandering the city together. What begins as a simple attempt to stave off seasonal loneliness gradually unfolds into something more meaningful, built through shared humor, quiet vulnerability, and the courage to open up when it feels hardest. My friend, who is the director and writer of the project, actually wrote this with me in mind, so this character felt very close to me lol.
How did you prepare for your role and were there any challenges you faced while portraying your character?
Preparing for roles is always super fun for me. I start by studying the script and learning every moment and beat that comes with the acting. Then I get in contact with the writer or director, if possible, to go over motives and what they have in mind for my character. A little tool I use to help me with lines is a voice recorder, specifically one with actual buttons rather than a touch screen. I record the other characters’ lines and use that to rehearse if no one else is available to help me. I honestly didn’t have any challenges with this character. I only had trouble with one line that didn’t even make the final cut, so it was smooth sailing.
I know you mentioned being friends with the director. How was your experience working with people you know and the rest of the cast? Can you share any memorable moments from the set?
Working with my friend Adante Watts as the director and writer is so refreshing because I know he’s giving me honest feedback about what he wants from me as the actor. I can trust his vision and give him what he needs for the film. It’s also more comfortable to get into character because I have known him and worked with him in the past. Adante, Nic (the other lead actor), and I had so much fun on set. One super memorable moment was when Adante had a vision for one of the shots mid-shoot that required another actress. We were in New York, so we figured we could just ask anyone and would most likely run into a fellow actor. Luckily, we found a stranger to act out a scene with me, and she killed it.
What themes do you think the film explores, and what do you hope audiences take away from this film?
This film is definitely rom-com coded. It’s a holiday film about a gay man and a straight man going on a date, so themes of romance, friendship, and shared trauma are definitely present. I hope the audience can just sit back and enjoy a cute little film about the holidays.
How has working on this film impacted you personally, and what has been the most rewarding part?
Working on this film has strengthened my confidence in portraying love interests. I feel like sometimes I get in my head about whether I’m doing well or not, but this film turned out really well, and I am proud of myself for it. The most rewarding thing so far has been getting representation. As most actors know, that is a very big and crucial step in anyone’s acting career.
What advice would you give to aspiring actors looking to break into the industry?
The biggest advice I can give is to keep trusting in yourself. You are an actor. Your next role or your big role is right around the corner. Keep putting in the work, and you will be seen for the amazing actor that you are..
Blushroom Presents: This Time of Year | A Gay Short Film
WATCH This Time of Year
The original song "This Time of Year" streaming on all platforms:
Written & Directed by Adante Watts
Director of Photography: Kyle Schade
Edited by Rainn Mowris & Adante Watts
Executive Producers: Keelan Bearden & Valeriia Luhovska
Producers: Xio Longhi and Tristan Green
Starring:
Micah Cole Pittman, Nicholas Di Prima, Anna Marie Medley, Max Rappy, Emily Schwartz, Hailey Ryann Carter, Andie Ellett, Josh Rosenzweig, Jackson Riddle, Collin Hendley, Jojo Minasi
