Dear Listener, from what Wayne tells me from talking with the lovely folks at the Irish Blog Awards many people who listen to 'Letter to America' don't believe it's true. They think we make stuff up - surely things can't happen as described. We didn't really get into a fight at George Best's funeral did we? I didn't really get chased by Tilda Swinton's security team at the Narnia premiere, record a show in a Lift, make a Sex Call as Santa, host an entire podcast with my future self and I haven't really been married three times.
Well to give you an example of the kind of life I lead here at 'Letter to America' I present the above photo. That is not a picture taken of me when I was younger.
During the Awards ceremony I received a phone call from someone calling from overseas. I could barely hear what he was saying what with the Awards Raffle going on and the general good-spirited hullabaloo. All I could make out were 'brother' and 'coming to visit'.
Now, Dear Listener, I don't know anything about my family history. Raised as an only child I understand that my great-grandfather on my mother's side was a Buddhist Priest in Kyoto Japan - I know nothing about my father's side. On my birth certificate a false name is given for my father - in my early 20's I found out his real name, tracked him down and had lunch. End of story. Never saw him again.
And now, Dear Listener, at the Irish Blog Awards no less, I get at a call from Raphael, the 26 year-old, film-making brother I've never met. When Wayne dropped me at the flat at the end of our road trip I found the above emailed photo in my mailbox.
Just an example, in case any was needed, that on 'Letter to America' I live my life like a novel so you don't have to.
Oh and since he's coming to visit I'll put him on the show.
mention me on your show you bugger!
dave (from The Patrol set)
Posted by: dave shortland | March 13, 2006 at 06:16 PM
What would you like me to say?
P.S. When's your doc of the making of the film comin' out?
Posted by: Jett Loe | March 13, 2006 at 06:18 PM
whenever the dvd comes out i guess...
ive still got NINE HOURS of footage to sit through. :-|
You seen the flick? it's fantastic!
Posted by: dave shortland | March 13, 2006 at 06:23 PM
Heyyyyyyyy, he's hot! Any chance of a date?
Posted by: Karen | March 13, 2006 at 06:42 PM
Yeah I know - he's a younger, better looking version of me! The bastard!
I have no idea what his 'status' is - I talked to him on the phone today and he said he didn't really want to talk about himself till we met on his trip over. All I know is that he's a film-maker.
But you know Karen we here at 'Letter to America' are all about the love - and in fact it is one of the stated goals of the show to hook people so if you are looking for someone, let me know and we'll harness the power of the show to sort ya out!
Posted by: Jett Loe | March 13, 2006 at 06:46 PM
Dave - yeah I've seen the rough cut and it looks great - whatcha think of my acting?
Posted by: Jett Loe | March 13, 2006 at 06:47 PM
Your best acting is in that amazing 10 minute segment the leprechaun and i shot with you guys on the last day. you seen that? it's a treat!
Posted by: dave shortland | March 13, 2006 at 06:59 PM
I have not seen that though I've heard it's great and should be included as an Extra on the DVD. Email me buddy and we'll hook up - maybe I'll put a copy of it here on the site if it's OK with the Director and the NIFTC.
Posted by: Jett Loe | March 13, 2006 at 07:02 PM
Beezer. Good idea man.
Wot's your e-mail address? I'm sure I'll pester you to act for me some time.
Posted by: dave shortland | March 13, 2006 at 07:12 PM
What the f----???!!!
Posted by: Phil | March 13, 2006 at 08:03 PM
Dave: [email protected]
Phil: Yeah I know - it's amazing.
Posted by: Jett Loe | March 14, 2006 at 12:48 AM
You know, Jett, it's hardly surprising that people question the authenticity of LTA. I was there when you got the call at the awards and, even after seeing this, I still can't believe it. When is he coming over?
Posted by: Wayne Ordinary American | March 14, 2006 at 04:15 AM
Dude, you were there when I got the call - yet when you saw the photo you STILL questioned it - thought it was Photoshop or something.
If Wayne doesn't believe the show how can we expect anyone else to?
He's coming in August.
P.S. Wayne - confirmed you know who for interview this evening!
Posted by: Jett Loe | March 14, 2006 at 04:20 AM
Really? You got "you know who"? That's FANTASTIC!!!
(Who's "you know who"?)
Posted by: Wayne Ordinary American | March 14, 2006 at 06:14 AM