On the surface, acting and business administration might not be a common recipe but in Hollywood, it has an SIUC alumnus cooking on both stage and screen.

Tom Wilson, a1983 SIUC business administration graduate, said his degree has helped him open doors in the fast-paced entertainment industry that otherwise may have been closed.

I produce so I can act, Wilson said. It has always been my dream to do film and by being able to produce and act, I can gain experience and exposure.

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Wilson’s Mirage, The Making Of… a film Wilson both produced and played the leading role in will be showcase during the Big Muddy Film Festival from 12-2 p.m. today in the University Museum Auditorium.

An intriguing film with a quizzical edge, Mirage has been lighting up national festivals with good reviews all over the country. The film follows a man (Wilson) in his efforts to finance a filming venture, only to face some uncharacteristic failures.

This film will leave people questioning what they just experienced, Wilson said. The rule the camera plays here poses more questions that it answers.

After completing his degree, Wilson said he moved north to tread Chicago’s waters in the attempt to make it as a bonafide business salesman.

I arrived in Chicago to sell furniture, Wilson said. This was not the course I wanted to take, yet I had to do what I had to do.

Wilson said that once Chicago left him empty, the only choice was to relocate so he could continue to progress in his career aspirations.

Texas was fun, he said. I got involved with a cable free access show that really helped to boost my recognizability there. Austin is where I found that I wanted to continue acting.

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I basically packed my bags and drove to Hollywood to pursue an acting career, he said. I drove for two straight days to make it in time for an acting school audition.

With acting school under his belt, Wilson was able to land parts in Hollywood in stage and screen productions.

I was in a movie called The Prodigal,’ Wilson said. However, it was not until Mirage’ came about that I was able to hit lead acting.

A career in acting has kept Wilson busy, but he his continuing pursuit in diverse occupations has enabled him to put food on the table.

Right now, I substitute teach for the Burbank, Calif. school district, he said. While some might not consider it the entertainment industry, I find some of the things I have to do for these kids very entertaining.

Wilson’s career looks promising and, as an example for SIUC graduates, he said an SIUC sheepskin has been instrumental in his success.

I miss SIUC, Wilson said. There are quite a few fond memories I associate with the school. I guess what I want people to realize is that you control your own destiny. SIUC is there to help, not hinder, personal achievement.