Mike Pace. Photo: Duane Tinkey
Writer: Emmett McMenamy
At nearly 80 years old, local television personality Mike Pace has jumped to the big screen. He stars in a new short film called “Outro,” which premiered this spring at the Julien Dubuque International Film Festival. The festival’s jury accepts only about 15% of the entries from around the world.
For Pace, that selection suggests he can do more than host a TV or radio show: He can act.
The setup
Born and raised in Norwalk, Pace stayed in Des Moines for most of his career. He spent more than 40 years on camera for the “Iowa Realty Home Show,” hosted the Iowa Lottery drawings for 23 years, and appeared on countless corporate videos and commercials.
Many Iowans recognize Pace from TV, but fewer have seen him on the big screen. He’s participated in a few 48-Hour Film Festivals, but his work on “Outro” means more to him because he filled it with bits and pieces of his own life story.
He worked with local director Wes Worthing to co-write the script, which is loosely based on Pace’s own life. He plays a radio host named Roger on his last day before retirement. After he signs off for the last time, he starts to feel career regrets. He wonders whether he should continue working or simply hang up his hat.
The action
When Pace was 16, he dreamed of becoming a professional musician, baseball player or writer. But as he grew up, those dreams gave way to more practical realities.
In “Outro,” Roger faces a similar dilemma. He’s had a long and a successful career in radio, but his last day on the job brings a flurry of what-if thoughts. After a conversation with his alter ego, he reconsiders his outlook and realizes that not everyone is meant to be a prodigy or a famous star — and that’s all right.
Not all of Pace’s dreams came true either, but he has no regrets about how his career and family turned out.
The resolution
Pace said he’s 90% retired but might not be done yet. “I’m still vertical,” he said, in his familiar baritone. “I’m able to do some things, so I’m going to dabble.”
He still has other aspirations in film. He’s written a few short stories and would like to direct a short film one day.
For now, he is happy with the success of “Outro,” which will likely make the rounds at other film festivals and was nominated for a few Iowa Motion Picture Awards. “I just had such a great time, honestly,” Pace said. “It was just such a kick.
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