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Your new movie Is
This the Bed we Lie In? - in a few words, what is it about, and
what can you tell us about your character in it?
In our film, Is
This the Bed we Lie In? it’s a story about a couple who
seems to be in two very different realities. I play a husband who is
content, but oblivious to this underlying emotional turmoil his wife seems
to be struggling with.
To what
extent could you identify with the situation of your character?
If I’m being completely honest, Robert and I don’t really share much in
common besides me that is and for that I feel blessed.
What
did you draw upon to bring your character to life, and how much Joel
Blanco can we find in Robert? My wife Christina is absolutely my inspiration. She’s my soulmate, and
the thought of me potentially losing her or not being adequate would leave
me devastated and completely shattered. If I was truly in Robert’s
position, I’m not sure I could be as composed and put together. How did you get involved
with the project in the first place? Director Joseph
McGowern
[Joseph McGovern interview - click here] and I have been friends for years. I have always been a fan and a
supporter of him and his work. So, when he asked if I was interested in
portraying Robert, I was thrilled and concerned that I may not be able to
do the role justice.
What can you tell
us about Is
This the Bed we Lie In?'s diretor Joseph McGovern, and what was your collaboration
like? Joe and I are very good friends. Truthfully, I have never met anyone who
wholeheartedly pursues their dream like he has. It was a pleasure working
with him. He truly wants to make a different kind of film. He strays from
what may appeal to the masses in hopes of creating something he feels
would be truly unique and have longevity even after he’s gone. You've worked with Joseph Mc Govern before, just
not as an actor - so what can you tell us about your previous
collaborations and how did the two of you first meet even?
Joe and I worked together at the hospital of the University of
Pennsylvania medicine call center. I was his team lead and continually had
to cover his ass because he was always typing away at some story instead
of answering the damn phone, lol!!! I admired
his tenacity and vigor, he didn’t care about the job, it was just a means
to make a living and it showed. All he really wanted was: To make films,
write poetry and screenplays, and anything else his imagination could come
up with. I don’t know if a part of me just wanted to protect this person
who was fighting against the rat race and following his dream, but if I
could have a hand in his success, I’d be happy knowing I’d helped him get
there and that would be enough for me!
As friends I was always fascinated by film, and working with Joe allowed me
to learn different aspects from behind the camera. Filming scenes with a
camera that’s worth more than my car was pretty scary, lol, doing sound
work was fun but I secretly wanted to try my hand at acting to see if I
could portray a character and make those emotions that are on the page
come to life through my abilities. Hopefully those who see this film feel
that I’ve done so. That would be a reward in itself.
You're
also credited as one of the writers of Is
This the Bed we Lie In? - so what was your contribution to the
script, and what can you tell us about the writing process? Joe and
(co-star) Constance Reshey [Constance
Reshey interview - click here] are amazing to work with and I feel my contribution was
making sure that the film read and felt a way the general audience would
be able to understand. Joe’s vocabulary is extensive and his wordplay can
be complicated due to his capability to work in so many different genres,
that I felt certain lines would have gone over the audience’s heads. I
assisted in “dumbing it down” for lack of better words. Joe wants to touch
those who will get his work, “his people” so to speak, where this being my
first film, I just wanted anyone who took an interest to truly be able to
understand what was being said and focus on Connie and I, and the dynamic
we brought to the characters and film. Do
talk about the shoot as such, and the on-set atmosphere!
Every project that I have worked on with Joe has been a pleasure. The
environment is always easy going, he’s precise and direct to the point
with what he wants. Also, he is kind enough to hear out any suggestion or
constructive criticism that we may have in a scene or within the script
itself, which is what led to me getting a bit of credit as a writer in
this film. All in all, I can say the environment was welcoming and allowed
me as an actor to be free to convey the message how I saw fit! I was truly
happy I could share this experience with my wife, Christina Blanco, as the
on-set photographer – she did an amazing job capturing wonderful on-set
photographs during production! Any
future projects you'd like to share?
I will be working with Joe on his next film Wild Hearts, which I’m very
much looking forward to. In a perfect world I’d love to work on more
films, auditions, the whole nine. Being a husband and father of five (my
greatest role in life), my need to provide has very much put my desire to
work on anything else on the back burner in fears that I
wouldn’t be able to uphold my commitments time-wise to the film crew and
continue to provide through my normal 9-5 job.
What got you into
into the filmworld in the first place, and did you receive any formal
training on the subject? I owe everything film related to
Joe. I enjoy watching films, but when he asked if I wanted to assist him
with one of his shorts I jumped at the opportunity. I never received any
formal training, but I’m the type of individual who when interested in
something I will dive deep into self-learning and self-education. I’ve
also probably spent more time than I care to admit just watching YouTube
and absorbing anything I could from those who are creating films of their
own and sharing tips and tricks.
Prior to Is
This the Bed we Lie In?, you've done quite a number of
behind-the-camera jobs - so what can you tell us about your film career
prior to the movie? I went from being a lover of watching films to, with the help of Joe,
doing a number of behind-the-scenes camera jobs on his numerous
productions. Allowing me to learn as much as I could. I don’t know if I
could call what I did a film career, but I definitely have a passion for
creating, and through Is
This the Bed we Lie In? I found that I have a
real love for trying to bring stories to life. When you hear a positive
review from a complete stranger it helps solidify that I have succeeded in
bringing what I read and performed to life and become something tangible
that everyone might be able to feel. I want the audience to “read the
script” through me. What made you try your hands on
acting with Is
This the Bed we Lie In?, and based on the experience, could you
ever be persuaded to give acting another try?
I think Joe and Connie both felt that I was the Robert they were looking
for. At first, I think I was a bit nervous that I wouldn’t be good enough.
Acting is both liberating and imprisoning at the same time. You have the
freedom to truly become someone else and to convey a story without the
confines of who you are as a person.
The scary thing is, sometimes the project you make may also fill you with
doubt like heavy chains that hold you down mentally. Where questions run
through your head like: Can I truly convey this message, or will they see
me as a fake actor or a wannabe, just some Joe Schmo, trying his hand at
an art that people have dedicated their lives to. Some giving their very
all, putting family and traditional ways of life or hopes at a career on
hold to pursue their silver screen ambitions.
Could I be persuaded to give acting another try? Most definitely if there
is any producer who is willing to work with me! I’d love to try and convey
their story to the best of my capabilities!
How would
you describe yourself as an actor, and some of your techniques to bring
your characters to life?
I’d describe myself as an actor - I think most people are actors in some
sense and don’t even know it. We walk through life trying to convey the
most appropriate and acceptable versions of ourselves, based on society’s
demanding standards. I have lived quite an eventful and sometimes painful
life. I do happen to feel that I am very blessed to have what I have and
through the grace of God, I use my life experiences to pull from in order
to convey whatever feelings I’m attempting to.
Actors (and indeed actresses)
who inspire you?
Oh, there’s a number of actors and actresses who I absolutely love!
Morgan Freeman, Denzel Washington, Samuel L. Jackson, Viola Davis, Will
Smith, Woody Harrelson, Benicio Del Toro, Harrison Ford, Kevin Costner,
Leonardo DiCaprio, J.K Simmons, Robin Williams, Jim Carrey, Joaquin
Phoenix, Sandra Bullock, Helen Mirren, Jake Gyllenhaal, etc. There’s
almost a never-ending list. I’m drawn to actors who seem to have
versatility. I’d love to be considered one, one day! They have the
capacity to play an iconic role whether they are feel-good roles or
extremely serious roles and convey their performances beautifully. They in
my opinion are powerhouse actors. There’s so many more but I’ll keep the
list manageable.
Your favourite movies? I’m complex in
the sense I like a little of everything. I’m a firm believer that there’s
certain times for certain films. If I just want easy watching, I don’t
mind predictable feel-good films like
Hallmark with my wife, Christina.
But I’m always a fan of action, and thrillers that truly make you think
and keep you on the edge of your seat especially mentally. My taste is all
over the place, lol. Remember the Titans, The Pursuit of Happyness,
The Departed, Whiplash, The Book of Eli.
I could probably just continue spewing movies but one thing I did like to
say is sometimes I relish the performance of an actor more so than the
actual movie in its entirety. ...
and of course, films you really deplore?
I’m really a fan of most genres: From musicals to horror, down to
documentaries; however, I have never been a fan of the demonic possession
style movies - The Exorcism of Emily Rose, Poltergeist movies, etc.
Your website,
social media, whatever else?
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At the moment, I do not have any official social media that's
associated with my acting career. After this interview and God willing
this film does as well as we hope, I may have to change that! Anything else you're dying
to mention that I have merely forgotten to ask?
I have decided to embrace other aspects of my creativity
might allow me to gain some type of financial
freedoms which will lead me to continue to try my hand at the beautiful
art and craft of acting.
I’m also very grateful and honored, Michael, you decided to host this
interview and everyone took time to read it, thank you!
Thanks
for the interview!
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