#1. How did you end up playing JT
in Home Run?
That is a question that makes me
smile to answer. I was actually coming home to Tulsa (where I grew up) to help
my Mom. And it happened to be the same week they were doing final
readings/callbacks for Home Run. So I was
in the right place at the right time because I was there for what I like
to believe was the right reason!
Before I left Los Angeles I had
been referred to Carol Matthews (the producer) through my good friend in
Tulsa, Jim Edwards. Jim sent Carol an email on my behalf and thankfully Carol
knew of me and I think some of my work. Casting had said originally they wanted
someone a bit older than me, but they said they would let me read for the
role of JT. Sure glad they did and sure glad David Boyd liked my choices
for presenting JT.
#2. Sum up Home Run in
your own words.
With the backdrop of baseball, a
story of hope and overcoming obstacles.
#3. What was your favorite part of
working on the set for Home Run?
The fact that it was on location in
Tulsa and I could see family and friends. And even have my nephew play a small
role (as JT's son!).
#4. Tell us about your character,
JT.
JT is a counselor for Celebrate
Recovery. And he has been through recovery of alcoholism himself. And he sees
the potential in Cory to overcome the struggles he is going through.
#5. You've been in everything from Ocean's
Eleven to Lincoln. What advice would you give someone just starting to
act?
Tenacity. Success happens fast for
some people, but for most, it's a roller coaster ride. Enjoy the great moments.
I’ve had many: working with people who were my heroes growing up and helping to
tell stories I'm proud to be a part of telling. And in the tougher times when work
is scarce, try to stay thick skinned and not take things too personally.
#6. What would you say to someone
like Cory Brand in real life?
I hope I would say about the same
as in the movie. Especially at his nadir or any low point. I think often
less is more.
#7. What's next for you?
I have a film that I did in Puerto
Rico called Welcome to the Jungle, a
comedy that is premiering this weekend at the Newport Beach Film Festival. I
hope it will be released theatrically this summer, but not sure. Has a lot of
great comedy actors and also Jean Claude Van Damme doing a comedic role. It was
directed by Rob Meltzer who also directed me in a short film I did awhile back
with John Stamos.
I also shot a couple of
comedic commercials, one for Fed-Ex ("Arnold Palmer or Mark
Steffenhagen"), and ING ("built in sauce rack") that are
currently running. And am hoping to make another film of my own in the not too
distant future. I've directed and/or produced a few short films and independent
features.
Labels: 7 Questions, Actors, Film, Home Run, Interview
