Not many people interview you when you are a Boat Captain. Especially if you're only a 2nd Captain like I was. My Dad, being the most prominent and popular half day Skipper in Mission Bay - dare I say San Diego? - for years did a few interviews, most involving whales and other kid friendly marine mammals. But every once in a while he got to talk about Tuna or Yellowtail or some of the various other mysterious creatures of the deep. He handled them well, though he always seemed a little nervous, he came across as a guy who knew what he was talking about.
For most people getting to give a news interview is an exciting thing. It has been for me as well. I've done a few. One on TV for a play I did back home. It was fun. Like my old man, I was plenty nervous. But the morning TV personality who was grilling me was kind, experienced, and knew exactly how to handle a noob. He asked me specific questions he knew I could answer and practically held my hand through the whole deal. I also did one for the SOA blog which was fine, but more nerve assaulting due to the shows engaged and massive audience. A telephone interview with rockmymonkey.com followed after which, while long, was extremely pleasant due to the fact it was so long and the host and I spoke of numerous topics. Iphones to ACDC, you name it. Today went differently.
Today I did a conference call with a pool of different bloggers and critics for FX and well... myself. I face a conundrum in regards to publicity. The fact is, exposure is good for my career. In both the public and casting offices, the more people know me the more work I'll get and the better chance I'll have of making a go of this whole showbiz thing. The flip side is I'm not very good at being interviewed yet and I'm way more lovable and cuddly when visible. Over the phone, I find my voice boring and dull. So I try to find other ways to be interesting. I do homework. I listen and watch other interviews, go to websites that follow SOA and see what they're talking about. I went into today's call thinking we would talk about last night's episode, fan reactions to it, and maybe we would talk about the season a little. Didn't happen. They asked a few vague, unspecific questions in regards to how the show has changed me both personally and professionally. Changes to my whole life? Well, I make more money, but for only 5 months, which I was doing when I ran summer Tuna fishing trips. I've got an amazing job, but again, a part time one. Everything else is the same. Oh, and alot of people follow me on twitter (thanks for that).
So I was a tad disappointed in the questions. Any clown -Mr. Sutter uses a different word- can write a blog (does this sentence make this make me ironic or a hypocrite?) So, after my entire 6 minutes of being on the phone I finished and wondered what the whole thing had accomplished. I am willing to do pretty much anything for this show. KS and Co. have given me the chance of a lifetime and I really can't ever do enough to repay them, but I was bummed it didn't go so well.
Then... I check Twitter and see this question, and while it was similar to those discussed in the call, it was much more specific and easy to answer than those previously asked. So, without further ado, interview, Take 2. (That rhymes!)
from @cherokeeaw: @chrisreed619 how has playing a biker changed ur personal life do u find ur self acting like a biker in public more confidence???????
Such a good question, even if the grammar ain't all there. Hey, it's Twitter. It's so good, even I want to know my answer. So here goes. Since you've read up to this point, here is the thought provoking, maybe only interesting to me answer I've wanted to give all day...
To answer the first part, sir, no.
I do not act like a biker in public. (Some would say a I really don't on the show either, but they're fucking idiots), I act like an easy going, respectful, somewhat dorky dude who wears flip flops- almost exclusively these days to annoy Theo Rossi. Now, has the role given me more confidence? Absolutely.
We work on a set that is full of swagger, so me having however little strut that I have is almost a necessity. It also has carried over to my personal life. I take less shit from people than I used to. If you're rude or disrespectful to me or anyone around me, I'm more likely to speak up. I used to resent the person and go about my business. Now I usually am glad to let the offender know what a douche they are.
It also helps in auditions for other stuff. I am now confident I can act at this level and think the work I do in the room will speak for itself. Success spawns success.
Hope that answers your excellent question.
Goodnight.
