I grew up in Maryland, just outside of Washington, DC, and was all about football. One year in high school, after a knee injury, i had to take a class other than gym due to the injury. I took an acting class figuring it was a joke. That was the year i found myself not only on stage for the first time, but also the first time i co wrote a show. It was a big hit and i was hooked on artistry from then on. I had a lot to learn, but i knew i had found something that truly made sense to me, and made me excited to do.
Darryl Dillard was the D.C Policeman in Along Came a Spider
Did you study what you do
When i first started, i knew nothing about true artistry. I went to college and studied acting, and directing. There is where i really learned what goes into both, and the work that goes into it. I was fortunate to study with the likes of Yuri Belov in college, which was a very tough and valuable time of learning in my development. I spent time in New York taking workshops and learning the business of acting. Filmmaking didn’t come until recently. While studying at The Anthony Gilardi Acting Studio in Hollywood, i developed an eye for storytelling and began to look at telling my own stories…stories that weren’t getting told in Hollywood at all. I have been very fortunate to be in the company of several very good writers and get knowledge from them. I also was very fortunate to meet Cathy Reinking, a top casting director in Hollywood. We had several conversations about what was happening in Hollywood, and that led to us collaborating on The Real Man project. It’s been a learning process from step one. You must know that even when you don’t know the next step, take a step forward and learn along the way. That’s the secret they don’t tell you. MOST people are moving forward and learning as they go. You must learn all you can and study the industry and your craft before you can do anything however.
What is your filmmaking process
My acting process is a combination of several techniques. Early on i studied Stanislavsky in college, and that was where i started. That is also where i studied Uta Hagen and her techniques. Currently, i have a process that incorporates the best of those along with Meisner and Chekhov. My acting coach( and yes, you should have a coach throughout your career to keep you sharp and ready) Anthony Gilardi has helped to get me to new level as far as my performance goes by incorporating the best of those techniques and adding a few of his own. After studying all techniques, he has put together a great combination that has proven very effective.
Do you take courses to improve your craft
Yes of course. You can’t be an actor and not constantly work on you craft. Besides Anthony Gilardi, I take workshops with casting directors, I also am in a weekly gathering of writers, directors, actors, and DPs. We get together and help each other with whatever project they are working on by giving input and different perspectives. Its been very informative and educational.
How did you get into the film business
Well….my very first professional gig was in college. I had a friend that worked at the local tv station, and was in charge of local commercials. She called me when she needed someone at the end of a spot. She had seen me in a couple plays at school (Fences, Taming of the Shrew, 3 by Horowitz) and asked me to help her. I did. the commercial ended up going to several different markets due to its success for the company. It fell just short of going national. That was a big confidence builder.
How do you turn an idea into a screenplay
For me, it started with several conversations. I am a very visual person, meaning i see things in my head and verbally get them out and then go back and listen to my notes and write them down. I also like having a writing partner to bounce ideas and concepts off of. Once the idea is there, then its a matter of getting it down on paper. Then, there is a lengthy process of rewrites to get it down to what you really want it to be. Then getting it to the length you need it to be( feature, short, show).
Explain your writing process
I am very visual. I also like having a partner when i write. Once the idea is on paper, i have my partner read it to me. I close my eyes and listen, and watch it in my mind. This is how i see the holes in the story or the world we are creating. Then we fix and fill the holes and start the reading again. When i can’t see any holes, and they can’t either, we look at the realism of it. Does this make sense? Would the character think like this or do that? You really need to know the topic, and the facts of the world you create. The real deal is out there and you need them to look at it and say, yes, that’s how it really is.
What writing tip or idea can you give young writers
Write. Write everything down. Whenever you get an idea, don’t judge it. Don’t say,” that’s stupid” or “no one cares about that”. I think a lot of people, me included, have had some really good ideas and talked themselves out of it. Also, don’t try to come up with the million dollar idea. Write what you know. Your experiences are unique to you, but may resonate with a lot of people.
Write for yourself. Don’t try to write to impress someone or to make money. Writing, like acting or any artistry, is something you must really feel you have to do because it is your calling. If you just kinda want to try it …cool. Then go get a job doing something else. This is a tough field and you will have days that the only thing keeping you going is the absolute NECESSITY of doing your calling…your love of it.
Tell us about the directing work you have done
My first experience of directing came in college as well. I decided to take a directing class, and got to work with actors to get a scene up for class. I used non actors for my scene(i never do anything the easy way). After that success, I created a show for elementary schools and directed it as well. It was a great experience, and taught me all the things you have to think about as a director. With film, sometimes you have more people to help with that, but it was invaluable to have to see every aspect of the production and keep all of it in mind while directing. I have focused on my acting, but am getting back into directing now. I have recently been directing shooting short scenes for actors(for reels and self tape auditions)
What do you want to change about the film business
Accessibility and opportunity. I don’t feel there are enough people that “make it” in this business that remain accessible to up and comers. I think that helping others tell their stories, and sharing experiences to help people is an important part of success.
What do you want to be remembered for
I would like to be remembered for touching and changing lives for the better thru my art.
What do you want from an actor during production
I want an actor to be present in the moment. Not so locked in to what they practiced to take direction. I want them to be real and natural, following impulses in the moment.
How do you prefer to work with a producer during production
I prefer to work collaboratively with them. I want a say, and then trust that we are on the same page.
What do you think Aa director can do to get into the film industry
Who is your favourite director
Spike Lee
Why
Spike told stories that weren’t being told at the time, and he did them in unconventional ways. Low budget stuff well before the internet, and still got it out and seen. He talked about things no one before ever dare put on film.
What advice would you give young directors around the world
Know the world you are creating so well that every little detail is accounted for. And respect the real thing enough to do research and make it as real as possible.
Briefly describe your career
My career started in Maryland. First big thing was doing re-enactment on America’s Most Wanted (after first one, they had be back several times). Then booked a part in Along Came a Spider with Morgan Freeman and Monica Potter (very nice both). After moving to Los Angeles, and getting settled, I booked a role on Private Practice. After some health issues, I am currently shooting a short film called Then I’ll Rest (written by Tony Ramierez), also am casting assoc. for feature film shooting in Atlanta this summer. My project is in preproduction (The Real Man) and it is currently in the film festival circuit as a short.
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