Interview with Erik McKay

Hi, I am Erik McKay. My first experience as an actor was in a short film, where I got the chance to play a thug. Yeah, not your ordinary thug, I guess. I wore this oversized, maybe a XXL yellow pullover sweater vest, and some baggy jeans. I thought it was cool back then, but to the girl I was seeing at the time, she found it hilarious. “Thugs don’t wear that!!” In the scene, this Asian actor, who was also the Writer and Director, was some type of vigilante coming back for revenge. Me and the other 4 bad guys are standing around in the low lit, greasy garage. He comes walking in wearing a black trench coat, like he was Neo from the Matrix, before the Matrix. Me and the homies start to pick up wrenches, pipes and stuff. Then he pulls out not one, but two automatic glocks. Now, mind you, I’ve never been that close to a gun in my life (yeah, right). I could not have been prepared for how loud this was going to be, especially multiple blank shots. We start walking and running towards him. He fires unexpectedly, POW POW POW POW POW POW! When I heard those shots go off, as I was to play dead on this greasy garage floor in the dark, laying in my yellow sweater vest, the Assistant Director yells out “CUT!” Everyone else got up. I was the only guy still on the ground. They all rushed over to me to see if I was ok. Asked me what was wrong. I replied “First, I hurt my back throwing my self down to the ground. Second, I wanted to commit to the scene. Third and final, THAT WAS LOUD AS ALL HELL!” This is when I realized I wanted to learn more about being an actor, the tools I could have used in a scene such as that, being a feature actor when I was younger. To achieve a certain level of success in the work, where commitment is key.

@Multi_EthnicMgt #thefatherslovemovieonNETFLIX pic.twitter.com/yGyro8pO9E

— Erik McKay (@iamerikmckay) September 24, 2015

Did you study acting
My first study started when I was in Public School 85 in the Bronx. When I was in the 5th grade, I played the father to the guy that the history books claim found America. Sitting on my throne, telling my classmate named Alex, who played Columbus, and he was African American himself. Check out the diversity casting back then. I would tell him to “GO SAIL THE SEAS, AND FIND THE NEW LAND!” in my made up deep voice, being the king, that I am. I mean I took the play seriously. I didn’t want Alex to be better than me, I only had two scenes. People remembered me, calling me the kid with the deep voice. Yes, I was kind of a scene stealer. Then, there were talent shows also. I think I was really competing with my sister, who is only a year older than me. She was the real singer in the family, which I dare not do that again. I played instruments from piano to the xylophone, and actually read and wrote sheet music, which most kids don’t do today. During my adolescent years, I still didn’t settle on what I wanted to do. I was a kid, so I figured you do everything you can. I even played Pop Warner football and Semi Pro for a year.

During my young adult years, a friend who I used to model with, had told me he was taking acting classes at this studio in lower Manhattan. During that time, I didn’t take it seriously because I was the guy who always looked for something new. Been there, done that. I was too busy listening to house music and becoming a DJ. I eventually took his offer to check out the studio. Took a class or three and would never return. It wasn’t until after (Yellow Sweater Vest Story) years that I revisited this studio. I’d learnt that Al Pacino, Whoopi Goldberg, Morgan Freeman, Billy Crystal and Robert De Niro have passed through these doors of HB Studio, which is 98% stage training, the best training, living in the moment. Upon my revisit, I studied under Carol Rosenfeld and Edward Morehouse. These two individuals, definitely with some others who helped me arrive, but these two, I owe my profession to. They broke me down, and built me back up. The things I thought I knew from past experiences were history, the things I thought I just learnt, didn’t even exist. They both gave me the joys and appreciation of NOW! I am grateful for these two instructors

What acting technique do you use
I never hold and release to one technique. The scene, the setting, the text, the directions, and the other actors, all these different variables help me decide on how I would move forward with the role and what technique I would use. In addition, you find new moments you probably never would have found the first time. So those techniques can change for me. They come from training, experiences with other actors, and working the text, the written words from the writer.

What wrong impressions do actors hold about acting
If you are in this for the fame, if you are in this for the money, if you are in this because you want to show your friends and if you are in this because you don’t have anything else going, then you are in the wrong business! Maybe you should pursue reality TV, just like an Opera singer goes to school to learn music, pitch, and control, practicing in a studio to sing those notes and put those operatic techniques to work. The same process an actor needs to put into place and it’s on-going, to keep the instrument ready for auditions, readings, and the actual work. You should go and live your life, you can experience the moments in your own life to bring to the character, from heartbreak to falling in love. Not saying, if you are working on being a drug-user, you need to be on drugs (there is a method for that), but just live your life in general. One can’t expect to book every job, or think every role is for them, it’s impossible. The work, the part that is meant for you will come, and you would feel it. Hollywood is NOT only in Los Angeles anymore. The work is available in your own neighbourhoods. There is someone interested in making a film, a television show, web content having a script and/or a camera. You just need to seek each other out. Plan on how you want to get your idea across, so that people in Hollywood from HULU to Netflix would hear about you. At most times, production companies will seek you out because of word of mouth and film festivals. At most times, that will not happen. You have to be willing to take the RISK. Without risk, there is no success! But once that idea has lived its life, move on to the next one. Know this, acting techniques do not come from being on a reality TV show. They come from training, experiences with other trained actors, and working the text, the written words from the writer. Did I just take a shot? Yes, I did. Consider me the NEW SAMUEL L. JACKSON!

Do you take courses to improve your craft
We all know it costs money to continue to practice and hone in on your craft. There are times where I feel like I am slacking, feeling uninspired or just needing a boost. I watch interviews online by other well known actors. I gather with a group of other actors, to work on random scenes on and off camera. I attend and participate in stage readings. I attend workshops giving by instructors like Tracey Moore of The Spirited Actor, Margie Haber, Black Nexxus with Susan Batson, Roz Coleman of Red Wall Productions. One particular instructor I can THANK for my level of preparation and success is Marishka Phillips of the Marishka Phillips Theatrical Preparatory in New York City.

What acting books do you read

Uta Hagen:Respect for acting and A Challenge for the Actor.
Arthur Bartow: Training of the American Actor
Susan Batson: Truth
Margie Haber: How To Get The Part Without Falling Apart

Most important, I read autobiographies and biographies of my favourite actors from the past and present. From Paul Robeson to Marlon Brando to Denzel Washington.

How do you keep fit as an actor
I pray for my own solitude, I pray for favor, I pray for peace, I pray for my past, present and I pray for my new journey. I participate in other things non-industry related. One’s life CAN NOT be focused just on the industry 24/7. You need to live your life, surround yourself with your family and friends. Enjoy events that are far from the industry. If you let it consume you, trust me you will not get over the guilt of life passing you by. These are times you can’t get back. The industry, those auditions, those projects will always be there. You have to just always be ready when the time comes and presents itself. So mentally, just relax and be patient. If you are well trained, you will do and have done the work required to be ready that you will never have to get ready. Here is something I’ve learned, that I use to do a lot: DON’T BE HARD ON YOURSELF!

Physically, I work out in the gym, just to keep in shape. I don’t look at it as me getting ready for the camera. You might need to be 25 pounds heavier or lighter on the next project. So all that fit stuff you be doing would go to waste. Also, if you don’ t get the gig, it just wasn’t for you. I am an outdoor type of man. I hit street fairs, concerts and I love food, so I engage myself in those areas and live. I do plan on running some marathons during the coming year, which is one of my personal goals; to be the best me I can be.

When you’re offered a role, what do you do next
When I am offered a role, I like to know it’s “paying!” Naw, but yes. I start to do my homework on the character after I get a chance to read the script. I am not into knowing the outcome, that is not my focus, that’s for the Director. I work from moment to moment. What are my character’s needs, wants, flaws and what am I trying to achieve in each scene and overall? Breaking down a script is paramount.

How do you take a character in a script to a honest, believable and breathing person
If there is anything I can relate to when developing my character, I work on that. If the character is an asshole, I am an asshole. If the character is loving and caring, then I am loving and caring. If I am a loving and caring asshole, then I am just a sarcastic truth-telling motherf–ker!

How do you stay fresh on set
It’s all depends on the setting, the story, the actors as I mentioned before using techniques. It’s just all depends on the work. If you need to stay locked in character, because you choose to do that, then be that. If not, continue hanging out at craft-services and eat away. You will be too tired to eat once you’re wrapped for the day.

Describe a memorable character you played
Reece in “THE FATHER’S LOVE” (2013). This is the guy that every woman loves and every woman loves to hate. Definitely, someone I think every man was. Don’t want to tell anymore than that. You can catch that one on NETFLIX, iTUNES, or AMAZON.

Explain one creative choice you took on set
I wouldn’t say I took a creative choice on set. Usually, in my experience, if there is no power struggle on set, and the Writer/Director is not as tight with sharing ideas, I would share my thoughts or input to make the scene work. It could be script issues, budget issues that shorten the scene, character or actor issues that don’t work in the scene. But there have been times I shared my thoughts and gave my advice which was used. I will not name those projects, but they got awards, which I can say I am glad I had input on. I think a couple of people owe me a check!

What do you want most from a director
Freedom and a Director that can speak actors’ language is always a plus. Directors who were or are still actors. There’s been times the Director would communicate with their Assistant Director, which we understand the chain of command. But if you can’t get your point across directly to your cast, it won’t happen via your Assistant Director. LOST IN TRANSLATION. Talk to your cast directly. It saves time, error and money.

What actors do you long to work with
Where do I start? Forest Whitaker.

Why
He is the MOST dynamic actor that I watch and actually learn from. I see this man on the screen and my attention is just 150% in this man’s work! Even before his Oscar winning performance in “Last King of Scotland”. The depth of his soul is in the work. I had the privilege of meeting him at a Screen Actors Guild Foundation Q&A, after his movie screening of “LEE DANIELS’ THE BUTLER”. I asked the first question that night, “When will you do Broadway?” and I told him that I would be the first in line whenever he does. Everyone in the audience was in total agreement. Now, wishes do happen! He will debut in the Eugene O’Neill classic “Hughie” on Broadway in Spring of 2016. I won’t get to work with him just yet, but I get the chance to admire his work on stage and live. Good enough for me!

What advice would you give to actors
Whatever your beliefs are, make sure you are in alignment with your spirit. In this business you must have patience and you must be persistent. You need to work on your actor, like working out at the gym. Keep your actor in shape. Discover new moments. Work on characters you love to play. Read about other actors’ journeys. Work with other actors that would want to grow. Don’t jump to every audition just because you hear about them. Keep the faith that the project you’ve been honing in on your craft for will appear. You have a story to tell which you don’t see on the screen or read in a script. Why don’t you tell it, create it yourself? Also, you just can’t be an actor. You need to wear more than one hat. A Writer, a Director, a Producer or/and a Casting Director. There are other facets to this business that might interest you so don’t limit yourself just to be in front of the camera. The MORE you know about the business, the better a professional it will make you.

Briefly write about your career
I was born and raised in the Bronx, where I tried everything from acting to singing to football, and my spirit brought me back to acting. I have worked on projects such as “The Situation” (feature), directed by Jonathan Tucker, ‘Best Feature’ and ‘Audience Choice’ awards at the 2006 Martha Vineyard African-American Film Festival. Short film “Thicker Than Water” directed by Anissa Folley won 7 out of 11 festival awards (2011). 2014 sold-out screenings across the country for “The Father’s Love” directed by Sharon Kon, which is currently distributed on NETFLIX, iTunes, Amazon.com, and Target.com.

I’ve done television work for “Sex and The City”, “All My Children”, “As The World Turns”, “One Life To Live”, “Law and Order”, “The Americans”. I love playing dramatic roles. I also love playing comedic roles. You can view my comedic work in Tony Clomax’s “12 Steps To Recovery” (webseries – episode 18 & 19) and Damian Bailey’s “The Big Wes”.

I have had commercial success with Cartoon Network, Seamless Web, Dairy Queen, Quiznos, New York Times, ComCast, Cablevision, WalMart, Ageless Male, Burlington Coat Factory, Raymour & Flanigan, Chuck E. Cheese, MSG Varsity, Bartenura, Santero, KMart, Meadowlands Raceway, Brother P-Touch, ESPN Promo with Samuel L. Jackson. My stage work includes “A Soldiers’ Play”, “Exonerated”, “Tambourines to Glory”, “Pendemonium” and “Minotaur”.

My motto is “Negotiating Your Goals…Like Deciding To Live or Die”. Make a decision and stick with it!“