How did you get into acting and at what point did you decide to go full force into this avenue?
I started acting back in 1993 when I was living in my hometown of Montreal, Canada. I had just dropped out of University, as I was dealing with some mental health issues at the time. Once I rose out of the ashes from that, I decided to pursue a long time dream of mine. Acting. I had heard of an acting school called the Actor’s Studio Montreal and applied. When I got accepted and took my first class I was hooked. I studied there for 3 years and subsequently I started to do small plays and student films whenever I could. By 1996 I got my first agent and booked my first union job. In 1997 I decided to move to Toronto to pursue acting full time, and I have never looked back.
What can you tell us about MALICIOUS?
Malicious is a film written by John Fallon and Kevin Interdonato. Two very talented writer/ actor/ director/ producers. Back in 2017 Kevin came to me with the script and asked if I would be interested in playing the role of William McCabe, as well as help him and John produce the film. I jumped at the opportunity as it was an amazing challenge for me both as an actor and a producer. I didn’t know John at the time, and later found out we both grew up not too far form each other in Montreal, Canada. It took moving to L.A to meet him. Haha. He is now one of my closest friends. Malicious is a contained home invasion thriller, packed with lots of twists and turns, and some incredibly punishing violence. Especially against my character. It has a surprise ending that will delight any thriller lover. Malicious is available on Prime Video in North America and the UK.
When did you begin to think that producing was something you wanted to do?
I started to produce very early on actually. I began to realize that if I wanted to work consistently and play more roles that interested me, I would have to create the work myself. It’s fine to audition as well, but most of what is available isn’t easy to book, and frankly most people get stereotyped, so it becomes less fulfilling. I produced my first play back in 1996 in Montreal, and I have been doing it ever since.
What attracted you to THE WIDE WEST? Was it the opportunity to make a Western?
The first thing that attracted me to Wide West was to work with my good friend Alexander Nevsky. We had been wanting to work on something together for a while. He came to me with a brilliant idea based on a true story, about a delegation from Japan that first introduced Sumo wrestling to the West back in 1907. I have always wanted to do a Western since I was a boy, so this was a golden opportunity for me. Growing up watching Clint Eastwood and Gary Cooper, it was something I had on my bucket list to do. Also, who wouldn’t want to work with 2 Sumo world champions, and Mr. Universe!!
Are there things you’ve done with your character Judge Ogburn that you feel like you’ve never done before?
This is the first time I really studied another actor’s portrayal of a role to help shape my character. When I read the script he reminded me of Gary Cooper in High Noon, so I asked the costume designer to find a similar wardrobe. It was fun to try to harness a bit of a true Hollywood movie star from a bygone era.
In addition to Alexander Nevsky, there are other big men in THE WIDE WEST cast: Sumo champions Ichi and Hiroki Sumi. What was it like working with them?
It was quite an experience working with so many large guys! I definitely felt like a little kid next to them sometimes. They were all so gracious and fun to work with. There was a language barrier with Ichi and Hiroki Sumi, but we managed to find ways to communicate, either through an interpreter or with some creative sign language. It was often in the high 90’s and low 100’s shooting on location, and they never complained once. I was so impressed with how well they moved. Truly an impressive group of co-stars.
Have you ever been in Japan?
I have never been to Japan, but it has been a long time dream of mine. I flew over Japan once when I was flying to China, but that doesn’t count. Haha. I love their culture, people, and especially their food, so I definitely look forward to traveling there later this year to premiere The Wide West.
What are your favourite martial arts movies?
Enter the Dragon and Bloodsport. Also anything Jackie Chan has done. I never get tired of watching him. The mix of comedy and action makes it so incredibly entertaining to watch.
Have you studied any martial arts yourself?
I have not studied martial arts per se, but I used to kick box back in Canada when I was younger, so I have experience with fighting.
Is there a piece of music that moves you, no matter how many times you hear it?
Adagio for Strings by Samuel Barber. The first time I heard it was in Oliver Stone’s Platoon. Every time I hear it, it really gets me.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?
What people think about you is none of your business. Also nobody owes you anything. Not sure if that’s advice, but they’ve always stuck with me, and really served me well.
Were there certain filmmakers whose visual style you particularly admired?
There are so many that I love. Francis Ford Coppola, Stanley Kubrick, Terry Gilliam, Tim Burton, Brian De Palma, Akira Kurosawa, Guillermo del Toro, David Lynch just to name a few. Ridley Scott has always amazed me with how he shoots his movies. I always feel transported, even before I know what the story is about.
Up next you’re working on action thriller SAVAGE ATTACK. Please tell us more about this project?
Savage Attack is a movie that Alexander and I have been wanting to make for a while now. A contained action thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat with non-stop action. I can’t say too much yet, but it takes place in an asylum, and centres around a special ops commander, played by Alexander. He is given the seemingly impossible task of rescuing his longtime friend and mentor, played by myself. Adrian Paul and Eric Roberts, Olivier Gruner, as well as a few other great action stars will round out our cast.
Finally a question we ask all our guests if you stuck on a desert island and can only take 3 films (it can be any genre) what do you take ?
Shawshank Redemption (script is absolutely brilliant), The Cannonball Run (Burt Reynolds was one of my idols growing up) and Crash (so beautifully crafted)
Thanks to Nick Baillie for taking time to talk to us and Alex Nevsky for the introduction.
