Monday, August 9, 2010

Interview with Bay Area actor - Richard Fredrick



Contractor’s Routine is a movie thriller movie filled with drama, suspense, murder, and mayhem. It’s an independent film that was shot in San Francisco, California. If you are interested in these types of movie, you are in for a treat. The movie will keep you guessing and on your toes.In the movie, Richard Fredrick plays in the role of Esau in the movie. Richard is a Bay Area Actor. He did an interview with us and very helpful in answering a few questions for us.

Q : Where did you grow up? How long have you been in the San Francisco Bay Area?

A: I was born and raised in Louisiana. Right in the heart of Cajun country. I moved to the Bay Area in 1999.

Q: Did you always know you wanted to work in the film industry? What types of jobs did you have before you went into acting?

A: I started my professional life in the retail industry. I had dabbled with acting in high school and then a little in college, but I didn’t think that would be my career. I remember thinking that I was going to be a lawyer at one point. After working in the “real world” for several years I decided to get involved in some theatre. I did a couple of shows and knew that I had to pursue this as a career.

Q:Was Contractor’s Routine your first major project? What other work have you done in film?

A: Contractor’s Routine was my first major film project. I have done a fair amount of commercial work, and way back when I had a small role in a direct to Cinemax movie called Enemy Gold. It was one of those T&A movies that was all about the skin and the stunts. It starred Eric Estrata (sp?). I have worked primarily in the theatre for the past 10 years. Working in some major regional theatres (TheatreWorks in Palo Alto, Ford’s Theatre in DC, and the now defunct American Musical Theatre of San Jose).

Q: What or whom would you say inspires you most?


A: I find that I get inspired by good work. When I see something that moves me, and changes my perspective on things, it makes me want to be better and do more in my own work.


Q: Who are your favorite actors?


A: I have always liked Robert Duvall, Peter Sellers, among many others. I infatuated with Zach Galifianakis right now.


Q: What are some things you enjoy doing aside from the film realm? Do you have any 
peculiar interests?


A: I am a huge shoe hooka. Carryover from my retail days. I have about 60 pair of shoes.


Q: What is it that drew you to your role? What about Contractor’s Routine makes it different from other films?


A: Esau is a big kid. He has such an open heart and he wants to see Jacob do good. It is nice to get a character that focuses on the better parts of the soul. It keeps you guessing.


Q: What was most challenging about playing your role in the film?


A: Maintaining the through line in the midst of all the “role” changes.


Q: How do you relate to your character?


A: I like to think of myself as a person who pursues good. I don’t always achieve that goal, but I try.


Q: What are some messages or lessons you would hope viewers could take away after seeing Contractor’s Routine?


A: Look outside of yourself to see the world. Sometimes we create a distorted “reality” within our minds, and then that taints how we interact in society. Sometimes we need to listen to other people. Get to know someone else. It will help you see the world in a new light.


Q: Did you encounter any unexpected problems during the filming and production of Contractor’s Routine?


A: My overall (the costume I wore during most of the filming) was ready to walk by itself by the end of the shoot. That, and walking in those enormous shoes.


Q: What advice do you have for actors like yourself, especially young people struggling to get into the film industry?


A: Start small. Do it on a small scale first. Make sure you love the actual work, not all the perceived benefits of being an actor. Also, make sure you are not just interested in getting attention. So many young people decide they want to be an actor because of what they perceive as the life of an actor. If you don’t like to actual details of acting (research, score the text, finding your through line, etc) then it can be a miserable life. But if you do like all the aspects of the craft, and you can’t help but go for it, then you will eventually be successful. Also, get training!!!


Q: What’s next for you? Do you have any other projects you’re currently working on?


A: Doing “Light in the Piazza” at TheatreWorks starting in August.

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