We’ve all heard it, right? The saying that “You never truly know someone until you walk a mile in their shoes.” Well, I’m here to tell you that anyone stepping inside my shoes is in for a world of hurt! I inflict torture on my feet from four-inch high-stilettoes and knee-high boots to the seemingly innocent banded sketchers that squeeze my feet like a vice. I guess I don’t try them on long enough before I buy. Or maybe I forgot how long it took me to brake in the last pair.
Life inflicts wear and tear not only on your feet but on your character. It makes you who you are. My question to you is: How willing are you to slip inside someone else’s joy and torture for a while? How long are you willing to stay there and stick it out until you have a good handle on their character?
So let’s talk about that. Let’s discuss getting deep into character, and let’s do it with Utah’s own Tod Huntington, an up-and-coming actor about to take Hollywood by storm.
My friends, please welcome Tod Huntington.
So Tod, How long have you been acting and what inspired you to pursue your dream?
I've been acting since I was a kid really. It's human nature and a part of the growth process to play pretend. I just never grew out of it. But, professionally, 8-9 years.
I pursued it because I couldn't stop thinking about it. I felt and still feel that I have something to offer. It's a way to serve my fellow man. I've always felt that there's a distinct power in storytelling. There's an opportunity to make people think. I look at it as a responsibility.
What sort of techniques do you use to get into character?
The script tells me a lot about who the guy is. I look at that, what he says, but more importantly what he means. Subtext is more important than text. I identify with it. I use facets of my own life to fill the character out. Human beings experience the basics of every human emotion by age 5. So, I see how the characters situation would effect me, and guage that against what the character would do. I try to give every character his own soul.
Do you ever feel that some part of that character sticks with you after the cameras shut off?
Yes. I think most women I've dated would tell you the same.
How long does it take you to establish good character effectively?
There's really not an answer for that. Good and effectively fall under the opinion category. I leave that for critics. But, I know when it works and when it doesn't. At least for me. There's no set amount of time. Some things are easier to connect with than others. I know that my best work are the ones I really don't want to do because they're too close to home.
I understand you’ve auditioned in for some pretty influential directors. What is that like?
It's strange. The first time I had to work with someone famous (Salma Hayek) I bought a biography on her so I could make her normal in my head. I get more nervous in front of the layman than I do in front of someone that knows my industry.
Have you ever felt that you’ve gotten a character wrong?
Not wrong exactly. I've looked back on some of my work and said "I could've done this". I think that's normal. And part of the learning process. If I ever look at a role and say "It doesn't get better than that" I should probably quit.
Tell us about the future, Tod. What sort of projects are you working on?
Playing it by ear. If a project wants me in September I say "Yeah, ok." because I don't see September as a reality. I live day to day, moment to moment. I talk to a lot of people, I audition quite a bit. If I like the script and the funding doesn't fall through, I do it. Since I've moved to L.A. I've had a couple that went through. It's only been six months so we'll see what the future holds. I've always had the philosophy that if you take care of being the best actor you can be, the rest will fall into place. I still believe that. I'm diligent about being my best. Then I just put it in front of anyone I can.
I have a few projects from previous years that are about to be released. We'll see if that has an impact.
Thank you so much for letting me interview you, Tod! And for those of you who would like to catch a glympse of Tod's work--and let's be honest, who wouldn't? you can check out the following links below!
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1389879/
http://vimeo.com/todhuntington
Life inflicts wear and tear not only on your feet but on your character. It makes you who you are. My question to you is: How willing are you to slip inside someone else’s joy and torture for a while? How long are you willing to stay there and stick it out until you have a good handle on their character?
So let’s talk about that. Let’s discuss getting deep into character, and let’s do it with Utah’s own Tod Huntington, an up-and-coming actor about to take Hollywood by storm.
My friends, please welcome Tod Huntington.
So Tod, How long have you been acting and what inspired you to pursue your dream?
I've been acting since I was a kid really. It's human nature and a part of the growth process to play pretend. I just never grew out of it. But, professionally, 8-9 years.
I pursued it because I couldn't stop thinking about it. I felt and still feel that I have something to offer. It's a way to serve my fellow man. I've always felt that there's a distinct power in storytelling. There's an opportunity to make people think. I look at it as a responsibility.
What sort of techniques do you use to get into character?
The script tells me a lot about who the guy is. I look at that, what he says, but more importantly what he means. Subtext is more important than text. I identify with it. I use facets of my own life to fill the character out. Human beings experience the basics of every human emotion by age 5. So, I see how the characters situation would effect me, and guage that against what the character would do. I try to give every character his own soul.
Do you ever feel that some part of that character sticks with you after the cameras shut off?
Yes. I think most women I've dated would tell you the same.
How long does it take you to establish good character effectively?
There's really not an answer for that. Good and effectively fall under the opinion category. I leave that for critics. But, I know when it works and when it doesn't. At least for me. There's no set amount of time. Some things are easier to connect with than others. I know that my best work are the ones I really don't want to do because they're too close to home.
I understand you’ve auditioned in for some pretty influential directors. What is that like?
It's strange. The first time I had to work with someone famous (Salma Hayek) I bought a biography on her so I could make her normal in my head. I get more nervous in front of the layman than I do in front of someone that knows my industry.
Have you ever felt that you’ve gotten a character wrong?
Not wrong exactly. I've looked back on some of my work and said "I could've done this". I think that's normal. And part of the learning process. If I ever look at a role and say "It doesn't get better than that" I should probably quit.
Tell us about the future, Tod. What sort of projects are you working on?
Playing it by ear. If a project wants me in September I say "Yeah, ok." because I don't see September as a reality. I live day to day, moment to moment. I talk to a lot of people, I audition quite a bit. If I like the script and the funding doesn't fall through, I do it. Since I've moved to L.A. I've had a couple that went through. It's only been six months so we'll see what the future holds. I've always had the philosophy that if you take care of being the best actor you can be, the rest will fall into place. I still believe that. I'm diligent about being my best. Then I just put it in front of anyone I can.
I have a few projects from previous years that are about to be released. We'll see if that has an impact.
Thank you so much for letting me interview you, Tod! And for those of you who would like to catch a glympse of Tod's work--and let's be honest, who wouldn't? you can check out the following links below!
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1389879/
http://vimeo.com/todhuntington
4 comments:
Loved this unique approach, Krissee. Thanks Tod for giving us a tangible idea on how to get inside our characters. As always, great blog!
Another great post! Missed you.
character is the first thing I look at. Nice to have an actors take.
Good thoughts.
What a great interview and a disgusting bit of photo shop--not you, Tod.
Today I shall try on shoes and see how it goes.
Thanks!
Thanks, Ladies for your comments! I'm glad you enjoyed it!
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