Paul Howard is an actor out of Los AngelesCalifornia who recently appeared in a segment called “Killer Instinct” on Court TV’s “LA Forensics.” Please welcome Paul as he shares with us his acting roles and experiences. His recent film “Stranger in the Doorway" had it's first world premiere last October at the FAIF International Film Festival. Paul, tell us something about the film?
"Stranger in the Doorway" was a film that I worked on in the early part of 2005. It was an 8 day shoot, with a few additional days of voice-over work.
Long hours but very exciting due to my role, the script, and the director's enthusiasm.
The director, Chandra Kilaru, who wrote and directed the film along with helping toproduce the film, which is the norm many times in low budget films. For me the excitement of a project comes from the excitement of the director.
If he has a story to tell or is excited to deliver a message, it has been my experience that not only will that excite everyone else working on the project, but once it is completed, it will look good. Which is very important to an actor.
In regards to my role, this was very exciting to play because my character was so complicated, challenging, and “extreme" in our society. In one scene of the film, I had the opportunity to play 3 versions of the character, all me, and all different characters. To me that's every actor's dream, to have three images of himself on the screen at one time!
And all three a different character! I won't tell you the exact reason why there are three of them but let's just say he has psychological issues!
I find myself always attracted to the outcasts, rebels, strange, unique, and dark characters of the world. I would assume this is due to the fact that there is more to "sink your teeth into."
The characters furthest removed from me or the most challenging.
Also due to the fact that I am always interested in growing and evolving these types are the ones I gravitate towards. I want to become better with each new project and character.
Playing these roles help to ensure me that I will always be pushed and never become type cast.
I see that you also have a lot of talents in different areas besides acting, such as singing, and theatre to name a few.
I definitely consider myself an Entertainer, not just an actor. To me I was always more amazed by artists that did it all. Whether it was acting, singing, dancing, writing, directing, I idolized those that are true all around entertainers.
For that reason (in addition to what I mentioned before about evolving and growing) I have always sought a well rounded education and training.
I have taken all types of dance classes, vocal lessons, sung in choirs, traveled to NY in college for a satellite program, dialect training, taken commercial classes, audition classes, andimprov. classes.
I'd like at least a basic knowledge of all aspects, because that knowledge interests me, but also, I feel that it makes me stronger at any new challenge and continues my journey in growing not just as an actor but as a person. While I love singing and will pursue it in the future, my primary focus is on acting. I feel this will be the initial thing to "break through" with and then I can begin to follow other things like music and singing and directing.
Who or what inspired you to become an actor? I think many factors come into play here. First off, for as long as I can remember I have loved entertaining, telling a story, watching the audience for reactions.
When I was in high school or college, I realized that I can help, inspire, touch and educate others. I believe there are so much more then just entertaining people.
What would you consider to be your favorite film? My favorite film.....hmmm? Let me name a few favorites although is almost impossible for me to pick. Boondock Saints, American History X, Night of the Living Dead (the original), Rudy, Rebel without a Cause, Moulin Rouge, Lady and the Tramp, 28 Days Later, Signs, Singing in the Rain, and Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade would be some of my "top picks."
All amazing movies for different reasons, but all have inspired me personally.
I would like to thank Paul for the wonderful interview and for more information go to:
