I recently got the chance to talk to Matt Thompson about his role in Robert Picardo’s new film, ‘Sensored’. Here, Matt talks about what it was like working with the cast and crew and about how he got into acting in the first place…
Hey Matt. Thanks for taking the time out to talk to me. ‘Sensored’ is in selected UK cinemas right now. I must admit, I’m quite shocked that this film has taken so long to make it to the UK….
What’s the general plotline of the film?
Overall, I believe it is a movie which depicts the inner turmoil of a mentally deranged individual in an illustrative and disturbing way.
Tell us a bit about your character in the movie…
My character, Marcus, represents innocence and naivety. He essentially tags along for the ride which isn’t favorable for him especially in this kind of movie. I kind of felt like a sacrificial lamb of sorts when I was in character which was… slightly disturbing.
How did you get involved in the project in the first place?
I knew the Haskin’s (producers) beforehand. They asked me to narrate the table read before the movie went into production. When they were holding auditions I was asked to read for Marcus. So there I was in a hotel conference room pretending like I was being tortured, it was a lot of fun!
The film stars Robert Picardo – (who I’m a big fan of, I won’t lie), Sarah Knowlton, Brian Rife and Michelle Page, with Ryan Todd onboard as director – what was it like working with the cast and crew?
The cast and crew were awesome – we had such a talented crew! We were all just really excited to be a part of it! Having Robert or “Bob” as we came to call him was very exciting. I grew up watching him as a kid and suddenly here I was this young actor getting tortured by him in a weird basement. It was a blast!
Let’s talk a bit about you Matt. What made you want to get into acting in the first place?
I had this chance to get up and improvise in front of a youth group as a teen. I had always done talent shows, but never “acted”. From that moment I knew I was going to be doing this for the rest of my life.
You’ve had some great opportunities in your career – who has been your favourite actor to work alongside with so far and who has given you the best advice?
I have been blessed to work with some really great ones! I can’t pick a favorite. Robert was awesome, he just seemed like he genuinely cared about everything that was going on. I’d say the best advice has actually come from producers I’ve worked with. They are the ones who make movies happen.
What advice would you give to anyone wanting to get into the industry?
Never give up. If it’s something you want to do, this is a lifelong commitment. Along the way you’ll meet a lot of people who’ve wanted to do it, but have failed. They will tell you why you can’t do it either. The positive voice in your head has to be louder than them!
What has been the most interesting piece of local / national news you’ve heard in the last month?
When I heard about Amy Winehouse’s death. She was my age. It’s really sad to see these people with such amazing talent throw it away on addictions early in their life and career. My heart goes out to her family in this time.
What does a Matt Thompson day usually consist of?
I always start with a triple espresso, but it’s always about what’s next, doing business and auditioning… I only spend a couple of months out of every year minus commercials on films.
What’s coming up for you in 2011? I’m hearing some great things about ‘Bloodline’ from two past interviewees – Julianne Gabert and Grainger Hines – which you both directed and starred in – we’ll have to get you back when’s it comes out…
This year has been awesome! ‘Bloodline’ was well received at our first screening that filled the opera hall size theatre! I am currently in pre-production on “Split”, which is a crime drama like ‘Blow’ and ‘The Departed’. I am really excited about it as I’m playing the lead in it!
Thanks for the interview!
Matt J. Horn 