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Your new movie Tribes
- in a few words, what is it about, and what can you tell us about your
character in it?
Tribes is about three young men of different races that enter a subway to rob the
train, but none of them want to rob their own race. My character Kevin
wants to do good but can never seem to get things right. He is
always a step behind it seems.
What did you draw upon to bring your
character to life, and how much Jake Hunter can we find in Kevin? This
character is definitely not me, but I really enjoyed playing Kevin. I
tried to connect to a certain part of myself though that really wants to
do something with my life, and have to take big risks in order accomplish
it. I created a whole backstory for Kevin, including what his upbringing
was like, and the circumstances that lead him to this point. Since
Tribes is all about
self-identity, I just have to ask, what do you (or would you like to)
identify as?
I
want to identify as someone who doesn't like what everyone else does.
How did you get involved with the project
in the first place, and how did you end up on the production side of
things as well? I made
a deal with Adam Waheed to help him with TV/film and he would help me with
social media. So this short film was part of how I would help him. I
then went to Nino Aldi, who is one of my favorite directors, and
he sent me a few scripts. We read Andy Marlatt's, and we knew we had something
special [Nino Aldi and
Andy Marlatt interview - click here]. So I ended up on the production side immediately as I put
this together. What were the main challenges of
bringing Tribes
to the screen from a producer's point of view? The
main challenges were to get the subway location, which we ended up
building on a sound stage in North Hollywood. The other challenge was
locking in the financing, but we took care of both and made sure the
project came to life. To what extent could you actually
identify with both the movie's message and brand of humour? I
could identify with the movie because I like to make projects
that say something, and to do it through comedy is the best way I think.
This film had a real message that was told in a clever way and wasn't just
shoved down people's throats. Do
talk about working with Tribes'
director Nino Aldi for a bit! Nino
and I have worked together for years. We started on a short called Face
Off a few years ago. I really enjoy working with Nino. He's extremely
hardworking and knows how to work with me as an actor to get the best
performance. What can you tell us about
the shoot as such, and the on-set atmosphere?
I
was in character the entire time during the shoot. I wasn't talking to a ton
to people, and wanted to be in the mindset the we were robbing this
subway. So I remember feeling pretty stressed, and anxious.
Any future
projects you'd like to share? I
recently acted in a film called The Comeback Trail starring Robert De Niro,
Tommy Lee Jones, and Morgan Freeman that comes out later this year. I'm
currently co-executive producing the film King Lear starring Al Pacino, as
well as acting and producing on a new show called Harmony and Gold, created
by Julie Pacino. I also have a Bella Thorne music video coming out soon
that I played Bella's boyfriend and produced. From what you know, you
came to acting via professional baseball and modelling - so what can you
tell us about these aspects of your career, and how did they prepare you
for the acting world?
I
developed a strong work ethic from baseball that's helped me
tremendously in acting. The most important thing I've done so far in
my career is every day continue to move closer to my goals. Things haven't
been perfect, but I've always kept going forward, and the results have
started to come.
What made you switch to acting,
and did you receive any formal training on the subject?
I
did study at a bunch of schools including Strasberg, Leslie Kahn, and Doug
Warhit. I think it's important to work on the craft and be ready when your opportunities arise.
You
just have to talk about your Amazon Prime series Class Act
for a bit, and how did that one come about? I
had already worked with Amazon on another project and wanted to do a
project that I spearheaded as well as tell a story I was passionate about.
Class Act was my story when I arrived in LA. I went to work first writing
the whole first season. Then we got green lit and I was able to star and
produce the show. I'm grateful to have worked with Amazon on it! Other film
and TV work prior to Tribes
you'd like to share?
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Prior
to Tribes, I won an Emmy working on a show called
The Bay, I starred in a
Killer's music video called The Man, and worked on some cool
indie films.
Actors (and indeed actresses) who inspire you?
James
Dean and Audrey Hepburn.
Your favourite movies?
East
of Eden, Joker, Some Like it
Hot.
... and of course, films you really deplore?
I don't
want to hate on anyone's art!
Your website, Facebook, whatever else?
@Jakehunterofficial - Instagram
Officialjakehunter - Facebook
Jakelhunter - Twitter
jakelhunter.com - website
Anything else you're dying to mention and I have merely forgotten to
ask?
Stayed
tuned for more updates on Tribes
and my other projects coming up!
Thanks for the interview!
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amazon.co.uk
amazon.de
eThaiCD.com
