Roger Adam Smith
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Interview With Roger Adam Smith By Chris 14/7/07
Roger Adam Smith is a sydney based actor who I found me on myspace.
Liked what I read and saw and thought publicity was needed for him.
So read on and casting,directing people use him in your film.
1. What made you want to be an actor?
When I was younger I had a cleft palate and so I went to all these speech therapy classes and most of it was spent acting, running around the room having a ball! Then later in life I got into it accidentally and rediscovered the joys of it.
2. Who were your idols growing up?
James Dean, who I used as inspiration when I was given my first acting job. An indigenous actor I saw in Melbourne in the early 70’s (unfortunately I don’t remember who it was!) showed me that you only had to believe in who you were and you were that person or animal. Marlon Brando, Tennessee Williams. Marilyn Monroe.
3. Do you plan to make the move to America for your acting career?
No I have no intention of doing that at this stage. I hope I can make it all happen here. I am in it for the sheer joy and love of it.
4. What has been your favorite role to play to date?
I played the major role of Methuselah in Last Of The Knucklemen. It was an extremely exciting and fulfilling role. There was a great cast and an awe-inspiring Director, James Winter who led me to great heights. Of all the directors I have worked with, he is the one I want to work with the most again.
5. What do you think of the state of Australian film industry and what needs to be done?
Well, I see an incredible amount of films made, which obviously is mainly because of such advanced technology. I feel the industry is in better shape than a lot of people think it is. One thing we definitely need to get out of the habit of is that a lot of first time Directors and producers think they can hire actors on so-called deferred payments, and mostly end up never paying them at all. If they don’t have the money, they should get more! It is showing huge disrespect for the actors.
6. What are some of your favorite movies?
Seven Samurai, Being John Malkovich, The Eternal Sunshine of The Spotless Mind, Run Lola Run, The Pianist…
7. What movies you have seen lately you have really enjoyed?
Apocalypto, Music and Lyrics, Fracture…
8. Who have you enjoyed working with?
A lot of people. Directors: James Winter, Jane E. Seymour. Actors: Christine Greenough, Lynda Lemmon, Alice Ansara, Marianne Halpern, Ben Mc Laine, Aaron Scully, David Terry, Andrew Crabbbe, Steve Hayden, Ian Roberts. The list goes on…
9. Have you had any bad experiences as an actor yet?
Oh yes! Not too many fortunately. Some with actors and some with directors. With the director is the worst because they are the ones who are supposed to have the overall vision, but if they fail in this, the play itself suffers greatly and it takes a lot of repair work from the actors.
10. Do you think tools like the IMDB & MySpace are good for your acting career?
Definitely, the net is a wonderful resource. I have had a few approaches from directors since I went on myspace so that is great. I love the net!
11. Have you used the Internet to help with your acting career?
Well, I guess I have answered that question. I use it all the time. So easy to send cvs and headshots and receive scripts!
12. What have you got lined up next?
A Wayne Tunks Double at The Tap Gallery In Darlinghurst, Sydney. I am in a comedy called The Green In Mrs White. You’ll see it advertised on my myspace. It promises to be a ton of fun!
13. What’s in your stereo at the moment?
Desert Hermit, accoustic guitar with a rock and desert landscape feel!
14. What are some of your favorite music artists/bands?
David Sylvian, Phil Keaggy, Robbie Robertson, Allman Brothers Band, Laura Nyro, Paul Kelly, Santana, Pink Floyd…
15. Did you learn a lot from acting school?
Didn’t go to acting school. Learnt on the job. I find that I learn something from just about every acting job I do. Have gone to what they call drop in classes just to keep myself busy and keep the muscles stretched, so to speak
16. Who would you most like to work with?
Cate Blanchett, Geoffrey Rush, Toni Collette, and just about anybody as long as they are pushing me to stretch myself…
Thanks again for your time any last words
Thanks for what you are doing. I really admire people like yourself who go out and create their own thing within the industry. I love what I am doing and I intend to act til I drop!
