Back To One

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Jesse Eisenberg Jul 16, 2019

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While he might be best known for his Oscar nominated performance as Mark Zuckerberg in "The Social Network," Jesse Eisenberg's preternatural ability for making unique characterization choices has won him roles in wildly original films, both indie and studio, such as "The End of the Tour," "Adventureland," "Holy Rollers," "American Ultra," "Zombieland," and two of my favorites, "The Squid and the Whale" and "The Double." Now he continues that trend with Riley Stearns's "The Art of Self Defense." In this half hour he talks about the effort he put into finding the right tone to play the absurdity in that film, and the very specific thing he does when he's not happy with a take, and why he never watches his films, ever, not once. Plus much more!

Emmy Harrington Jul 09, 2019

Show notes

I first was introduced to the incredible talents of Emmy Harrington on the set of Caveh Zahedi's "The Show About The Show" where she plays "Slut Machine," and witnessed, first hand, her ability to adapt to all types of run-and-gun shooting environments and unorthodox directing styles and deliver a great performance take after take. You can also see her work in shows like "High Maintenance" and "Jessica Jones," and an award winning film she wrote, directed, and stars in—"Two Little Bitches"— is currently making the festival circuit. I sat down with her a couple of days after directing her in a little project of my own, and I ask her to assess that experience, plus she talks about her monthly comedy show "SCORE: Interpreting Epic Cinema Through Comedy and Dance," which is slowly becoming a sensation in the New York improv scene.

David Zayas Jul 02, 2019

Show notes

David Zayas has so many television, film, and theater credits that it's hard to believe he was also a New York City police officer for 15 years. He's played a lot of fictional cops too, so many he's lost count, but he says his career highlight was portraying Angel Batista for 8 seasons on Showtime's hit series "Dexter." Before that he dabbled on the other side of the law, playing Enrique Moralez on the HBO drama "Oz." He was an early member of the LAByrinth Theater company with Paul Calderone, John Ortiz, and Phillip Seymour Hoffman, and is currently the co-artistic director of the exciting Primitive Grace Theater Ensemble, with Calderon. In this episode he shares a little of what he's gleaned from being a working actor for nearly 30 years, alleviates a long-held fear I have about acting, and explains why he'd happily portray another cop.

Jacki Weaver Jun 25, 2019

Show notes

Jacki Weaver's "big break" story is unique because she was finally embraced by Hollywood at age 63, landing an Oscar nomination for her incredible performance in the Australian film "Animal Kingdom," after being a staple in the Australian theater and film world for 30 years. She went on to great roles in such films as "Widows," "The Disaster Artist," and "Magic in The Moonlight," plus the acclaimed new version of "Uncle Vanya" on the stage with Cate Blanchett, not to mention her second Oscar nomination for "Silver Linings Playbook." And this year she stars opposite Diane Keaton in the cheer-elder comedy "Poms," and the delightfully odd new series "Perpetual Grace, LTD" with Ben Kingsley. In this half hour, she tells two very different audition stories that occurred shortly after Hollywood rolled out the red carpet, and talks about how she's become very tolerant of all types of directors, and has love in her heart for film crews and writers. I have love in my heart for Jacki Weaver and you will too.

Michael Kelly Jun 11, 2019

Show notes

Through six seasons on "House of Cards" and multiple Emmy nominations, Michael Kelly has brilliantly embodied the character of Doug Stamper, navigating him through the highs and lows of loyalty, devotion, and dark-heartedness, culminating with a new layer of antagonism in the final season. It was a tour de force performance. In this episode he sits down to talk about the nuts and bolts of his craft, his meticulous and elaborate script breakdown process, how David Fincher knocked him off his game, and why he will never stop worrying about the next job no matter what awaits him post-Stamper.

Christopher Abbott Jun 04, 2019

Show notes

In this first Back To One live podcast event from the Made In NY Media Center, Christopher Abbott tells us some hilarious stories about his naive beginnings as a pavement-pounding young actor in New York, then he takes us into the nuts and bolts of the craft he's developed both on the stage and in indie films over the past decade. And we find out what he makes of George Clooney's claim that he's going to be our next movie star. If you only know this talented actor from his breakthrough on "Girls," it's time to catch up. His powerful performance in "James White" shows the depth he's willing to go in a role. This year's "Piercing" has him at his most unpredictable and creepiest. And now he stars in the Hulu limited series "Catch-22" (produced by Clooney) where he shows his range, expertly playing absurdity and agony in equal measure.

Lindsay Burdge May 28, 2019

Show notes

Lindsay Burdge is one of the bravest and best actors working in indie film this decade. Her breakout role in Hannah Fidell's "A Teacher" brought her raves for her intense performance of destructive obsession. Bold choices continued in movies like Nathan Silver's "Thirst Street," Karyn Kusama's "The Invitation," and Joe Swanberg's Netflix show "Easy." Now she's taken on the role of Mandy in the long-awaited second season of Caveh Zahedi's acclaimed "The Show About The Show," after the real Mandy (Zahedi's wife) left the show mid-production. She talks about the unique experience of working with Zahedi under these conditions, how she doesn't steer away from emotionally challenging material, and her "pen-free" gestation preparation process. Plus lots more!

The first Back To One Live Podcasting Event is coming to Brooklyn on May 31st. Special Guest Christopher Abbott ("Catch-22"). Click here for tickets and more info.

Lance Reddick May 21, 2019

Show notes

He's got "authority" down. But the great actor Lance Reddick can do it all. Perhaps best known for playing Daniels on "The Wire" and Broyles on "Fringe," Reddick has now brought his quintessential warrior servant Charon to the 3rd chapter of "John Wick." In this episode he talks about the triumphs and frustrations of the work, dealing with "bad" directors, learning from great ones, and how surviving hard circumstances on set, especially ones that throw you off your game, can strengthen you and lead to a cleansing of your process.

The first Back To One Live Podcasting Event is coming to Brooklyn on May 31st. Special Guest Christopher Abbott (Catch-22). Click here for more info.

Asia Kate Dillon May 14, 2019

Show notes

Asia Kate Dillon is a true trailblazer. They* are the first non-binary (gender non-conforming) actor to play a non-binary character on a television show (Taylor on Showtime's "Billions"). That itself is noteworthy, but Dillon also happens to be an amazing actor who brings such depth and life to characters, making representation even more powerful. Now, In "John Wick: Chapter 3", Dillon calmly commands attention as a mysterious character called The Adjudicator. Dillon talks about sliding into that role and what it takes to slide out of a role like Brady, the skinhead inmate, in "Orange Is The New Black," plus their longing to do a musical and much more! (*preferred pronouns: They/Them/Their)

Paul Calderon May 07, 2019

Show notes

Paul Calderon is New York acting royalty. A list of his collaborators and co-stars, in numerous plays, films and television, reads like a who's who of legends: Pacino, De Niro, Scorsese, Lumet, Burstyn, Tarantino, to name a few. Not to mention Abel Ferrara, whose many films he's graced (he also co-wrote Bad Lieutenant). He was made a member of the Actors Studio in 1984, and eight years later was one of the founding members of LAByrinth Theater Co., where as writer/director he helped mentor such talent as Philip Seymour Hoffman, David Zayas, and Sam Rockwell. For many years he's been on the faculty of NYU, The Lee Strasberg Institute, and SVA. He's now the co-artistic director of the Primitive Grace theater ensemble, and can currently be seen in the Amazon series "Bosch." He sat with me in the mezzanine overlooking the noisy (sorry!) lobby of the Public Theater in New York, a place that has benefited from his talents, to talk about what he's gathered from 40+ years in the craft.

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