DAVID GOW TALKS THE INTRUDER

Interviewed by Culture Coast Talks editor Daniel John. Interview transcripts might have been edited for length and clarity.

A man begins to believe someone is breaking into his house every night, making both himself and the audience question what is real or not?

When I first was reading the script, I was very interested that I couldn’t predict the outcome. My mind changed during the first read constantly, is it real, is it paranoia, is it supernatural? The misdirection was really captivating to me.

Jack Brame is the writer, director, producer, cinematographer, and editor of this film. What might his close proximity to everything mean for you as an actor?

The workload Jack gave himself is astounding, no one wears all of these hats, particularly on their first feature-film ever on a micro budget. There was nothing about his personal process that was glamorous. He had to do every detail himself, but when the captain of the ship cares that deeply about the project, it inspires everyone else to take the work seriously as well.

You’re most often seen acting in the New York theatre scene but this film being shot in Houston, Texas, I guess it was a bit closer to home for you?

Yes. I am based out of New York where I have my apartment, my agents, my manager, and most of my auditions, but any excuse to make art in Houston and stay with my family is like dessert, and I’ve been lucky to do a lot of it, but on theatrically and on screen.

What did your path to acting look like, how did you first get your start as an actor?

I did my first professional play when I was six and loved every second of it. However, I didn’t act much growing up as that’s not what my family and friends did and I felt shy about it. So I always felt when I came back to it more extensively at eighteen I was a late bloomer and had to make up for lost time, which I feel I’ve done. I’d say for the last fourteen years, six years studying acting in college, eight years acting professionally, my singular focus has been acting.

What's your process of getting to understand the depths and layers of a character?

For me, the method constantly changes. I’m extremely grateful that I studied at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts where I had the greatest acting teachers alive. So I feel I walk around with this privileged tool kit of acting tricks and techniques that I can pull out depending on the character, scene, or project. If I get a note from a director, I’ll think, “Oh so it needs more of this” and I’ll harp back to a specific lesson I’ve been taught. I think acting training for any young artist is immeasurable.

How do stage and screen acting compare?

I think my acting style might be more suited for on-camera, as I lean more towards naturalism and subtlety than I do a massive stage presence. However, theater is my first love and my favorite art form. I find what is asked of theater actors to be exceptionally more demanding.

Any upcoming works you are excited for?

I can’t say what TV show yet, but I have a small scene with Jessica Chastain and Dagmara Dominczyk on a new show coming up. I’m also looking forward to working at DCPA and the release of season two of 'Don’t Suck' on Youtube!