My name is Dylan Scott Smith and I am the actor films love to kill. I’m currently SEPP in “I Am The Night.” AMA!

How much of an influence would you say Sean Bean has on you?

Ran into him the other day here in London and I realised he is just a dude, trained, talented, and heavyweight.

Have a fight to the death with him.

Pretty much a paradox.

A talent contest, I sing, He acts, lets see who makes a bigger tit of himself.

Sorry thought this was in response to a different comment about another singer named Dylan Smith online.

Haha, I was like "what has Sean Bean ever done to you?"

Well he never killed me for starters!

Yet

It’s on!

I mean it kinda works here too hahaha.

True. But he does also have the voice.

how jacked were you in 300? and what was your training regimen like?

I was doing working out on my own. I was most jacked on The Immortals which was cross fit, pure weights and a lot of martial arts.

what'd your schedule look like? how do you sustain that while having busy shoot days? Must be up super early for cross fit/martial arts then heavy weights before bed?

We had a full warehouse hanger as a gym, weight room, training quarters, and whenever we weren't shooting we were told to go there and run drills or hit the weights. I was always eating to try and stay energised. It was with an amazing stunt team in Montreal Canada.

What is one of the most physically demanding shoots that you've done?

Spectral. An actor almost got killed. I got a hernia and two bouts of gastroenteritis (sp?) there were knee operations, busted elbows....it was mad crazy

more about this actor who almost got killed pls

Clayne Crawford. During an action sequence he went through a glass door, got a shard in his armpit about 2 mm from a main artery. taken to a military hospital, had the operation, flew back to the US the next day and then had something like 3 operations to try and fix all the nerve damage.

This is one of the most interesting actor/ama I've ever read.

Just learned about these myself. I could speak on acting and the business forever. I also grew up in film, which I often take for granted.

What was it like growing up in film?

Amazing, except all I wanted to do was get on the outdoor rink and play hockey. But my parents John N Smith and Cynthia Scott were amazing filmmakers who worked for The National Film Board of Canada. There films were highly political and very beautiful and challenging. They started in news, then documentaries, then docu dramas and then full fiction features. My mom and dad were nominated for Academy awards, my mum won an Oscar for a short Doc called Flamenco at 5:15, and won an award at the Venice film festival for the company of strangers, My dad won huge awards for a 2 part tv drama The Boys of St. Vincent, and he did Dangerous Minds, and my brother is a huge screen writer in Canada and my uncle was a Oscar nominated producer of animation....but if you had dinner with us, you would have no idea. We dont talk about it.

Sounds like I was bragging but in fact all that to say I was proud and inspired by my parents work. Even if home life wasn't always perfect.

Not everyone can be winners, sept us.

SEPP us......

Spectral as in the Netflix film about the weird ghost things and they build a gun to destroy them that sends its shooters flying when they overcharge it at the end and have to wear special suits just to wield it? Or a different Spectral?

Yup, that's the doozer.

That was a cool film. I loved it.

Nice one. It was a lot better than I thought it would be.

That movie was pretty cool btw, had no idea the stunts were so intense but the action was great. Sucks someone almost died to make it though :(

Yeah it was horrific, and very scary for his whole family who were set to arrive to visit in Budapest the next day. It made me question what I am willing to do on films and challenged my courage to speak up if I feel things are unsafe.

What is the general atmosphere like on big ticket Hollywood sets? Do you ever feel resentful/malicious towards an actor that might get more screen time than you, or do you get paid well enough to where it doesn't matter? (If you are not comfortable discussing your pay, feel free to omit the last part)

Never really feel resentful to other actors, unless they are terrible or on the film because they have huge social media following (more and more the case) Generally they pay great, except when they shoot in Britain.

Why is Britain's pay scale differently? I don't really know anything about pay scale for films. Is this why the Star Wars movies used a lot of British talent, so they could pay them less?

The Equity Union in Brittain is non-binding, productions need to use an equity contract but not equity actors, so there is no collective bargaining for the actors in the UK. In the US you have SAG which is an incredibly powerful union. Yes, one of the many reasons Hollywood shoots here is you get incredible actors on the cheap.

How many times have you "died" and which one was the most memorable so far?

I think I am at 12 or something. Arrow through the neck falling off a horse, or being shot in the head by the actor who was Willow.

Wait... Warwick Davis or Alyson Hannigan?

Warwick! We were Al Capone's heavies. I had a scene in Al's Lad's where I am complaining about my wife cheating on me, he pretends to care and then he blows my head off, from under my chin....obviously.

There’s your answer!

Indeed.

Do you ever worry that your eventual real death will be difficult to prove empirically?

Won't care.

Have you met your Hollywood heroes and how did it feel if so?

Brian Cranston, Alfred Molina, Stanley Tucci. All just so powerful, accessible and FUNNY!

What made you decide to do an AMA ?

My publicist, my first one, got me here, and to be honest I am loving this.

What's your all time favorite film and what draws you to it? Also when you watch other peoples movies do you take notes? I've always wondered that.

I painfully cannot watch something without an ongoing critique in my head which absolutely sucks because I love to be emmersed in a film, and when it is really good it really does do that and shuts my head up.

Favorite films, most of Gene Hackman, PT Anderson, Christian Munjiu, Wes Anderson, French and Italian auteurs, Haneke.....the list goes on.

I hate that I had to work so late and missed this... I wonder what your opinion on Inherent Vice would be

Ah man I got a new born and haven’t seen it. Waiting till kiddo sleeps through the night!

And this is what AMAs are supposed to be about. Genuine interaction. Answers with typos. It's okay. We are talking to you - not your publicist. I am always late to the show and don't ever bother to comment, however you deserve a thank you for your candid responses. You have a new fan.

Guess I am lucky not to be too tainted by this, but can’t see how this is what it is all about. The viewer is the other half, all actors best be fans of the general public or your work will be limited and the job must get pretty stale. Thanks for chimming in!

A lot of AMAs wind up being the publicist or social media person responding on their behalf, often without any words from the person of interest, often avoiding most questions and only answering those that help promote whatever material they're currently working on.

That said, I remembered you from a few movies and reading through these Q and A's was entertaining. Thanks

I will always try to answer myself if I get invited to do one again. But I can see how that is possible. I got forwarded one with Benedict Cumberbatch who seemed to do it himself and gave some killer answers.

This guy is a true MVP. Still answering questions way into the night. Kudos to you sir! And congrats on the new born, sounds like you'll be a great father.

Oh man, trying. Daily motivational speeches to self that I am not completely messing him up, very necessary.

I read somewhere on reddit that if you're questioning if you're doing things right with your kids you are doing better than most other parents.

It'll be alright fam.

Yeah got to keep trying to learn from the little man.

I am a graphic designer and have the same issues with critiquing people's work as I walk around town and always wondered if others employed in the.... arts... field that similar habits. Thanks for doing this, these are always fun.

Thanks for the good question...yeah loving this.

I just watched Spectral last night! Pretty cool movie, man. What was it like shooting that? There seemed to be a lot of practical effects and locations.

It was absolutley nuts physically. A long long shoot, full of action and real danger every day. But the cast were just the best and I have stayed friends with many of them. Budapest is a magnificent city to spend the summer.

You and i remember budapest very differently.

• actor who nearly died on set, probably.

For the actor who nearly died I am sure it’s a terrible memory. The city was wonderful and the people in it.

Do you believe you can catch up to Sean Bean as far as deaths go ?

I promise to try.

Tried googling you to remember what I’ve seen you in are you aware there’s some American singer with your name that comes up instead? How do you feel about that and what would you like reddit to do about it?

Well if Reddit can respectfully ask that singer to let me do some singing for a bit, then I would probably buy his album.

I've never been early to an AMA before.

How is your day going?

Not bad, got a new baby, so....well...exhaustion is a new state of reality.

How does it feel when you read the script, and no where it mentions you being killed?

Unfortunately it always does. Doesn't always say how though, which is the fun part.

Is there anything in particular that makes a script stand out for you (e.g. personal preferences or thing YOU like to see)?

Are there any common threads in scripts that don’t work for you?

Sometimes they just jump off the page, and different scripts in different ways. Read a pilot called Sweet Tooth, produced by Robert Downey Jr and his wife with Hulu and it made me cry, it was so clear and the emotional through line so human. Other scripts I just couldn't put down. When a script is self conscious or has too many threads of plot or relies on exposition, you know its not for you (not that I am in the position to turn anything down really). Film is best for me as a visual storytelling medium.

I've never seen a single movie or TV show that you have been in, except for 300.

Where would you tell me to start in your filmography if you wanted me to become the world's biggest Dylan Scott Smith fan?

Eddie The Sleep Walking Cannibal.....I don't die.

Eddie The Sleep Walking Cannibal

This looks to be right up my alley. I will check it out!

Its a spoof but a lot of fun to make...especially running around basically naked in -25 degrees celcius.

If you weren’t an actor, what would you want to do?

Build beautiful design led energy efficient houses, which I have done. Be a contemporary dancer, which I have tried. Do more charity work in wild spaces where you are on your toes. I feel much more free around difference than I do the same.

LEED certified buildings! I'm studying architecture to do that exact thing! Such an interesting concept.

Yes!! I was trying to go for LEED certified Gold. We got there but never applied for the certification. I think 'green' can determine absolutely beautiful design from light, to quality of heating. We used ICF which made the heating incredible. No hot air just a warm atmosphere.

Is the “red shirt guy” the type of actor you want to be remembered as or are you hoping for an iconic role.

The kind that will stick with you forever and is hard to shake or are you much happier playing different roles and just die every movie?

No, I am starting to work with more and more auteurs like Kelly Reichardt and they make the experience of acting incredible. I would love to do a TV show for a long time to explore the many facets and reactions a character has to continuous obstacles, but I would also like to play some key weird and messed up characters for great filmmakers.

messed up characters

Well Sepp checks that one off well enough I would think! Just watched the 4th episode of your new show and love it. Hope to see more of you!

Thanks! Haven't seen more than the first episode since the premiere. Waiting for my wife to see it do we can move on to the rest. Still hasnt aired in the UK yet and I am not sure whats happening with that.

What was your favorite death in one of your movies?

Got kelled by an arrow through the neck in The Englishman's Boy, and had to fall off a horse.

Would you rather have penises for fingers or vaginas for ears?

Some days I would like to have my ass where my mouth is so I could fart in response to peoples stupid comments.

You claim you are new to Reddit, but this response makes me suspicious...

No I really am, but I am just loving being able to banter with anybody. This shit rocks.

Well my friend, you seem to be a natural and fit in very well around here. I think that's a compliment but take it as you like.

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Since you are new to Reddit, I'll give you one piece of advice. Reddit like all social media can get you in trouble if you say something that can be taken the wrong way, out of context, or maybe was just in poor taste. What makes Reddit different from all the other is the option to be anonymous. It's something that is kinda coveted around here (hence all the silly/weird usernames). Sooo if you really like this warped little place I suggest you create a different username (something like /u/MouthAssFarts99) that can't be traced back to you. Keep this current account for your official publicity stuff, clean and free of potentially harmful comments. Another account for all the normal day to day fucking around we all do on the internet. We'd all hate to see you get caught up in some stupid crap just because you're famous.

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Anyways, cheers and welcome to the cesspool!

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Dude, hugely generous to explain it to me, cause I had no idea...frickin dinosaur. And that's a great secret name, although I guess we now know who that would be. I will get on that. Muchos Gracias.

I work g&e in the us. What's the difference like on set between us and the us? Do you ever befriend any of the crew?

I only hang with the crew, if I can. Both on and off the set. This business sets actors up in a way that is deeply unhelpful to their actual craft. Hanging with crew makes me feel like i am at home hanging with my neighbours and friends. I fell comfortable and do my best work.

Do you think they should change the month of September to Sepptember? Dumb questions aside, what games do you play on your phone?

That is frickin brilliant, and my new favourite month. I don't play games, on my phone or otherwise and feel I am missing out, suggestions please?

You are welcome to use that in the future, just reference your boy Shartnado3! haha. I don't really play too many games on my phone, some stupid 8 ball pool game I get mad at, and some solitaire tri tower card game that I also get mad it. I just love the insights on the celeb world, and knowing the things you all do that we do! Viva Sepptember!!

I will just look both ways throughout the month, in case I suffer the same end as dear poor misunderstood Sepp.

What is the very best cheese?

Vacherain

Mont d'Or or Fribourgeois?

Only ever tried Mont D'Or.

Couldn’t tell from the lighting, but what was the weapon that killed Sepp? A wrench with the handle sharpened?

It was called a Spud wrench, I think its for cranking things that are bolted tight.

Are there any projects youve heard of that you want to work, that we may not have heard of yet?

No the one I am after is Dune. I adore Denis V. And my parents were filmakers and know him form Montreal so hoping I might get his attention.

I think a fair amount of people die in Dune so you’ve got a shot!

Exactly!!! Practically everyone dies. Can Reddit get word toe Denis that there is literally an actor who will die (fake die) for him?

Good luck!!

Thanks.

Unicorns or centaurs?

I am emerging from Unicorn to Centaurs.

Do you prefer blue or black suits?

Dark Blue with black trim.

Have you filmed in Georgia yet? I live near Pine Wood and it’s turning in to Bubbawood.

Georgia the country? No. Just turned down a Marvel job shooting at Pinewood.

What was the moment you realized you wanted to work in this industry, and what would you say to someone wanting to start?

I first wanted to act. I played high level ice hockey, was very physical, then saw the incredible Robert Lepage do a one man show which was very physical, everything about it called out to me and then I trained, University theatre school, British theatre school, and lots of other training in physical theatre, method acting, classical acting, voice....etc. If you love it take some classes, and see if it genuinely feels like it is the thing that makes you feel more like you than you do normally.

Have you seen Lepage’s 887? I saw it two weeks ago and it was wonderful!

I haven't, only Needles and Opium which inspired me to be an actor. Seven Streams, and many others. But not 887, what's it about?

Who would you like to work with that you haven’t yet?

Javier Bardem. Kate Blanchett. Timothee Chalamet...so many.

What are your best tips to memorizing scripts? I love your work and I’m watching I Am The Night every week, it’s amazing.

I do what my wife who is a theatre director told me which is I had a gesture, ridiculous or not to every word. I also just work out what I want form the person, and what words I am using to get it. Then the script becomes absolutely essential, you remember the words because they are attached to a purpose.

Hi Dylan! I’ve heard great things about a lot of the movies you’ve been in. That being said, I haven’t seen a single one of them... For somebody who doesn’t watch a lot of films, which of the ones you’ve played a role in is your personal recommendation for my s/o and I to watch tonight?

If your looking for fun, Eddie The Sleepwalking Cannibal, Action - Spectral or Total Recal, if your looking for serious - Lemonade.

Where is the best place to eat in London?

Chiltern Firehouse, or your local pub if it hasn't been too gentrified.

What’s your favorite holiday?

I'm an actor, my favorite holiday is a job!

Hi, who is the nicest big name actor you worked with and who was the rudest? Thanks

Nicest was Alfred Molina. Most rude....I'd be rude for saying so. Tom Cruise was pretty straight up and very generous. Not as many rude actors as I thought there would be whne I was getting into the business.

I think there are a lot less rude actors out there than people think. With one notable exception, all the ones I’ve interacted with have been unfailingly nice and polite.

My experience also.

Cheers! Good to know Reddit is a forum of down to earth people!

Sepp is that classic someone desperately unsure of himself and so places all his worth in the respect and love he gets from George Hodell. He may be a frustrated artist if only because he isn’t using art to help him understand himself better, but as an agent of self aggrandizement. He is desperate to be noticed. The Surrealists took misogyny to to the next level and Sepp wanted to take it further.

Chris P was so into a scene once he collapsed on a couch and cut his head. He is a genuine movie star by the way, humble, instinctual, totally professional and really smart.

Did Harvey Weinstein ever make you do things you didn't want to do?

Who was your favorite actor to work with?

What are your thoughts on space elevators?

No, never met the bastard. Bruce Greenwood and Walton Goggins. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

I'm listening...

You know the space elevator that takes him into outer space? I want one of those if it gets much worse in the world.

Played in Montreal at high school, then got a scholarship to play at Choate Rosemary Hall, then a pro scouting tournament in Montreal called Great North or something. But had to give it up/ 10 dislocations 2 operations later.

Your skinny, what do you eat?

Pasta, TONS of veg, pasta, meat if are into it, and lots of that. Do a Deniro on Raging Bull.

Since you don’t currently reside in the states, what is your perception on the current political climate of the U.S. as an outside observer?

Don't get me started. But feel for my friends there and what it must be like to live in the polarisation of the different opinions. Mind you the UK is heading that way.

Totally eh!

Did you stay friends with some actors after filming wrapped?

Stayed very good friends with Sam Sheridan the creator, but I was the only one who lives in London so dont get to cross paths with them much. India and Chris P were top class people both though.

Do you have a grail method that you’d love to see one of your characters die in a film?

Grail method?

Do u smoke kush?

That's the 'good stuff'?

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