onthestorm

I've never thought about that. But it probably happens a lot, and they just don't say anything. Wow.

Thanks for the new anxiety.

Hi Ryan. What an interesting question. The answer is "Yes," and I recognize that that's an odd position to take. But I think whenever you're known for one thing, it just simply gets boring to talk about. I guess we all think of ourselves as whole people full of contradictions and weird interests and complete lives...and being reduced in any way feels pretty crappy. If I take the long view, being known for something that has made millions of people laugh, or made their lives better in ANY way, is a wholly positive thing. And getting older, I'm trying to get better at simply being grateful. So. Thank you. I'm really glad the show helped you.

1. There's a huge difference. Shooting digital means you can just keep doing take after take without any economic downside. So it's really great for situations where you want to try different things -- like comedy. But shooting on film increases pressure on everybody, actors AND crew. I prefer that, because everyone has to bring their A-game. Too Late is a film that takes this to an extreme.

2. Get over the fact that its on "Disney Channel" and watch it.

3. Playing a character with terrible circumstances is actually the best for an actor -- I got to stretch way more than most sitcom actors. I mean, my mom abandoned me, my dad died, my girlfriend moved away, I became an alcoholic, I joined a cult...OK, those last two might have been a bit much. Playing happy Shawn turned out to be kinda boring. Except I love working with Cheryl.

Writing and directing is much more satisfying to me right now. I still enjoy acting, but the context has to be right. The truth is, unless you’re doing theater, you don’t have a lot of control over the finished product. For instance, you could go on an audition to be the “sly best friend” and wind up playing that character for 7 years, and then STILL playing that character when you’re 35 years old. And that’s the best case scenario.

If the lighting is right.