Actors - The Bread and Butter of Any Film

As much as auteurs and egomaniacs like to splash their names in the center of the screen with "A Film By," so it's the first thing you see as the theater goes dark, the bread and butter of any good film is the actor. The way an actor nuances a writer's words, brings dimension to a director's vision, lights  a DP's lens, they are what makes a lively story on paper a visual piece of living and breathing magic on the screen.


Theaters and the internet are drowning in multi-media projects where more attention has been paid to the bells, whistles and color of the sky, than to the person delivering the lines and how and what they are saying. Some haughty "visionaries" clamor for the day that talent on screen are nothing more than software created characters - they wouldn't need food or bathroom breaks, just think of the savings!


Fortunately, Los Angeles is full of gifted, hardworking and generous actors that are eager and excited to work with the independent filmmakers that appreciate them for all they are.
One of those talented actors is actor, writer, comedian Philip Hersh. An east coast transplant, Hersh brings humor, professionalism, and that "T" word - talent, to every role. Phil recently joined the cast of the SPENT TV series, LLA. And on a blustery afternoon in the mid-wilshire district, Phil answered some quick questions about his acting experience.


SPENT: So many people offer aspiring actors advice - what’s the worst piece of advice or most useless piece of advice you ever got?


PHIL: I had a modeling agent tell me I should wax my body. Never have, never will. Hair is an asset.

SPENT: What are the body and mental emotions that run through you when you are on stage and hear the applause, or when you watch yourself on a screen any size and people watching with you react positively?


PHIL: I feel empowered. And goosebumps, total goosebumps!


SPENT: Do you plan to age gracefully or will botox and silicone injections be your friend after 50?

PHIL:  No "sillycone" for me. Should I go bald, I'll shave my head like Howie Mandell.
Here's Phil in a recent web commercial - he's definitely an actor that commits to a role:

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