What advice would you give CMF participants?

I wouldn't -- I never give any.

What was your inspiration for getting into acting?

It's a gut thing. I was encouraged to try out for drama school by a teacher. I never had a career plan. Survival seemed to be the best plan, but I've been lucky and acting is the only "job" I've ever done.

What do we have to look forward to with "Kings"?

Deadwood was a great show because everything just worked, and I would hope the same for "Kings" becuse it is equally ambitious.

What have you learned while in the business?

I try not to confuse private and working life -- that's really important. And I like to be surprised by my next gig.

What's changed in the industry since you started?

Show biz, because that's what it is, hasn't changed! Nobody knows anything, everyone's fearful, and success has many fathers while failure is an orphan. And that's just the producers!

Other than acting what aspect of filmmaking do you find most interesting?

All aspects of moviemaking are great when you're doing it because it's a team job with huge individual highs (acting, special effects, music, etc) along the way. I've produced, directed and acted, sometimes at the same time...I like acting.

What do you find is the best way to approach the director/actor relationship?

Directors and actors are the front line....you make it work!

What do you think about the current state of the world? Can film and art in general do much to help?

ART has always helped shape the world and FUCK! do we need it now.

If you had a chance to make a five minute short movie, what would it be about? Who would be in it?

What kind of movie I'd make is my business.

What makes for a great short movie during Campus MovieFest?

What makes any movie work be it 5, 25, 45, 90, or 500 minutes long is does it create its own world? Therein lies the secret, and the rest is gravy.

Seen any good films lately?

I watch Cassavetes, Ray, Wilder, Sturges, Fellini, etc... You know who they are. I watch something old or new every day, but I love movies.

Any last words?

Happy filmmaking, guys, and I'm looking forward to checking out some of your movies.

Interview by Judy Lee