Ghosts in the Machine: Casting Interviews

1. Josh Davidson
2. Trey Farley
3. Katherine Pawlak
4. Heather Tocquigny

Back to top Josh Davidson

When did you first begin acting? Have you always wanted to be an actor?

Two years ago I was at a bar watching a friend's band play and my friend's girlfriend, Kate Martin, and I were chatting. She mentioned that she was working on a film as a PA (production assistant) and Nicole Kidman was in it. I asked her if she could get me on set, I thought it'd be cool. She said to give her a headshot (uh, don't have one!), ok a picture will do. They put me up on the "extra's wall" and eventually a couple of months later called me! I ended up carrying Nicole through a drug store for the movie and I met Daniel Craig (JAMES BOND!!!), Keith Urban and Oliver Herschbiegel! Unfortunately they cut most of what they filmed in Baltimore out of the movie. Being on set for my first time and just watching everything, I knew instantly what I wanted to do with the rest of my life! I was so grateful that I promised Kate that I would buy her a house after I really started making some dough. Within 6 months I had started my own film company, Be More Films, and finally about a year ago I got my first real acting gig as the lead, Cliff, a heroin addict, in an indie druggie movie The Despair

I remember when I was a little kid in Tennessee watching movies and wanting to be in them. However, growing up in a very small town (approximately 20,000 people) it wasn't exactly cool to be doing drama type things. I think I remember a couple of plays in high school, but never thought about being in them. Speaking of high school, an interesting fact: I went to high school in Manchester, Tennessee with DJ Qualls. I actually watched Road Trip and he looked so different, I didn't even recognize him! I went home that summer and people were talking about him, and I'm like, WHAT!

Do you have any training? If so, what?

After my first acting experience I was going through some things, so I didn't do anything for 6 months, which is when I started my film company to work on a 48-Hour Film Project. After watching myself on camera for the first time I figured I probably should take an acting class. So, at the recommendation of my acting buddy Johnny Alonso, I joined Robert Christie's class. The most important thing I learned in the class was to bring something of myself to my characters, and I really got comfortable in front of the camera in his class. I want to train more, but honestly since then I've been busy either making movies or acting in movies, so I haven't had the time.

Are you a full-time actor now? If not, what else do you do?

I am not, but I WANT to be! I work for Aegis, Inc as a Server and Network Manager. Basically I monitor computer networks and servers, making sure nothing is broken. I also build websites for actors and to promote films for some extra dinero. Since I got my first real part in The Despair right about this time last year, I've been filming nearly non-stop. Work has been INCREDIBLY understanding, I have great bosses and co-workers who support me 100% and step up when I have to call out last minute to do a reshoot or whatever. I took off nearly all of January to film Good People , a suspense-thriller in which I play a simple-minded church assistant, definitely my most challenging role to date. In the last year I've been in 10 films (5 features and 5 shorts) and I am the lead in 6 of them, and I directed or produced 5 short films... so yeah, I've been busy!

What are your favorite movies?

I really like a lot of movies, there are actually very few films that I've seen that I didn't enjoy, so it's tough to compile a list... but some of my favorites are, Pulp Fiction, Moulin Rouge, Bull Durham, A Clockwork Orange, Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, Fight Club, Seven, American Beauty, Children of Men, Twelve Monkeys... I'm gonna stop now, I could keep going all day.

Who are your favorite actors? How have they influenced your craft?

Well, I've only been really watching movies as a filmmaker and actor for the past 18 months or so... and because I've been so busy I really haven't watched that many movies since I started. I do have tremendous respect for Christian Bale, his dedication to The Machinist was amazing... and I think Batman Begins is the best comic book film of all time.

If you could play any role, what would it be?

Speaking of Batman , I would love to take over as The Joker for the late and great Heath Ledger. Can somebody put in a call to Christopher Nolan for me? Please...? The Joker is one of the greatest fictional villains of all time... and I like playing the bad guy.

What led you to Massify? How did you find out about the Ghosts in the Machine competition?

Actually I saw the MySpace bulletin from one of the other contestants plugging their audition. Then by the time I put up my audition the voting had already been going on for a few days. I didn't think there was any way I had a chance. Then within a few hours of submitting my audition I went up to 30th place without telling anyone, so I thought I might want to get the word out! I really have to thank everyone who voted for me and for everyone supporting me out there, I am eternally grateful!

Describe your experience shooting the screen tests in Hollywood. What was your favorite part?

LA was a tremendous experience. Meeting Craig and Beau and everyone else there on the production side was amazing. My two screen partners were great and the fact that they were both filmmakers really helped the process go smoothly. All 19 of the other actors were awesome. We didn't really all get to hang out until the last night we were there, but we all had a great time. It was nice to be there with so many people who are so driven and excited about the opportunity. Craig was tremendous to work with and I can't wait to be under his direction; the opening few minutes of Craig's 2006 entry into Horrorfest, Dark Ride , were inspirational and I'm really excited to be a part of Perkins' 14 .

How does this opportunity fit in with your ultimate goals as an actor

This is an incredible opportunity. I may not have been doing this long, but I sure have been working my tail off since I started! I hope that people enjoy me in the movie and hopefully will look to hire me afterward! I hope this will open up some doors for my film company (co-founded by Jeremy Paris) as well as the film companies I often team with to make movies, ClearVision Pictures and Lazy Art Productions. We are looking to start pre-production on our first feature film soon after I get back from Romania! Also, want to mention that we are running a film competition called HOPE Film Challenge, the registration fee goes 100% to the American Cancer Society. It was originally supposed to end in June, however due to Perkins' 14 and the schedule we decided to move the film competition to end in August.

What are you looking forward to now that you've scored a role in the horror movie?

Getting the script and finding out how bloody I am lucky enough to get!

If you were to die in a horror movie, what would be your preferred method?

My second movie was an independent zombie flick called Deadlands . I was only in it for maybe ninety seconds total, but I got my spine ripped out by zombies, so that was a pretty cool way to die. I wouldn't mind dying in the arms of some hot blood-sucking vampiress.

Seriously, again, I want to thank everyone who supported me. I have an incredible group of friends and family who are always there for me and I can never thank you all enough. Thank you to Massify for this opportunity, I can't wait to get to work!

Back to top Trey Farley

When did you first begin acting? Have you always wanted to be an actor?

Yeah, I knew I wanted to be an actor pretty early on. Like most, it all started back in school for me. We did fairly large musical productions each year in high school. I managed to get in and play the Scarecrow in The Wizard of Oz & Fagin in Oliver. I don't exactly have the greatest singing voice - so looking back I'd hate to have been in that audience listening to me murder "If I Only Had A Brain" & "Pick a Pocket Or Two"!

Do you have any training? If so, what?

I wasn't lucky enough to have the chance to study acting full time so I spent as much time as I could in classes and workshops. I studied at The Actors Centre in London where I found a mentor in the inspirational Bathsheba Garnett who gave me my basic approach. I've also studied here in L.A. - mainly at the Ivana Chubbuck Studio.

Are you a full-time actor now? If not, what else do you do?

Well, a "full time actor" is 20% acting and 80% doing the necessary business to be an actor... so yes, I guess I'm a full time actor! I'm also a TV Host - which is where I really started - working for MTV in Asia and the UK as well as National Geographic. So I do that when it comes up.

What are your favorite movies?

Traffic, State Of Grace, 28 Days Later, Training Day, Crash, 30 Days Of Night, The Big Lebowski, Shaun Of The Dead, Monty Python & The Holy Grail.

Who are your favorite actors? How have they influenced your craft?

I love the actors who manage to bring a bit of humor to their roles no matter how intense the characters - which is what I'd love to try and achieve. Guys like Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Sam Rockwell, Robert Downy Jr., Johnny Depp. But you can't help but be inspired by the intense guys - Sean Penn, Christian Bale, Benicio Del Toro, Steve Guttenberg.

If you could play any role, what would it be?

I flip flop between wanting to play an 'is-he-a-good-guy-or-bad-guy-with-baggage' character in a gritty police drama like Narc, Heat, or State Of Grace. Or pissing about in any role in any Judd Apatow movie!

What led you to Massify? How did you find out about the Ghosts in the Machine competition?

I found out about the Ghosts In The Machine Competition through an online casting bulletin here in L.A. I was debating for days about whether or not to enter it because I thought "what are the odds?!" But in the end I thought - Screw it! You never know! I moved to LA from London for opportunities and here was one staring me in the face.

Describe your experience shooting the screen tests in Hollywood. What was your favorite part?

The Hollywood screen tests were such an experience. It was exciting finally seeing who made it in the top 20 - and strange seeing all these people who you've watched online for days, in person! It was also like being at school again - a little nervous, trying to work out who you're going to get along with, who's going to be your friend etc. My favorite part was when we all first arrived at the hotel. We hadn't all divided into little 'groups' yet and we all sat around a huge table chatting, getting to know each other - describing our first screen test videos and all just so excited to be there!

How did you come up with your first audition scene?

Well from the beginning I knew I definitely wanted some humor in it. Then I thought it was funny that hundreds of people across America were holing up in their rooms, kitchens, garages, etc. with their video cameras shooting serious horror & death scenes while possibly right in the next room normal everyday domestic life was going on - mom or partner doing the laundry; or in my case my wife getting the house ready for dinner guests!

How does this opportunity fit in with your ultimate goals as an actor?

An opportunity like this IS the ultimate goal. Getting the chance to show your work on an international platform is just incredible. And I think for any actor the chance to work on all genres of film is great - horror is one of the more challenging!

What are you looking forward to now that you've scored a role in the horror movie?

I'm looking forward to all of it! Working with Craig Singer; with Josh, Katherine and Heather; the camaraderie and fun you have with a crew whenever you're on location for a chunk of time; the late nights and the early mornings; plus whenever I've watched the behind the scenes footage on horror films - they always seem to have the best time messing around with all the blood, guts, fx, weapons and other stuff that goes along with making a horror movie!

If you were to die in a horror movie, what would be your preferred method?

I think being skinned alive would probably be the 'preferred method' - a la Pinhead in Hellraiser . But being forced to stay awake while listening to Wilson Phillips & Celine Dion back to back on loop until you will yourself dead would be a close second.

Back to top Katherine Pawlak

When did you first begin acting? Have you always wanted to be an actor?

I first started acting when I was about 8 years old. I started in musical theater back in Connecticut and always knew I wanted to eventually break into film. It was 10 years that I performed on the stage and went to a theatrical school in New Haven. It was awesome, and I felt like I was in the movie Fame .

Do you have any training? If so, what?

I do. I have studied scene-study with John Homa, ABC's on-set acting coach for 5 years, and improv at The Groundlings for 2.

Are you a full-time actor now? If not, what else do you do?

I am for the most part. I am currently on a web show called Lonelygirl15 and have been in many independent films and also currently have a film in Cannes where it will gain national exposure in October 2008. When I am not acting, I am a singer/songwriter.

What are your favorite movies?

I have many...ahhhh so many to choose from. But I do love classic movies.

Who are your favorite actors? How have they influenced your craft?

Cate Blanchett, Meryl Streep, Natalie Portman, Rachael McAdams, Tom Hanks, Anthony Hopkins, Joaquin Phoenix, Daniel Day Lewis...so many I really can't list them allllllllll. But they all have influenced me in so many ways...as well as many others. Their passion and overall natural gift only makes me want to work harder, and I would LOVE to work with them one day. As far as "method" acting, Daniel Day Lewis has opened my eyes to it. I can't seem to get over his dedication and his ability to "live" in his role...it is inspiring.

If you could play any role, what would it be?

I love "period" films and had such a great time starring in a film called 1936, where I played a starlet of the thirties. I would love to be in more roles like this that travel throughout time. I haven't done a comedy yet, as I said in my video interview..."I cry and die in almost everything I do". A role I always wanted to portray was Angelina Jolie's character in Girl, Interrupted , where she plays a sociopath....now that seems like an amazing role.

What led you to Massify? How did you find out about the Ghosts in the Machine competition?

I first heard about the competition through a casting listing but wasn't able to make the improv auditions. It wasn't until a little later when a good friend of mine convinced me to upload a video onto the site. My video went up about a week after the voting had already started in the first round and I was nervous I wouldn't make it to the finals b/c of its late entry.

How did you come up with your first audition scene?

One of the improv scenarios took place in a bar and I thought, well I have access to one, but now I need a story. It was put together and filmed so quickly and later that day, we discovered that we filmed my first audition with no sound and had to re-shoot it the next morning at 6 am. Hahaha...awesome...but well worth it.

Describe your experience shooting the screen tests in Hollywood. What was your favorite part?

I had a great experience and had never done anything like that before. All of the contestants got along really well and I know we all will never forget those three days. I really enjoyed both days of the screen tests and was lucky to have two awesome scene partners. The last night, we all went to dinner at the Hard Rock Cafe and that was a great way to close our trip. Thank you everyone for making it so enjoyable.

How does this opportunity fit in with your ultimate goals as an actor?

First of all, I would like to say how excited I am to travel. I haven't been anywhere outside of the U.S., (except Canada), and would love to also travel to Europe. As far as career, I cannot wait to work with Craig and feel that this distribution will get all of our faces out there and is such an amazing opportunity you just can't pass on.

What are you looking forward to now that you've scored a role in the horror movie?

To work with Josh, Trey, and Heather....I think we have a great team and will work well together. Again, I am looking forward to working with Craig and the crew and to be in Romania and take as much from the experience as I can. I also can't wait to see the role and what I can do with it. All very exciting!

If you were to die in a horror movie, what would be your preferred method?

Hmmm...as scary as it would be to imagine it...I guess stabbed to death.

Anything else?

Thank you to everyone who believed in me and voted. I wouldn't be here without you.

Back to top Heather Tocquigny

When did you first begin acting? Have you always wanted to be an actor?

When I was a kid I watched a lot of musicals on TV and I was overcome with this desire to perform. I began acting when I was 6 in my first grade portraying a fairy princess and realized I loved performing on stage. Storytelling is something I want to do for the rest of my life!

Do you have any training? If so, what?

I studied acting in High School, at the University of Colorado, and graduated last year from the University of Southern California with a BA in Theatre. I've continued to study with Bill Howey and Jeffery Brooks.

Are you a full-time actor now? If not, what else do you do?

Yes! I just wrapped three features and when I get back from Romania I am going to Louisiana to film a softball movie called State . I am also in the middle of filming a comedy webseries called Film School Confessions which will be online soon. When I'm not filming, I'm constantly submitting myself and auditioning several times a week. Acting is definitely a full time job! When I need a break from it, I take dance classes, paint, and write poetry, which are all great creative outlets for me.

What are your favorite movies?

There are too many! I am definitely a fan of the classics. It's a Wonderful Life , Gone with the Wind , and any movie with Audrey Hepburn. I am drawn to films that are driven by powerful female performances, and stories that are well told. My favorite movie this year was Across the Universe . I thought it was the most artistic and inventive film I have ever seen. I would love to work with Julie Taymor someday

Who are your favorite actors? How have they influenced your craft?

Audrey Hepburn will always be my favorite. Audrey Hepburn has shaped my professional and personal side. Her gracefulness, on and off screen, personified a new era for actresses. As Rex Reed said- "In a cruel and imperfect world, she was living proof that God could still create perfection." Not only was her elegance and vulnerability so captivating on screen, she had a kind heart, a genuine spirit, and she never considered herself a star.

If you could play any role, what would it be?

That is a tough question because there are so many parts I want to play! Maybe a psycho killer with multiple personality disorder that has recently lost her parents and is searching to fill a void inside of her. I'd like to play any part that is dimensional and has a lot of layers that would challenge me as an actor. I'm not interested in playing myself or imposing my own set of values onto a character. I admire Cate Blanchett who is so versatile and constantly stretching her ability as an actor.

What led you to Massify? How did you find out about the Ghosts in the Machine competition?

I was browsing the internet and saw a posting on Craigslist. Dark Games , my most recent feature film which was filmed in New Mexico, was also posted on Craigslist. It may be my favorite website.

How did you come up with your first audition scene?

Well I was watching the clip on how to make an audition video and they said it is better to have someone else in the scene. Since I wanted to post it as soon as possible, my cat was the only option. I saw her viciously attacking this stuffed bunny that is the size of her and all of a sudden it sparked the idea. However, when I opened the door in my video, she didn't cooperate and attack the bunny as planned. I'll have to train her to attack on command!

Describe your experience shooting the screen tests in Hollywood. What was your favorite part?

The most nerve racking part was drawing the names of our scene partners and the order of the scenes! I was the last to perform the first day, so I had plenty of time to prepare while waiting for everyone. After that day, I felt relieved because the park scene was pretty laid back and fun. My favorite part was working with Craig Singer for as long as I did and applying the directorial notes he gave me to make the appropriate modifications to each of the scenes. It's so nice when the director gives you notes and allows the actors to try a variety of ways to achieve a desirable scene.

How does this opportunity fit in with your ultimate goals as an actor?

This fits because I want to continue to learn my craft and prove myself in the most demanding roles, hone my skills, and honestly portray characters that add strength to the overall story. Also, it fulfills one of my lifetime goals, which is to film overseas. I feel so privileged and blessed to have this opportunity.

What are you looking forward to now that you've scored a role in the horror movie?

I'm anxious to get to Romania and start working with everyone!! I'm really pleased with the top four actors who are going and I'm excited to be on location. I wish we could leave tomorrow!

If you were to die in a horror movie, what would be your preferred method?

I would be the last to die! I would prefer a long chase scene through the woods and maybe run off a cliff with a killer behind me and he stabs me as we are falling off the cliff and tumbling to our deaths onto the jagged rocks in the ocean....I can think of a lot of ways!