In an exclusive interview, Flickering Myth sat down with Chris Levine to talk about acting, life in Los Angeles and his new movie Who’s Watching Who?
Hi Chris Levine, welcome to Flickering Myth! Tell us a little about yourself
Hey, I’m originally from South Florida, where I was born in, get this: Hollywood!.. Florida that is and then later went to college at the University of Central Florida in Orlando where I graduated with a marketing degree. I was actually never into acting or writing or theatre until much later in life. I finally got started in acting by literally googling how to be an actor about 11 years ago. 6 months later and after a few south Florida student film projects I moved to Los Angeles.
You have become a triple threat, an actor, writer and director. How would you describe the projects that you typically prefer?
I’ve done so many different roles over the years I’m not even sure what I prefer anymore… I will say learning how to fight and being a bad a** in The Handler was pretty cool and I will never say no to an action movie. But overall, I like to get involved with projects that have a good team. Filmmaking is hard so if I can work with people that have high standards for their work and have been consistent in their output, those are the projects I prefer.
Which do you prefer, acting, directing, or writing?
I prefer acting, that’s my dream. I love being on camera, bringing audiences into my world. It’s an addiction. But like the previous question, creating my own projects has led to me writing roles for myself, putting me in positions where I can act and sometimes where I have to direct my own content as well. The storyteller in me isn’t complaining about having to do those things either.
Has there been one particular moment in your career that you’re most proud of?
My movie Anabolic Life was my Rocky and it did well but didn’t catapult my career like I thought it was going to. And as we were about to release the film I submitted it to the Orlando Film Festival as a long shot. We actually got in and I was also nominated for Best Actor, which was an amazing moment you know but they had over 400 features playing that year and after seeing some of the “names” in those movies I didn’t think I’d have a chance at winning. But my parents came to the ceremony to support me, and they were preparing me all day, “you know Chris if you don’t win, it’s okay…” and then I won. The look on my parents’ faces was enough to know it was a big deal for all of us. While I never do this to win awards, the amount of hard work and sacrifice I put into that movie, getting some recognition meant a lot to me and my career.
Tell us about your movie Who’s Watching Who?
When Dawn Lizzul and I met about creating a project together, we really wanted to focus on giving Alex Lizzul (Trevor in the movie), an introduction into the industry. So, after meeting him I noticed just how intelligent he is – he’s not a sugar addicted, video game player pre-teen. He’s a really smart and healthy young man, so I wanted to showcase his intelligence in the film… Making him my character’s “therapist” just seemed like the right move.
Who do you play?
I am the disheveled Uncle Nick. His wife just left him and he was in a really dark place before seeing his nephew, so in reality Trevor (his nephew) saved his life.
What is your character like? And are you like him?
I think there is a little of me in every character I play but Nick here is on the verge of being suicidal due to heartbreak and while I’ve been heartbroken I personally would never let someone’s actions cause me to to not want to be on this Earth anymore. So, he’s a stretch for me but a fun character to play especially when he finds the light thanks to his nephew.
Any bloopers to share?
The pink robe I wore after we jumped in the pool wasn’t really planned but pink really brings out my eyes so that was cute. Alex never missed a line, I on the other had missed a few but no one will see those bloopers.
Best thing about being in filmmaking?
It’s such a stressful, time consuming, limited resource way to create art but when it all comes together there is no better feeling. It’s truly difficult to make a good film so when it gets recognition that’s one of the best feelings about being a filmmaker.
What do you hope people will take away from the film?
Family is everything. While you don’t get to choose them, ultimately they are the ones that will be there during your darkest times.
What’s up next for you?
I am in pre-production for the feature version Saint Nick, I also have two spooky Alaskan (as in we made them in Alaska) thrillers I produced and star in that should be coming out this year titled I Die. You Live. and Woods of Ash – more to come on those.
What’s the best way to follow you online?
People can follow me on Instagram, Facebook and Website
