This Friday there is a premier for a flick that a a very talented guy I know spent a over a year shooting and editing on his own dime. That film is The Darkness Within and today I have an interview with the star of the movie Jimmy Scanlon.

TMW - First off, you were great in the flick. I was hoping to see Dom put you in as a lead in something after watching Billboard America. You have been working with Dom and Door Eleven Productions for a while. How did you get involved with this crew?

JS - First, I’d like to thank you for those kind words, it really means a lot to me. Also thank you so much for taking the time to interview me about acting!

Well… acting has always been my dream, it started since I was a little kid, playing “cops and robbers” with my friends. Whenever I had the chance, I would pretend I was a HUGE wrestling Champion, or a kidnapped soldier in war being tortured by the enemy, my ideas were endless and I used to do this mostly with myself. I just loved the idea of being someone I wasn’t, and I guess that’s how it started.

Every time I meet someone that’s interest in this field, the first thing they ask me is, “What kind of schooling have you had, or have you ever taken any class?” Well, the answer is No and there’s a taped interview with the young River Phoenix and he said ” No, I never took acting classes, I just have the ability and gift to do so.”

I’m not saying I’m the best, because I’m clearly not. I just have a natural ability to act, and I think it’s because I love doing it so much.

I will never stop acting, paid or unpaid.

As for how long I’ve been working with Dom; it’s been about 5 years now I think…. and it has been a life changing experience. Before I ever met him it was just a dream, and now I can tell people, “Hey check this out, it’s some of my work.” I love to hear what people think of my work, good or bad. The first film I was ever in with Dom was “Duality”, and it was the first acting role I have ever had on film. I wasn’t even going to show up to the audition, but I made myself. A long time friend of mine, Anthony Cogliandro, who I’ve known since I was a little kid playing T-Ball with him put a post up on the internet, saying that there were auditions being held at So and So address on this date, I called him and he explained everything about it to me and I decided to go. On that day I sat in my car, about a mile from the place and I just sat there and thought to myself. I was nervous, I never had an audition in MY LIFE, and now here’s one. So I forced myself to go, and when it was over I was so glad I did it, I wanted the part so BAD!

I actually went for the lead character, and that’s it. I had the option to audition for every part, but I only went for the lead character, and one more that he asked me to do. My mind was going crazy that week in work wondering if I got the part. All of a sudden one day my phone rings, I answer and it’s Dom, telling me I didn’t get the part, but he would love for me to play “Jared Winters” the scumbag druggy that’s best friends with the “bad twin” Travis, and even though I didn’t get what I went for, I was pumped!

After that, Dom wrote a short flick called, “Billboard America”, (which btw, Thank you! I’m glad you liked it.)

He wrote this in the middle of filming Duality, it was for a Film Contest. Dom had every one that was casted in Duality, try out for Lane Donnigan. I tried my ASS OFF! I studied that script in and out. Day of the audition, we picked names out of a hat to see who goes first, and of course… it was me. I was once again so nervous. When all was done I got the call and got, Lane Donnigan.

From there, our FAMILY was born, we have done so much more together, everyone that is.. We all became Door 11 Productions. We all help each other out and everyone has a saying in our group and all of us try so hard to make everything we make, the best. It’s hard to see me without this group of people in my life.

I love everyone of them, SHOUTOUT to the crew ( Dom, Pinot, Rohn, Ken, Cogs, Mizi, D, Michelle and the Cable guy!)

TMW - How do like working with Dom?

JS - I love working with Dom! That’s the bread and butter…
Dom LOVES Martin Scorsese, he refers to us as the Scorsese, DeNiro duo and I have no problem with that. But seriously, that’s how it is with us. They started the same way together and it feels good knowing we have what they have.

Dom knows exactly how I work, what I need, how I prepare, etc… and same goes with me. I know how Dom works and thinks and we just flow really good together and not just us, but everyone. Dom’s not afraid to cut the scene pull me aside and straight out say, “You’re not happy or what’s wrong with you?” He keeps me where I need to be if I fall off track and I bring everything to the table for him. I want his work to be the best and he wants my work to look and feel the best. We’re basically best friends; we talk all the time and exchange millions upon millions of ideas, just to make something that much better. I honestly can’t thank him enough for what he has done for me. Without him, I wouldn’t be the actor I am today, and it’s only going to get better. He knows my ability and if I’m not giving him that, he’ll put the camera down and say, when you’re ready let me know, it’s funny but true.. We both agree, we’re going to both make this at our 100%, or we’re not doing it. That’s what I love about him, he never settles. Some directors do, but not him.

Dom’s favorite line, “Ok that was perfect, now one more.”

He’s taught me SO MUCH about film, not just on camera, but also behind it… The magic that makes a movie. I’m so comfortable on film now and know that I can make any character giving to me the best character to my ability and it’s all because of him, and that is something I will NEVER forget.
I owe him anything and everything that I get out of acting in my life.

TMW - So tell us little bit about The Darkness Within and your part in the movie.

JS - It’s a story about a young couple who’s trying to survive in this world and start over but also realize there are some challenges in their way. One of their challenges is the next door neighbor; he’s a real creepy character who Chad believes is terrorizing them.
That’s the best way I can put it.
I play the life of Chad Morgan, the movie is based around him and what he’s going through in life. Chad’s a real quiet guy mostly, like’s to keep to himself.. The only thing that keeps him going is his girlfriend.

TMW - Could you be anymore vague? No I understand got keep the secrets or the director slits your throat. What more can you tell all of us about the work you have done and may doing in the future?

JS - Most of my work Is with Dom. I have done a lot of short films, plus the two Full Lengths I talked about. I play a different character in every role I have done, and that’s what I love about every film. With Dom, I got to show my talent in many different characters. My favorite character is probably “Jimmy the Hammer”; he’s a character I played in the most recent 24hr film race film called “Angel’s Lullaby” you can find it at (www.filmracing.com) under “2009 Boston Films”.  I try to really get into the role I play, I make myself become that character in front of the camera and off the camera.. I even walk around my house doing things the way my characters would do. I guess I’m a method actor.. But as I said, that’s the fun part of acting, being the character that I created.

Dom gives me the opportunity to make my own character. Dom would tell me what my role is, what my character is like and his motivation, and from there I can create whomever I want. When it comes to creating my character Dom trust me with that decision and knows that I will bring the character to life. My favorite part about making a character is actually the outfit he would wear. I put together every outfit myself, for every character that I have ever played and probably will continue to do so. I think one of Dom’s favorite things is waiting to see what getup I have on when I walk through his door.

There will always be future projects. Dom has actually written his next full length movie, I’m not going to give much, but I will say that this movie is a Comedy, completely different from the first two movies, I believe this movie will be the one the opens eyes, not that The Darkness Within won’t, but let’s keep in mind that “The Darkness within” was basically made with no Budget, I believe it cost 3 grand to make the whole movie and that’s saying a lot, because this movie looks so good for the money that was spent, imagine the possibilities when Dom has investors in on his next movie. Dom did a really good job with “Darkness” and everyone will be amazed at his ability in this field.

There are also some more short films on the way, but I will leave that in the air until it’s time to do so.

TMW - Dom does have a gift with the lens and I am sure it won’t be too long before that gets noticed. Now since this is an interview with The Movie Whore the question to ask is what are some of your favorite Movie Whore movies, you know the flicks your friends make fun of you for loving?

JS - I have to many movies I treasure, but some are: “Party Monster”, “The Goonies”, “Just one of the Guys”, “The Shinning”, and my favorite movie is “Miracle”.

I want to thank Jimmy for spending some time on the corner with us today and I if you’re in the Boston area you go this Friday to check out The Darkness Within to see Jimmy work. To get information on tickets head on over to Door Elven Productions and check it out. Be sure to be here all week for more interviews with the cast of The Darkness Within and a special interivew later this week with the man behind the picture, Dom Portalla.