Kevin Pollak is an actor and comedian based in Los Angeles, CA. He recently joined the social networking site Twitter and has begun to utilise both it and YouTube as a means of connecting with his audience.  In this this exclusive chat for Acting-Blog.com with Philip Larkin, Kevin Pollak talks about acting, twitter and his television shows.

PHILIP LARKIN: Kevin Pollak, most of us know you from your acting roles in films such as Willow, Wayne’s World and The Usual Suspects – although you were originally a standup comedian, from a very early age and still are for that matter – but Why did you decide to become an actor? How did that happen?

KEVIN POLLAK: I decided to become an actor at the age of six or seven, actually. I used to exit the theater, after having just watched a film, and proceed to “act” as whatever character from the film I enjoyed the most. I would be that character for several days after. Although my mom would laugh, it went usually from cute to annoying in under 24 hours.

PHILIP LARKIN: What’s the best advice you could give to actors?

KEVIN POLLAK: Just be prepared to give your life to it. If the rejection doesn’t destroy your will to live, it’s a lifelong commitment. And not to go Yoda on you, but it’s important to “try” to learn from the journey, and not be so focused on the destination.

PHILIP LARKIN: Just very recently, you have began ‘tweeting’ on Twitter and using your YouTube Channel to post videos. Just what or who exactly prompted you to join these sites?

KEVIN POLLAK: A pal, Jason Calacanis (Mahalo.com), introduced me to Twitter by signing me on, and the next thing I knew I had “followers”… For anyone who suffers from “Hey, look at me” disease as badly as I do, this “followers” thing was just too good to pass up. Then, as I was doing on-going commentary on Twitter during the Oscar telecast, and ended up with a shit-ton of replies, all insisting I was making it the best Oscars they had ever watched, I was hooked for life. It was during that Twitter-a-thon that I met a fella’ named Jipsi who then brought me to the community of YouTube.

PHILIP LARKIN: Were you shocked at the vast number of followers that quickly evolved to what I now believe to be above 82, 000 people on Twitter?

KEVIN POLLAK: If you mean MY followers, then yes, I was completely shocked. As I write this, it’s at 131,000 and change, and two days ago I was on a radio show, and they looked it up and it was 120,000, so…yeah, it’s “evolving” at a shocking rate. If, on the other hand, you did NOT mean MY followers, then I have no idea what that “82,000” means…

PHILIP LARKIN: Does that huge following intimidate you at all?

KEVIN POLLAK: It makes me smile and giggle a little, actually. First of all, it’s ridiculous, and I can’t really take it tooooo seriously. It’s really kinda’ cool. I do feel a sense of responsibility…but, really, just to keep up the flow of my tweets, and the juicy goodness, therein.

PHILIP LARKIN: I know that you’re filming a show for the history channel entitled, ‘What Every American Should Know’ – seemingly; a lot of your followers have become interested in this and anticipate it’s airdate – Does this prove how beneficial Twitter can be in gaining interest in your current projects?

KEVIN POLLAK: No doubt Twitter seems to be a potentially powerful marketing tool, but I really think those who choose to market themselves walk a thin line. I know for myself, I worry about crushing that delicate balance between answering all the “replies” that ask what future projects of mine they can look for, and just whoring every single spec of work I’m tinkering with…

PHILIP LARKIN: In terms of resources such as writers, actors and designers -Do you think a medium such as YouTube or Twitter could ‘get the ball rolling’ for projects that you have considered in the past, that you just haven’t had time to unfold?

KEVIN POLLAK: There does appear to be a greater, sudden, interest coming from Twitter land in what someone such as myself is “up to.” Whether or not they will follow through with their alleged loyal following is yet to be seen. I believe they will. I hope they will, and it certainly is one of the main factors in my decision to do Kevin Pollak’s Chat Show, which will debut as a live streaming video talk show on Sunday, March 22nd, at 5pm, PST. I’ve mentioned that a lot, and people have responded hugely with their alleged interest. If it’s genuine, then we’ll do the show every Sunday at 5pm, PST. If not…

PHILIP LARKIN: Do you think that Twitter could prove a useful resource for finding new writing or acting talent?

KEVIN POLLAK: It could, certainly. That’s one of the things I’m curious about. That would be truly a wonderful aspect of Twitter land. No pressure, btw.

PHILIP LARKIN: Would you recommend that other artists join YouTube or Twitter? If so, What benefits do you think can arise from its use?

KEVIN POLLAK: I have recommended it to others and I believe several are already into to it. The benefits, as well as the possibilities are boundless, if you ask me. Oh. Wait. You just did, so yeah.

PHILIP LARKIN: Kevin Pollak, It has been a pleasure.

KEVIN POLLAK: You’re welcome- It’s my pleasure.

Kevin Pollak is an actor and comedian who regularly produces his own YouTube videos, his weekly Chat Show & Podcast and starred alongside Tom Cruise in A Few Good Men.

Photograph by Mitchell Weinstock 2009

Currently, sitting in the most uncomfortable of the chair species – Airport Seating. Ugh. I’ve been up since 6am, for a 12pm flight. Weird, yes – however I have my reasons. Money being tight, I was offered a lift to the airport, albeit ‘free of charge’, that lift was a whole five hours before my flight! Silly, yes. But times are hard and all that crap – so I’m exploiting all opportunities.

Passing the time watching a podcast of Kevin Pollak’s Chatshow & enjoying his interview with Kevin Smith. Smith’s such a smart and interesting chap – and an excellent Storyteller. So, my company – whilst virtual, is quite enjoyable.

The sky is grey, the weather muggy and my arse is numb. I’m a little anxious about the MA & Scholarship interview tomorrow. I’m heavily relying on the Scholarship aspect to propel me forward and supply me with funding for this year – otherwise, I don’t know what I’ll do. Start working the theaters perhaps…

I’m going to review ‘Moon’ by Duncan Jones, and HAD intended to review the Harry Potter film – but I’ve decided that I’m not going to waste my time and that I’d just tell you that I thought it was horrible and ridiculously unimpressive. Talent centered around Maggie Smith, Michael Gambon, Jim Broadbent and of course, Alan Rickman. Rupert Grint surprised me though – a very strong and enjoyable performance.

As for the rest. Yeah, silence says more than words could ever…

My girlie, Catherine, is performing in Ulysses the Opera on London’s South Bank this week. Very much looking forward to that! Although, I’ll be sick of travelling by…Hmm, lets say THIS AFTERNOON! But still, cannot wait.

Check out the website for more info, and sure why not drop by if you’re in London this week! =)

http://www.ulyssesthemusical.com

Right now – I’m off to mull over this ‘Moon’ review and enjoy more of Pollak & Smith.

=)

x

As promised, I have the link for my interview with Hollywood actor and comedian Kevin Pollak http://bit.ly/16Uc1R – Kevin was nice enough to grant me the interview for my old pal Mark’s acting blog. Such a nice guy. Check it out!

Something concerns me though. As I mentioned in a previous post – police presence is still pretty high here in Derry. Slightly apprehensive about celebrating today, given the heightened security and imminent threat of a retaliation attack. We kind’ve freaked out last night when we went out for a couple of drinks. The student’s union was evactuated around 12am and we were quickly shifted out. Could have been worse… Could’ve been told to leave my Guinness behind. Actually, wait – I was. Sneaky little fucker so I am!

Anywho. We were fine and got back in and then left quite quickly. Aside from the fact that we were hustled out, it was relatively boring and smelly so it all worked out great in the end…

I had intended to post a proper review of Watchmen, although having been swamped with University work, I’m finding it harder and harder to post regularly in between assignments.

Watchmen was fantastic. Possibly the best comic-film adaptation I’ve yet seen. Although I’d have to watch it again a few times to be sure…

Rarshack proved the most enjoyable, next to comedian and I’m sorry but Dr. Manhattan’s giant blue member was possibly both the most distracting and inadecuecy-inducing thing I’ve ever had to bear witness to.

The movie itself was great and very true to the comic book form. Lots of humanism throughout and full of mortal flaws – something you don’t always see in a superhero movie.

Well – lots of work to do. I’ve a play to partially translate, another article for WritingEngine and my iPhone update to amuse myself with today.

Happy St.Patrick’s.

x

As promised, I have the link for my interview with Hollywood actor and comedian Kevin Pollak http://bit.ly/16Uc1R – Kevin was nice enough to grant me the interview for my old pal Mark’s acting blog. Such a nice guy. Check it out!

Something concerns me though. As I mentioned in a previous post – police presence is still pretty high here in Derry. Slightly apprehensive about celebrating today, given the heightened security and imminent threat of a retaliation attack. We kind’ve freaked out last night when we went out for a couple of drinks. The student’s union was evactuated around 12am and we were quickly shifted out. Could have been worse… Could’ve been told to leave my Guinness behind. Actually, wait – I was. Sneaky little fucker so I am!

Anywho. We were fine and got back in and then left quite quickly. Aside from the fact that we were hustled out, it was relatively boring and smelly so it all worked out great in the end…

I had intended to post a proper review of Watchmen, although having been swamped with University work, I’m finding it harder and harder to post regularly in between assignments.

Watchmen was fantastic. Possibly the best comic-film adaptation I’ve yet seen. Although I’d have to watch it again a few times to be sure…

Rarshack proved the most enjoyable, next to comedian and I’m sorry but Dr. Manhattan’s giant blue member was possibly both the most distracting and inadecuecy-inducing thing I’ve ever had to bear witness to.

The movie itself was great and very true to the comic book form. Lots of humanism throughout and full of mortal flaws – something you don’t always see in a superhero movie.

Well – lots of work to do. I’ve a play to partially translate, another article for WritingEngine and my iPhone update to amuse myself with today.

Happy St.Patrick’s.

x