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In Their Own Words: Actor Adam Herschman of “Nigel & Oscar vs. The Sasquatch”

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Greetings readers and a Happy Fourth of July to you all, even if you’re reading this sometime down the road AFTER the Fourth! As the journey at OneFilmFan.com keeps plugging away in the ever-expanding, ever-changing universe that is independent film, director Drew Hall and his production company Frame 29 Films had brought out an exclusive chance for us to preview and review his newest effort, “Nigel & Oscar Vs. The Sasquatch”.  A straight-forward adventure in silliness and laughs, we were now given the opportunity to interview one of the film’s established comedic actors, Adam Herschman, who was kind enough to take time to quickly, concisely, and with some deftly placed, subtle humor, answer questions about his own journey, the film, working in comedy, and of course, his favorite film.  So, right to it with Adam Herschman!

One Film Fan: The story so far, how were you first drawn to the acting profession as a whole? When did it become evident that acting was going to be your career choice?

Adam Herschman: I always enjoyed making people laugh so I think that had something to do with it.  I remember shooting my first paid job–a commercial. I had them laughing in the audition, but then in the commercial, I had no lines and the director didn’t say anything to us before the first shot. I remember asking another actor, “what do we do?” He said “I’m not sure.” I think that’s when I knew this could be a good career choice for me. And also free breakfast on set. 

O.F.F.: How did you further learn the art (ie: mentors, influences, and schooling)?

A.H.: Acting was a second career. I didn’t go to school for it. I was a copywriter when I moved to LA and that’s when I started taking acting and improv classes. I took classes at The Groundlings, Tom Todoroff and Lesly Kahn. Then I joined a sketch group, worked on student/short films, and even went on a few game shows to get experience in front of a camera and audience. Influences— Bill Murray, Chevy Chase, Jon Belushi, Eugene Levy, Eddie Murphy, Gene Wilder, Katherine O’Hara, and “Ellis” from Die Hard. 

O.F.F.: More specifically (if not already covered), what really made you want to stick with the comedic side of acting?  Natural goofball? Like making people laugh? Hate everything else? LOL

A.H.: If an Oscar winning movie is on one channel and “Spaceballs” is on the other, I’m watching “Spaceballs”. Not sure why, but I know that.

O.F.F.: You’ve had a path in film over the years that has put you in some big comedy releases, ie: “I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry”, “Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story”, “Soul Men” and others, which have, in turn, placed you in the company of some great veteran actors like Adam Sandler, Kevin James, Jessica Biel, Samuel L. Jackson, the late Bernie Mac, John C. Reilly, and more!  Wow!  How have those experiences been?

A.H.: My goal when I started auditioning was to book one line in a movie. So being fortunate enough to work with the people you mentioned is beyond what I dreamed of. Quick story, I was cut out of “Step Brothers”. That sucked, but the silver lining was watching Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly work. I learned a lot by watching their approach before takes and after takes. They didn’t waste time chit-chatting, they were focused. They saved their good stuff for the camera. There’s a reason actors like Ferrell, Reilly, Samuel L. Jackson, and Sandler are successful, and it’s not just talent. They out work everyone. And they have great agents.

O.F.F.: You’ve also had some TV experiences thrown in the mix as well.  Film vs. TV roles? One better than the other? The same?

A.H.: Depends on the material, but I like both. 

O.F.F.: So, onto your recently completed project, “Nigel & Oscar vs. The Sasquatch, yet to be released (but that OneFilmFan.com had a chance to preview! Yeah, baby! Humbly said, mind you!). What drew you to this film?

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A.H.: The script was great. After I read it, I really wanted to be a part of the project.

O.F.F.: Tell us a little about the character, Oscar, you play in it.

A.H.: Oscar is the ultimate wing man. His brother, Nigel, desperately wants to find Sasquatch and Oscar is ready to risk it all to help him. He also loves soup (film spoiler). 

O.F.F.: Having seen the film, it was great to have some straight-forward, almost completely clean, fun, humor! Overall, how much silly fun was it to film this?

A.H.: I’ve never had so much fun. We were in a forest! Looking for Sasquatch! It was like camp. For 2 weeks the cast and crew  stayed in Mt. Cheaha in Alabama. We ate together, hung out, had bonfires. It was a fun time, and I think that energy shows up in the film.

O.F.F.: How was it working alongside actors like Paul Brittain, Christine Bently, Sherri Eakin, Neil Flynn, and Tim Meadows?

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A.H.: They were awesome. I was familiar with Neil and Tim from their work, and those dudes were hilarious.  Neil plays fantasy baseball, which I found fascinating. Paul, Neil and I talked a lot about baseball. Take that Wikipedia! I worked the most with Paul. He reminds me of Will Forte. He can be so serious and funny at the same time.

O.F.F.: Director Drew Hall.  A truly great, talented guy to work with.  Agree?

A.H.: Yes. But don’t tell him I said so. Drew is like a players coach for actors. He has no ego and just wants what’s best for the film. His set has a family atmosphere and he allows actors to improv and play the scene. Like “Napoleon Dynamite” was a breakthrough for Jared Hess, Drew Hall brings his unique sensibilities and comedic spin to this film. This film is awesome because of him and I’m grateful to be a part of it. 

O.F.F.: What current projects are on the plate or upon the near horizon for you?

A.H.: Last season I worked on the VH1 hit TV series “Hindsight”! It is coming back for a second season, and we start filming in the fall. It takes place in the 1990’s and I play video store clerk named Sebastian. If you haven’t seen the first season check it out online or on VH1. From what I’ve heard so far the second season is going to be amazing! 

O.F.F.: So with your litany of comedies, has it ever crossed your mind to try another genre? Or are you completely and utterly satisfied with comedy?

A.H.: I’d love to do sci-fi or action. A sports movie would be amazing. I could take over for Hugh Jackman and play Wolverine if I had a trainer and 2 years to get in shape. I already have the hair and undershirts.

O.F.F.: What advice would you give to someone looking to get into the film industry in general?

A.H.: Get as much experience as you can! Classes, improv, stand-up, theater, student/short film, game shows—you never who you are going to meet or what you’re going to learn. 

O.F.F.: Always need to ask this one to finish things off. What is YOUR favorite film of all time?  Why?

A.H.: “Caddyshack”. It makes me laugh every time!

 

And so says the talented and hilarious Adam Herschman!  OneFilmFan.com extends our heartfelt “Thank you!!” to Mr. Herschman again for the opportunity to pick his brain and find out in doing so who will ultimately be taking over Jackman’s spot as Wolverine! LOL  You heard it here first, folks! So take notice and keep watching for more of Adam Herschman in the upcoming “Nigel & Oscar” as well as on VH1’s hit series, “Hindsight”.  And if there’s MORE you wish to know, how about checking out the following:

“Follow” Adam on Twitter: here

“Like” Adam’s Facebook Page: here

Frame 29 Films: here

Until next time, folks, take care, and a safe Holiday and keep spreading the word about OneFilmFan.com! Thanks for reading! More to come!

 

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  1. This guy is NO actor, he ruined “Accepted ” due to his inability to interact with people and thinks that he is some sort of primadonna, but the other actors couldn’t stand him. He can’t distinguish between the character and himself. Complete psycho, just visiting, no luggage!

  2. Tim (a different Tim). You nailed it. There is nothing more to say. I would have used exactly the same words that you did. He’s NOT funny and did ruin Accepted because of not only his stupidity, but many of the fellow actors (stretching it here referring to Hershman as an actor) said that they would never work with him again.