Over the last several months here at OneFilmFan.com, I’ve had the ongoing pleasure to make multiple connections in the East-Northeast corner of the United States, specifically in the areas of New York City and Boston, MA. Between directors and actors, it has more than proven these locations are a hotbed of activity for independent film and those involved with making them. One such director was Sean Meehan, whose newest short film effort “Total Performance” I had the honor to be sent for screening and review. Through this opportunity came this newest interview with one of the co-stars in that film, MA-born, now NYC-livin’ Steven Conroy. Gaining experience via several short films and even an uncredited appearance in “The Wolf Of Wall Street”, Mr. Conroy was kind enough to take the time and provide his insights into the world of indie film he currently inhabits as well as some background on his life and how acting became a passion.
One Film Fan: I always enjoy first getting to know a bit about you in general, as well as an initially broad understanding of how you ended up acting. Born in Mansfield, MA and now in Brooklyn, NY. Tell us about that journey and the person who is Steven Conroy.
Steven Conroy: Steven Conroy’s journey to acting is a relatively simple one. I was an extremely rambunctious adolescent, and got attention the only way I knew how: by being a big ole bully. I was bigger than the other kids in my class- very Patrick Renna à la “The Sandlot” and “The Big Green”- and used that to make fun of other kids to get attention. It wasn’t until fifth grade that my teacher, Mrs. Moore, recognized that that energy could be channeled another way. Against my will I was cast as Willy Wonka in “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” and soon became aware that I could make people laugh without putting people down. So being the center of attention is what brought me to acting, and the craft is why I stayed.
O.F.F.: How did you further learn the art (ie: mentors, influences, and schooling)?
S.C.: By doing it. I’m terrible in theoretical situations. Ugh- talking about acting is like talking about eating a sandwich. Just eat the damn sandwich! I would much rather do it, mess up, learn from it, and do it again. I like to take the rehearsal.
Two early influences of mine were Christa Crewdson, and my Nana. Christa was a director I worked with in community theatre, my middle school theatre teacher, and improv coach. She was a fierce fighter who overcame make hardships of her own. She really instilled within me a strong work ethic, and commitment towards the craft. Her outlook taught me how to shape the way I view work before I begin a project. My Nana was a different kind of artist- she was a painter- but not a professional, she did it just for fun. She never cared for perfection in her work. She knew there was always another canvas. It’s art- it’s supposed to be joyful. These two women really shaped my early approach towards performance.
O.F.F.: Being relatively new to the acting scene film-wise, what was the experience like the first time you did a film role via the, albeit uncredited, part in a seriously big effort, “The Wolf of Wall Street”?
S.C.: Watching Leonardo DiCaprio’s work ethic blew my mind. Of course, he has an established relationship with Martin Scorsese, but it was refreshing to see their open dialogue with one another. They both care fiercely about each take, and sometimes their opinions varied, but were able to talk about them in an open, and constructive manner. Some people get too possessive, or afraid to see things from another perspective. That’s just as dangerous in life as it is in art.
O.F.F.: I see you’ve also done several appearances in television-based series and films as well—ie: “The Sublet”, “The Key Of Awesome”, “Smash”, and “Hack My Life” among others. How have you found those projects have helped you grow as an actor?
S.C.: Every experience allows me to grow as an actor. The more I’m on set, the more I learn- from directors, fellow actors, gaffers, script supervisor, etc. For me, the more time I spend on film/television sets the more I realize everyone has such an important, specific job. I can’t worry about anything other than doing the best I can right in that moment. It has allowed me to stop thinking big picture, and just focus on just being there. Plus, everyone has a good set story.
O.F.F.: Do you see yourself moving forward more in a TV context, or is film still the ultimate goal?
S.C.: Right now I see myself moving more towards TV. I love the pace! Constantly getting new scripts, rewrites, not knowing where the story will lead, etc.- I find it all very exciting.
O.F.F.: So, onto your current project, the short film “Total Performance”, currently out online. What drew you to this film and/or how did the opportunity come about?
S.C.: I saw the posting, empathized with Tim’s character description (such a bizarre sentence to write) and auditioned for it.
O.F.F.: Can’t get simpler than that! Tell us a little about the character, Tim Madsen, you play in it.
S.C.: Tim is a regular guy in a very relatable situation. He’s in a serious relationship that has plateaued. Another person piques his interest, and he wrestles with his “Nice-guy-complex” of how to end a relationship where nothing bad has happened- it has just come to a natural completion. How does he end it and not come off as the bad guy. It’s very selfish.
O.F.F.: How did you find yourself getting into the mindset of that character, given he is a rather huge part of the moral of the story by the end?
S.C.: Despite my bully past, I’m a pretty nice guy myself. And I know what it’s like not wanting to disappoint other people, despite it ultimately being the best decision for myself. We all like comfort, but sometimes it’s not the best thing for us.
O.F.F.: How was it working alongside your fellow actors like Tory Berner, Timothy J. Cox, Caitlin Berger, Anthony Rainville, and Paul Locke?
S.C.: I actually only worked with Tory and Caitlin on set. Both were extremely talented, and incredibly relaxed. We were all willing to jump in and do a bunch of different takes.
O.F.F.: How about some thoughts on being directed by Sean Meehan? Any funny anecdotes from the set? Or is it, like Sean mentioned in his interview, mostly inside jokes?
S.C.: Sean is a joy to work with! He talks with his hands, creates the best work environment, and is your biggest fan. We’re working together on another project right now!
O.F.F.: What other projects are on the horizon or would you LIKE to be involved in?
S.C.: I’m currently developing a web series, I have a national commercial coming out in the next few weeks (it’s for BDO- keep your eyes open), I have two shorts in post, one web series in post, and another indie film that’s wrapping up production soon. I want to make that leap to network television.
O.F.F.: I also read that you are involved with Actor’s Equity Association and Luna Stage Company, Inc. Can you expand a little on being tied to these organizations and how it relates to your acting aspirations?
S.C.: I was trained and have my degree in theatre, so when I moved to NYC I started auditioning for as many theaters as possible. I’ve been lucky to perform in Boston, Kentucky, Delaware, Washington DC, New Jersey, upstate New York, and right in NYC. I earned enough points to join Actor’s Equity Association after doing a show at Luna Stage. Stage acting is still very important to me, and I collaborate with two companies that are both constantly creating work that challenges myself, and asks a lot of the audience. Check them out: www.deconstructivetheatreproject.org and www.no11productions.com.
O.F.F.: I have found over time in reviewing films, whether feature length or short, as well as many actors, producers, directors within the independent film world that it’s already hard enough to make a film, much less get it noticed in ANY form. Top this off with the fact indie films have ended up being some of the BEST efforts I’ve come across because of their focus on character and story—effectively going beyond the budget in order to bring depth. Do you agree?
S.C.: Yes. There is so much content out there- it’s unbelievably difficult to get any notice without large sums of money. I’ve worked with some tremendous filmmakers on some very thoughtful and personal projects that have more depth and nuance than a lot that I have seen from major studios. But unless you have the money to get people to notice it, it seems to be a fruitless cause. Sorry if I sound a little defeated on the subject. I am currently writing and producing a web series, and money is our biggest obstacle right now. I’d love to say story trumps money, but there definitely needs to be a balance. Without money, there is no one to hear your story, unfortunately.
O.F.F.: How tough is it to find consistent work in the indie film world in a city like New York? I have the understanding that, fortunately, it’s a tight-knit and overall very supportive community there. Has this been your overall experience? And how important do you feel it is that more awareness and promotion of indie films happens?
S.C.: It’s incredibly difficult to land any sort of role in an indie film. I would disagree with your notion that it’s a tight-knit community. Very supportive- yes, but indie is not just the genre, but how it’s made. It’s people going off on their own and making something. Very few people are aware of the work going on around them with the exception of those projects that rise to the top.
O.F.F.: Gotta bring it all to a close with the classic, hard-to-answer question. What is YOUR favorite film of all time and why?
S.C.: “Being There” because Peter Sellers.
Hard to get more straight-forward than that! Want to know why that is his favorite film? Check it out and see! Needless to say, Steven Conroy is a man seriously driven by his passion for acting and ALL the mediums through which he can practice his art. As he indicated above, it sounds like a wealth of material we as viewers can catch him in is on its way or in development, and we greatly anticipate seeing this talented indie voice bring more of that to the big, little, and computer screens as well as to the theatrical stage to boot. Want to follow what is going on with Steven Conroy? Check out these sites to do just that:
“Follow” Steven on his Twitter account:
here“Like” his Facebook Page:
hereCheck out his website:
hereWatch the “Total Performance” film itself:
hereCheck out the “Total Performance” Facebook Page:
hereAs is always deserved, I extend another heartfelt “Thank You!!” to Steven Conroy for his willingness to take the time out of a busy schedule (which of these people ISN’T busy? LOL But that’s a GOOD thing!) to answer my questions and provide his view of the indie film/TV world to share with readers. Stay tuned to see more interviews, film reviews, and who knows what else might come down the pipe here at OneFilmFan.com! Until next time, spread the word, and thank you for reading!
