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Stephen Katz

Stephen Katz
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Interview With Stephen Katz By Chris 3/11/07

Stephen Katz is an actor with talent going places, read on.
Stephen Website

1. What made you want to become an actor?

As far back as I can remember I have always loved to express myself and entertain. When I started studying the craft seriously, I fell in love with it; the opportunity to use my emotions and experiences to tell a story is something that appealed to me right away. Simply said, I love that my job allows me to tell great stories. At the deepest level acting is therapy for me.

2. What was like working on Skid Marks?

Skid Marks was just an all around fun movie. I grew my hair out for months before we started shooting. We were on location in San Diego and It’s funny because they put the cast and crew up in dorm rooms at San Diego State University, so It was great being in that type of environment, having never gone to college. Everyone was a pleasure to work with on set and had a great time; very low stress. Also one thing that was very special is I was able to work with my close friend and fellow actor David Shultz who is very talented and funny.

3. What was Karl Kozak like to work with?

It was a great pleasure working with Karl. He is a very low stress director and creates such a comfortable vibe on his set. One of the great things about Karl is that he is very humble. He treated everyone with respect; from the Craft services person to the actors- and everyone in between, he treated everyone the same, and gave everyone the same amount of respect.

4. Had you seen any of his earlier work?

He’s going to kill me! But you know I haven’t had a chance yet to see his earlier work, but I will very soon – he is on my netflix list. Having worked with him and seeing his talent firsthand, I can’t wait to see his other work.

5. What do you do to prepare for a role?

When I work on a new project I immediately try to identify myself in it. Ask myself: How am I like this character? Have I personally gone through similar things? How can I use what has happened in my own life to tell this story? I also believe in doing your Homework. Whenever I am cast in a role I do all I can to learn about it. For instance when Tony Kaye cast me in “Montana Meth Project”, I did everything I could to tell the story the correct way. I went out and talked to Meth Addicts, I researched what it does to you, how it makes feel, etc.

6. Any techniques you use to remember lines?

Funny you ask this. I get asked this all the time from people. And you know I don’t have any real techniques. When I am acting I am not thinking to myself “Oh my gosh what’s my next line”. I am totally focused on my work and listening to my cast mate. Listening is a big key, it is just as important as speaking.

7. What was it like working on a Korn video clip?

If you can imagine, Snoop Dogg, David Banner, Lil Jon, Xzibit, and the 4 guys from KORN all in one room! Its funny, because I actually auditioned for a much smaller role, however the producer saw my audition tape and cast me as one of the leads! This was a very special project for me because it allowed me to be around and work with so many different creative artists all at once. There is a scene, which Snoop Dogg and I are sitting in a room, and he slaps me… well you could imagine how red my face was after doing that scene 20 times. It will always be one of my favorite projects I have worked on.

8. Was the band easy to get a long with?

Hell yea! They were all great guys. There were no egos or any of that on set. I had some great conversations with all of them. Snoop Is one funny guy, Jon (Lil Jon) shared with me his journey into the business, they were all great guys and for a young artist like myself it was just an honor to work with all of them. I felt truly blessed.

9. Are you happy how the Montana Meth Ads were received?

VERY MUCH SO! When I first found out I was selected for an audition for this project, I knew it would be a project that would effect many people and save many lives. Meth use in Montana has gone down dramatically since these ads started airing and crime has gone down in record numbers. I knew we created something special when I saw the article on the front page of the “National” section of the New York Times.

10. Do you think it helped spread the message across about how bad the drug is?

Absolutely. The Director, Tony Kaye made these ads hard-hitting and very graphic. I think it gets the point across of just how bad meth is, and not only what it does to you, but also how it affects your family and friends. Since it started airing in Montana teen Meth use has gone down by 45%, adult use has gone down 75% and there has been a 53% decrease in meth related crime.

11. What have you got lined up next?

I just read for a lead role in a new sit-com for ABC Family so we will see what happens with that. All in all I just hope to continue to be able to work on great projects with talented people.

12. What's in your stereo at the moment?

Kenny G, Michael Jackson, Jay-Z, Justin Timberlake, Matisyahu.

13. Would you ever go overseas for a role?

In a Minute! One of the great things about shooting on location is the chance to experience a different culture and geography. Whenever I am shooting on location, I take time to talk to locals, and travel around.

14. Any plans to write and direct a film at some stage?

Definitely. I don’t see myself doing that anytime soon because I still have so much to learn, but I definitely would love to direct and write in the future for sure.

15. What don't you like about Hollywood and the film industry?

I would say that unfortunately some people just get so caught up in the industry and the atmosphere, that they seem to lose sight of what’s really important in life and what truly matters. I must say though, the positive things about this business greatly outweigh the negative.

16. Who has helped you out the most as an actor?

My parents. They have always believed in me and encouraged me to be myself and make my dreams a reality.

17. What the biggest problem you faced so far as an actor?

The most difficult time I had was actually just having the belief in myself and the courage to move to Los Angeles at 18. Being in a new city all alone is a hard adjustment; forces you to grow up very fast.

18. Have you had any bad experiences yet?

No. I always learn from every experience so I don’t view any experience as bad. I just go with the flow of life and learn from it.

19. What kind of role would you most like to play?

You know I don’t have a specific preference; I just love to challenge myself and work on great meaningful projects that can make a difference in the world and peoples lives.

20. Who have you enjoyed working with the most?

Tony Kaye. He is an amazing director and a great guy. Tony is an actors dream to work with. I now know why Edward Norton was nominated for his only Oscar while working with Tony on “American History X” – he just gives the actor total freedom to express and move. He was the one who got me eligible to join the Screen Actors Guild union. He was also the first person to really give me a chance. I will always be grateful to him for everything he did for me. To have him hire me twice is such an honor!

Thanks for your time. Any last words?

Just want to thank everyone for all the support and kind words I have been given. I truly appreciate it. I will leave you with my favorite quote from my favorite actor, James Dean– “DREAM AS IF YOU’LL LIVE FOREVER, LIVE AS IF YOU’LL DIE TODAY”