Celebrity Interview with Actor Derek Long
February 2010 Edition


By: Isaac Davis Jr., BGS, MBA

Our Webzine recently had a wonderful opportunity to speak with an amazing award-winning film, television, voice-over and stage actor based out of  Los Angeles, California. Derek Long has successfully starred and performed in many outstanding Indie projects that showcase the actor’s enormous talent. In this spotlight with the actor, Derek expounds on his life as an actor and why he enjoys performing. Here is what formulated.

Isaac: Hi Derek, I wanted to first thank you for taking the time from your busy schedule to complete this interview.

Derek: Thanks You, Isaac.

Isaac: Let's get started with the interview. I am so thankful for many things in 2009. What are you most thankful for in 2009?

Derek: 2009 for me was a year of seeing the rewards from all the work in 2008. All the positive feedback from 'Make the Yuletide Gay' was amazing. And here we are in a new decade! I hope it's going to be amazing one.

Isaac: You have starred in several successful indie films. What do you believe has been the main attraction to these films?

Derek: Indie films take more risks than mainstream films. There isn't the pressure to please a wide audience. Although, it's always a nice surprise when a wider audience decides they like an indie film. And the big studios are taking notice of this. It'll be interesting to see what the future brings forIndie films.

Isaac: Who was your favorite actor to work with so far in the films you have worked in?

Derek: I don't wanna choose a favorite. Kelly Keaton and I are both from Wisconsin, and I think we have that special 'Cheesehead' bond. She's also a warm-hearted soul, and a real cut-up.

Isaac: When working on the set of your films, do you have any inputs on the characters you play?

Derek: I hope so! I like a director who has a specific vision, but is open enough to allow some input.Something might come up in the scene that he hasn't considered, and it could make the scene better...or not....but it becomes a team effort.

Isaac: Which character you have played in the past that you most relate to your own personal experiences and why?



Derek: I gotta go with Sven in 'Make the Yuletide Gay'. His 'weed' lifestyle was very much a part of my college curriculum. Although I think Cooper in ‘3 Day Weekend' is closer to my own personality. And his philosophy on aging is definitely something I share.

Isaac: What is the one aspect that you enjoy about working in films?

Derek: It's fun stepping onto a set where a reality has been created for you to exist in. The camera is the audience, and there is more of a sense that you're 'in a world'.

Isaac: You also have a successful career as a Voice-Over actor. What do you find rewarding about Voice-Over?

Derek: The great thing about voice-over is that you can roll out of bed and do it without worrying what you look like.

Isaac: What do you think is the most challenging part about being a Voice-Over actor?

Derek: For the same reason: because you are only heard, your voice has to convey more specific things. It's a very subtle, very calculating acting skill.

Isaac: What has been your favorite project that you worked on as a Voice-Actor and why?

Derek: I played a rat who was a mad scientist in an animation pilot. He was sort of Boris Karloff on speed. It was fun to do something 'out there' creatively.

Isaac: Which one do you prefer: Voice-Over Acting or Acting and why?

Derek: I think most actors would probably choose Acting, because you have more to work with than just your voice although that's what can make voice-over a fun challenge. Either way, I think it depends on how creative the project is going to be.

Isaac: One of your recent achievements was when you were named Best Supporting Actor by FILMOUT San Diego. How has receiving this award and recognition validated your performances in films?

Derek: It was an audience award, so it was particularly validating for me, personally. Actors thrive on audience appreciation. It feels like I did my job.

Isaac: You have a fantastic website. How has having an official website helped you professionally?

Derek: Thanks for that. I think it makes you feel more established as an actor. It's a great way for people in the industry to connect. I landed this great interview because of it!

Isaac: What is next for Derek Long? What are some up and coming projects that you are working on currently?

Derek: I'm doing 2 plays at the Lyric Theatre in LA. Shakespeare's 'Merry Wives of Windsor' , and CarylChurchill's 'Cloud 9'. Two distinctly different plays and I am looking forward to playing in both.

Official Website:
http://www.dereklong.net/