Adventures in Indie Filmmaking: Interview with Patrick Green

The Texture of Falling

How long have you been an actor?

I always find that question a bit difficult because I think I've been acting all my life. As a young child, imagination play was by far my favorite. However, I did not actually begin studying Theatre and Drama until Junior High School, around the age of 12, and I continued that throughout High School and College.

After College, I had to take a fairly long hiatus from acting while I worked for Child Protective Services but after some time, I returned to the Theatre before I found my way into film acting which I've been concentrating on for the past 6 years. Overall, I'd say I have actively been studying and performing as an actor for approximately 14 years or so.

What do you remember about your first time on camera?

The Texture of Falling

I remember reading a lot about film acting and how that was different from the theatre so, of course, that meant I knew everything. No, but really, I just remember thinking "wow, this takes forever". One of the first things you learn as a film actor is patience, I believe.

There are so many moving parts and so many people involved, and all of these parts fit together to make a whole that is so much bigger and better than the individual pieces. It's a great big puzzle of creative endeavor with the eventual hope of moving and entertaining an audience.

Crazy Right

What type of roles do you prefer?

I don't know that I have a strong preference for any particular type of role. I do like playing with roles that I haven't had the opportunity to play before. Roles that scare me and, when reading, where I ask myself "how in the world am I gonna pull that off?" especially intrigue me. I like a challenge.

I will say that I'm not very often cast in comedy and that's always fun but, for the most part, I think I tend to get the dark, troubled man in dramas. That's okay with me because I do love really having the opportunity to explore emotions and feelings that may make many uncomfortable.

AS Ethan Ray in The Devil Knows his Own

I invite controversy because I really love being able to dig deep and having something to chew on. Something that I hope will bring about an emotional response in an audience. My greatest love about acting is that I think it helps exemplify how all of us humans are so much more alike than we are different.

If we could look beyond petty differences and see the artifice of society at large, I think we would all love each other a bit more. I personally feel that story and film, as exemplified throughout time, have the great power of bringing people together and helping them understand others.

What drew you to this project, "The Dogwood Forest"?

Number one, it's something that I haven't had the opportunity to do in the past. I love the play with fantasy in the script. The subject matter is also close to my heart since I worked with child abuse victims for a very long time in my prior career. Finally, I get to play a dog come to human form. That sealed the deal. If you couldn't tell, I love dogs.

Patrick and his best friend Abby

Tell us a little bit about your character.

My character is Sadie's dog Brutus come to life in human form. Brutus is Sadie's closest companion and, in her fantasies, her greatest protector. He would do anything for her as he cherishes her and wants nothing more than for her to be safe.

What's the biggest challenge about taking on this role?

I think it's going to be incredibly fun and challenging to play with the blurred line of reality and fantasy while also working with incorporating my dog counterpart's spirit.

What makes a good scene partner?

Oh, so many things. The best scene partners are those that are incredible listeners, which is a very difficult and overlooked skill; those who are incredibly focused; and, who are flexible and willing to play with ideas. I think ego and such must fly out the window when you are working with another actor. The only things that are important in that moment are being present, vulnerable, focused, and willing to dig deep.

If someone was going to make your life into a movie, who would play you?

Me. (I'd probably be the only one even mildly interested in the role.)