Multi-award winning Matt Austin is one of Toronto’s hardest working and fastest rising stars. Studying film at both Centennial College and Humber College, Matt first separated himself by winning a writing award for his first short film If Six Were Nine, which was nominated to be included in the TVO TELEFEST ‘99 of student work. After taking acting classes, Matt secured an agent and began landing roles instantly and consistently. Featured in more than a dozen national commercials (Oh Henry, McDonalds), Matt was a lead character in the first season of CBC's Spynet, Showtime's MOW A Separate Peace, Dawn of the Dead and more. His performance in Shawn Postoff's short film Coming to Terms has been screened at over 30 International film festivals, broadcast on CBC and earned Matt ‘Best MalePerfo rmance’ awards from The Manitoba Film Festival as well as the Yorkton Short Film Festival. Currently, Matt is working on two feature length screenplays - Giant Sequoias and Two Dollars Away - while he is wrapping POWER RANGERS - SPACE PATROL DELTA in New Zealand for Disney/ABC. For all the latest info on Matt, check out his website: http://www.matt-austin.com

How did you get started as an actor?
While I was in university the Theatre program was canceled and the Film program I was involved in was theory based. You didn't actually get to hold a camera or shoot a script until post grad. In high school I had directed and acted in a few plays. However, the schools' population was tiny and compared to other arts- focused schools, there were only *so* many people interested in the school play and the drama program... Basically, me and another guy. We got cast in the all the productions. Because of no competition, I didn't really know my "worth" as an actor....until university.

I had auditioned, amongst hundreds of other actors (some IN the program), for a spot in the annual play...and nabbed the lead role. With my interests lying in developing my craft as an actor and filmmaker, and the university unable to foster that, and paying for it on my own buck, I decided to drop out and try my skills in the real world. Shortly after coming back to Toronto...I sent a tape to a manager...got representation...and booked my first professional gig on my first professional audition. It was a Tim Hortons spot. Since then I've climbed the rungs on the Toronto film scene through working on gritty award winning indies, bit spots on American/Canadian TV shows, and a slew of successful and long running commericals...Then came Power Rangers.

Was there a specific moment in your life when you absolutely knew you wanted to be a performer?
When I was very small. Like 6 or so. I was obsessed with Superman. I'd dress in costume underneath my regular street clothes...and change in phone booths when out in public with my parents. One day my mother told me my dreams of becoming Superman were, well...not realistic...in that it was an actor PLAYING THE PART of Superman. That changed everything. If I couldn't be Superman, I'd be an actor....

Has your family been supportive of your choice of careers?
They have always known that whatever I pursue with passion and ambition I will be successful in. They have known people have always been entertained by me, and in turn, I love entertaining people...When I started booking things (on average once a month) and had a tremendous amount of respect and support from my peers, they saw that I could carry this through as a career.

You've studied both theater, and film/tv production. Do you feel that studying the arts has made a big difference in your career?
I think you should know what everyone does and why they do it. Studying all these components has made me more competent. Sometimes, however, being too aware I have found can be a blessing and curse. I feel that the reel/real world/people has more to offer someone looking to learn who then immerses himself in it.

In your opinion, is a degree in the arts essential to a successful career?
Learning and questioning should be never-ending. You can do that in and out of school. BUT, having something to fall back on (technique/guidance wise) is an important backbone to have for your skeleton.

In addition to acting, you've also written, directed, and produced your own film projects. How does your experience "behind the camera" affect your approach to acting? Has anything you've learned directing and producing changed the way you work as an actor?
It changes it dramatically (pun). For real. As a writer I am trying to convey a story through a person's experience with it. As an actor, when I read a script...it's very important for me to know what is going on...in terms of plot...story...characters...and the tone of the scene. These are all things that must be in the writing...however...some actors don't immediately get a grasp on them in an initial read...without breaking it down...or a director explaining the relationship.

Because of my writing background I often immediately know what I have to do in the scene...for that scene...and for the film/episode/series to make sense in the sum of it's parts. As a director I know that I can manipulate the story...with certain kinds of camera shots, lighting, score and edits...I can do virtually anything I want with a performance. Because of this, as an actor, it takes the stress away...I know that everything is not on my shoulders. It's just my face, after all. Take the direction. Don't question it...and when there is none...go with your instincts and reinvent the scene in the moment...repeatedly. I try to never play the same scene the same way, take to take, but always come from the same "place".

You have a very impressive list of credits as an actor. What motivates you to continue to write, produce and direct your own projects?
I have my own stories to tell. I also have belief in my talents. Not everyone else does. Sometimes you can't/won't get cast for the parts you'd be great in. I create work for me so I can work on the things I'd like to...and not wait for anyone else. No one can stop you from doing anything...except you.

In your opinion, is it important for actors to be able to write, produce, and direct as well?
I think so. I believe in always moving forward. Waiting for the phone to ring is standing still. If you're always working, meeting others that are, others in similar stations in life, eventually you'll find yourself in a position where the people you have worked with on YOUR own projects are working on THEIR own, and then can bring work to you. It's cyclical...and those that hang in there will find that you can move very quickly up the industry ladder when you have a team of people holding it for you or climbing next to you. It's all about momentum and exposure.

What are your long-term goals in show business?
I'd like to follow in the footsteps of Woody Allen. Writing and directing feature films, around characters that I'd like to play, around actors I'd like to play with.

What steps do you consistently take to achieve those goals?
Well...I have a number of film projects under my belt and a few others that are notches away. My short JIMMY went on to a very successful directorial debut run, and my last short (CREDIT ROLE) I wrote and was in. My next, TWO PEOPLE IN COMPLETE DARKNESS, is my short stab at writing , directing and starring. It's about love and loss. That love never dies, but can kill. It's darker than most of my stuff. I'm following that up with a more whimsical short called ONE DAY YOU WILL. Hopefully, with those two shorts as my writing/directing/acting calling cards, I'll be able to make my feature film SEQUOIA, which is currently being passed between literary agents and producers. It's about young man that must relearn how to climb the "branches" in his way and rediscover his "roots". It's about letting nature take it's course and being courageous enough to let it. Otherwise, the feature film adaptation of my playwriting debut , IN BETWEEN, is in major stages of development. It's about people's disconnected lives, connecting. Any investors out there ?

Acting careers are notoriously "up and down". When you're working, do you take any steps to prepare for a time when you might not be working?
My steps are to invest in myself, vis a vis, my acting ensemble and my own projects. I work with a few casting directors as a camera operator or as a reader. It's been very valuable to further understanding the crevices of this world I've chosen to live in. And it's been fun. And I get paid to hang out and see behind the scenes of the decision makers...and read with some very cool (talent and "look" wise) actors.

Matt as Bridge Carson, Green Ranger

You've played a wide range of roles on projects as diverse as Queer as Folk and Power Rangers. As an actor, how do you approach a dramatic, realistic character versus a super-hero role like Bridge Carson: Green Ranger?
Simple. It's not my choice. It's the directors who choose to think I have something that brings the character to life. It could be my eyes/hair/voice...maybe the last thing is my actual talent. In a dramatic turn, it's my ability to relate to the emotion and then hope that people watching can understand what's happening inside. In a action/comedic etc...it comes down to electric instinct, and an unembarrassed nature, and my choice to commit. That's character. But it ultimately comes down to the directors' trust in you and in the writer.

Power Rangers is a very successful franchise that has spanned many years. Did you watch the show when you were growing up?
Nope. But my little cousins (at the time) did. So I caught it once in a while . I also worked at my fathers' video store. When the Power Rangers movies came out, we'd play it in store. All the time. It still haunts me. :)

What impact has being on that show had on your life and your career?
I just got back from shooting, so it's hard to say. I'm definitely the fittest I've ever been. Being in front of a camera every minute of every work day and shooting 38 episodes was like boot camp. So i'm definitely ready to go to 'war' now. The people I worked with (producers/fellow actors) will definitely be a part of my striving career...and mine, theirs. Otherwise...it's been great having fans for the first time...I receive an e-mail almost every day from fans as young as 8 to as old as 28 telling them how much they like what I'm doing...on and off the show.

Many actors feel that getting an agent is the hard part and then it's a matter of waiting for the phone to ring. Obviously, that's not your approach. Can you describe your relationship with your agent and how you work together to advance your career?
My agent and I discuss what's happening on his and my side at least twice a week...regardless of auditions. He's a great supporter and knows my abilities and limits. It will be interesting to see how our relationship evolves as people start coming to him (me) to see if I'd be interested in a part...instead of the other way around. Instead of making it about my choices and ME weighing the pro's and con's , it should come down to what he thinks is the best move...and if I disagree I disagree. I want the black and white...no grey.

Matt and the cast of Power Rangers: Space Patrol Delta

What are the actor's responsibilities in the actor/agent relationship?
To be honest on your expectations. Always look into what's shooting/auditioning and see if you can be worked in. Find out why you weren't suggested or booked for something. Tell them conflicts regarding availability. Work on your craft. Build relationships that he/she can use. Trust each other. It's hard in the beginning... 'cause you want to be sold and think everyone should buy you.

 

Many actors struggle with finding balance in their lives… we're conditioned to be driven verging on obsessed with our careers. As you've built your career, have you been able to find a good balance between your career and your "normal life"?
I think it's ever changing. I feel most alive when I'm creating, so most of my energy goes into that. Which happens to be my career.

What interests do you have outside your acting career?
I write music on guitar and piano. Mostly about people, for people. Right now I'm trying to put more attention to my family and starting one of my own. Maybe some more sleep , too.

What do you love about acting? What keeps you going in the face of a very difficult career?
I love the emotional range of it. Sometimes I hate it. Sometimes I fall head over heels in love with it again. Sometimes we're not on speaking terms. Sometimes it's just so easy. Sometimes it makes me cry. But I love laughing more than anything. Sometimes at it...mostly with it.

What did you think of this interview? Let us know.
Feedback@actorslife.com