JS: Travis, thank you sharing the time to give us a little insight on your work and projects.

TD: My pleasure. Thanks for your interest in my work.

JS: First off, we all can read what you resume includes, but what I'm searching for is something we cannot read on another interview or website. What is the one thing that helped you decide that you wanted to get into film making/acting?

TD: Well, I grew up around show business, as my Grandfather supported 6 kids and a wife on magic and vaudeville entertainment. He was really my father figure growing up, and we spent a great deal of time together. I admired him, and often helped him in shows, and I guess that sort of mutated into my desire to be an actor and filmmaker (they are illusionists after all).

 

JS: What helped you decide that this was the right path for you?

TD: People responded very positively to my work, and something about doing it just felt right ---- natural. I figured, hey, keep doing what works, and have fun at the same time.

JS: Who were your inspirations to make this journey?

TD: Well, again, my Grandfather, but in the acting arena, I loved Nicholas Cage’s early stuff. Dustin Hoffman. Eddy Murphy. As for directors, when I was in film school, I think I was most into David Lynch.

JS: What were some of the hardships you had to deal with to get where you are or where at this point?

TD: Hmm. I’ve experienced a tremendous amount of rejection over my 10 years in L.A., and a few years before that in Dallas. And there’s still plenty of rejection to go around. Typical stuff. Couldn’t pay my bills on many occasions, and got help from the Actors Fund once or twice. It’s all part of the business. You just have to believe in yourself, really examine whether or not you feel you’re in the right line of work, and if the answer is yes, forge ahead, deflecting the nay sayers.

 

JS:What was your first project?

TD: I had the typical student short films in college, but, in my mind, the first piece of legitimate work I’ve churned out, on the acting AND directing front, was a short comedy called “Boy-Next-Door,” which is now in the iTunes Store short films section. Hint hint.The first real acting gig I had was for a CBS movie of the week called “The George McKenna Story,” in which Denzel Washington starred, and I had a very forgettable small featured role.

JS: Oh, yes. The George McKenna Show. A great piece of work. What is something you learned from that experience?

TD: Well, I suppose that’d be that people who make or act in movies are human just like everyone else. And I belonged. Encouraging discoveries.


JS: How did that pave the way for your future work? Did you find it easier to land work, or was it still a struggle just the same? TD: Building a few acting credits helps a little, but not much. As long as I have to audition to get a role, or pitch myself as a director, it’ll be a struggle. I long for the day when people come to ME with jobs. Now that’d be somethin’.


JS: The Name of Love – explain this project to my readers who may not have experienced the piece itself.

TD: It was a FOX movie of the week that starred Laura Leighton (Melrose Place), and Richard Crenna (First Blood). The tag line to the title is “A Texas Tragedy.” Basically a boy from the right side of the tracks falls in love with a girl from the wrong side of the tracks. I had the unique opportunity of trying to rape Laura Leighton’s character ---- in front of her rich crippled boyfriend. Good times.


JS: I see that you did a role in Walker: Texas Ranger. How was it to be in an action scene with someone of the likes of Chuck Norris?

TD: Pretty danged cool. Although, he’s a surprisingly tiny little guy, who wears specially made boots that give him a few extra inches of height. He kicked my ass real good though.


JS: I was lucky enough to see your sketch on The Norm Show... It was some really funny stuff. What was that like working with such a wonderful comedic cast? And what did you learn from it for future roles?

TD: For me, it’s always great to get on any set, and peek behind the proverbial curtain. Reinforcing my understanding that these talented people put their pants on just like the rest of us gives me comfort, and more ease in my work. Realizing that I can hold up my end of the job with talented people who have “made it,” builds confidence.


JS: Tell us about SLACKERS, and how that gig came about?

TD: Apparently the director (a first time feature director, who came from commercials) was unhappy with the actors who were being shown to him by casting, so he went back to his roots and wanted to see good commercial actors. That’s how I got in ---- my commercial agent. A strange happenstance that got me the job. It was hot as hell on the set. An exterior setup in the armpit of summer, in the valley in Southern California. Turned out pretty good though, as I made it into the film’s promos / trailers, and it was my first experience seeing myself on the big screen --- in a studio picture.


JS: As for your Voice Over role in Medal of Honor: Pacific Assault – Okay, I love that game. How does it feel to be a part of such a big video game enterprise? And do you fell it will open more doors for you as a voice actor?

TD: Again, having a few credits like this makes it a little easier to get other jobs, because it gives other directors some relief in knowing they’re not the first one to try you out. Also, if you do a good enough job, people remember you and bring you back. Those battle / army video game jobs can be hell on your voice though. Several hours of screaming, dying, grunting, moaning, and going ape-shit in battle rage can wear a guy down.


JS: What other Voice Over work have you done?

TD: I’ve been the voice of several national campaigns for clients like Bank of America, Coors Light, Ben & Jerry’s Icecream, People Magazine, Public Storage, etc. And I’ve also done live announcing for shows like the Miss Universe, USA, and Teen USA Pageants. Everything from promos, to corporate narration, to animation. V.O. is my bread and butter. And it beats the hell out of waiting tables ---- which I’ve also done.


JS: I also understand that you did a sketch on Bill Mahar. What was that like working on such a profound show?

TD: It’s always great getting laughs in front of a live audience. The sketch went down really fast though. We had like one rehearsal with Bill (who didn’t speak a word to me) and the cameras. Then, the audience came in and we were ON. Turned out well though, I think. That sketch still makes me laugh.


JS: Your recent short BOY-NEXT-DOOR, which you directed and produced has caused a great deal of buzz. Which is truly an original dark comedy. It had me laughing to the point where I thought I was going to need to double or lessen my medication. How did that idea come about? And did you get the reaction that you expected?

TD: Thanks. Really glad you liked it. Since a I was a child, I’d always longed to do a film in which I was shish kabobbed in the ass… (kidding). I discovered a very talented writer, Stephen Garvey, through inktip.com, and he pitched a few ideas to me for shorts. One was deliciously odd, dark, and offbeat, which is always right up my alley, so Boy-Next-Door was bornAs for the reactions I’ve gotten, most people get it’s humor, but there are definitely those who find it somewhat disturbing and aren’t quite sure what to make of me after seeing it. Those are the people who really need to loosen up ---- and I don’t want to hang out with anyway. Professionally, it’s certainly opened some doors for me on the acting and directing front, and continues to do so.


JS: I understand it was picked up by HBO. Can you enlighten us on that?

TD: Actually, it was picked up by HBO Comedy Fest’s in Aspen and Vegas. Not the cable channel. However, those are both great, industry laden festivals that led to me meeting and sharing my film with people like Peter Farrelly, and Ben Stiller’s producing partner, Stuart Cornfeld.


JS: What aspects do you think Richard Moll brought to the piece?

TD: I wanted a guy who was physically imposing. At 6’8”, he’s got that in spades. I also wanted a guy who could, at least initially, come off as somewhat sympathetic. His character, BULL, on NBC’s “Night Court” embodied both of those characteristics, and he’s a talented actor to boot.


JS: I (we) recently saw you on one of the most popular sitcoms on TV today, Desperate Housewives, as a pageant emcee. I must say, great job! It really seems that things are opening up for you. Are there plans for projcts like this in the future?

TD: Thanks. All 10 seconds of it! Kidding aside, Desperate Housewives is definitely a good show to have on your resume, and it’s leading to other auditions, but no concrete bookings --- yet.


JS: Do you feel acting, writing and/or directing is your strongest suit? And, if any certain one, why?

TD: I suppose I’m still strongest in acting, as that’s where I’ve had the most experience, and what has always been my first love. However, I feel I’m gaining on that in the directing arena. Writing? I think I have a good handle on it, but it’s not my favorite thing to do ----- especially by myself. I prefer co-writing.


JS: What are you future plans? Any works in progress?

TD: With the writer of “Boy-Next-Door,” I’ve co-written a feature length comedy script called “Teddy, the Ten-Timer,” which we like to think of as a crazy cross between “The 40 Year Old Virgin,” and Woody Allen’s “Zelig.” It recently placed in the final 16 out of 1800 scripts in the buzz creating BlueCat Screenplay Competition, and we’re now looking for financing and a production partner.

JS: What is the most important thing that you have learned from your time in the industry?

TD: If you truly feel in your heart that you have talent (and you have a few other non-family members who feel this too), and you won’t be happy doing ANYTHING else, then forge ahead, ignoring the mountain of rejections. Create your own opportunities.


JS: What advice would you give and up and coming filmmakers/actors trying to get their foot in the door?

TD: Start DOING what it is that you want to do. Build a reel by acting in student shorts. Direct a short. Train. Study. Get serious, and don’t take no for an answer.


JS: Is there anything you can tell us that is not on IMDB.COM or your personal website?

TD: YES. Just want to remind all your readers that I’d love for them to go see “Boy-Next-Door,” now, in the iTunes Store short films section. It’s only a buck ninety-nine for 17 minutes of original comedy ----- and your downloads might help re-start my kids’ college fund, which, between you and me, financed the movie. Don’t tell my wife. TD:You can go directly to the “Boy-Next-Door” iTunes page by clicking the link. Best wishes to you and your readers. Cheers.


JS: Thank you for taking the time to speak with us, We all wish you a great future and look for the best.