I’ve wanted to do this for awhile, talk about photography from the other side of the lens. A lot of photography and cinematography is focused on the same things, and I wanted to hop in for the ride to focus on people on the other side of the camera, or in this case person.
The Actor
Rusty Martin Jr. has acted in a number of films since 2008 in a variety of roles from pre-medieval times to present day, and is a notable actor in movies that were released or are still post-production, such as Polycarp: Destroyer of Gods, Courageous, Princess Cut and more. His dad is also an actor, and they both worked together on the set of the Christian film, Courageous.
I recently had the privilege and fun to get to know Rusty a little while we were both attending a film festival in San Antonio, TX ** and one day got to chat with him a bit about what goes into the life and heart of being an actor. I asked a few questions that day, and later on, and got his permission to share it on the blog today. I’m still inspired by how he’s chosen to make a difference.
How old were you when you started acting?
I started acting when I was about 8 years old. I discovered my passion for acting after I participated in a school play. The experience really got me excited and so, after prompting from my mother about whether this was something that I wanted to do or not I found an agent in Raleigh (Talent One) and two weeks after signing with them I got my first role in a national commercial for an “Adventure Landing” type company; since then I have been able to grow in my acting career.
You’ve acted in faith-based films, where do you think Christian films are headed in the future? Do you think people are ready for cleaner, moral story-telling?
I do believe that there is a shift in our culture and audiences are ready for cleaner, family-friendly films. I also believe that audiences are ready for excellent quality Christian films; films that can be put on the same field as Hollywood blockbusters yet still allow people to keep their spirit clean when watching it. I only foresee these things happening however if there is an influx of money into the Christian film industry. There are hundreds of bright, young Christian film-makers who want to take films and even just good quality entertainment to a level I never thought possible. The problem is they don’t have the necessary funding to create these projects on a level they would desire to please audiences. I think there are so many places that Christian films haven’t touched yet that are waiting to be excavated for their rich impact on audiences. In summary to hit the next level of Christian films there will need to be unity in the church audience to support films that honor God, and there needs to be substantial funds pumping into that particular film industry.
What is the most important thing as an actor to remember? i.e How do you get into character? What makes a role come alive for you?
Other than the standard process of doing my general homework on character development and memorizing my lines my answer is two-fold.
1. The most important thing to remember as an actor is to just be real with the other actors around you and the story. Try to make it personal. I don’t use method acting but instead I try to find experiences that I have been though that I can apply to the situation/scene, and if I can’t then I try to imagine what that would be like or try to talk to someone who has been through a similar circumstance. Most of all I pray about every role and every scene, especially the ones that are emotionally tense because I realize that I can only go so far on my own strength, but with God I can do so much more.
2. My second answer is: you as a person on set are just one piece of a puzzle of making a film. Every piece is integral, so be genuine and kind to everyone on set, you don’t know what other people are going through, so be a light in their life. Basically, act in a way on and off set that will make that process of filmmaking all the more smooth and enjoyable for everyone.
What would be a dream role for you to play?
I would love to be in any role that would stretch my acting skills and take me to places I never thought possible. That was vague, but some examples would be like an action film, or a really sappy romance (mostly because I am a very romantic personality) or a really intense character role. But topping all of those is if I could be in a film like Lord of the Rings! The epic, medieval, good vs. evil character-driven films have always inspired me.
Any upcoming roles?
None as of right now, but I do have multiple auditions in the “can” that I’d be excited to hear back from.
You mentioned a little bit in San Anotnio of what your goal for the future is in acting, in life? Where do you see youself going, making a difference? etc etc
That is a very good question because I have no set plan right now. I realized awhile ago that God has plans for my life that have not been revealed to met and so I cannot plan on one set idea for the future, because I just don’t know what is in store for me. But I will say that I love Christian films and I’d love to continue to do them. I also would enjoy being on a secular film set (as long as I feel comfortable with the content) and be a light on the set.
Finally, I see myself starting a production company and helping fund/create the films that I think audiences are ready for at a quality they desire.
Check out Rusty’s site here, and definitely go watch some of the films mentioned.
**Christian Worldview Film Festival