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IC: How did the casting experience and process for Green Book go?
DK: The casting experience for Green Book was rather interesting. I actually auditioned for the role of the patrolman. I never read for the role they cast me as which was “Ray.” When I saw the film and watched what Jim Klock did with the Patrolman Stewart role I was blown away.
IC: What type of pre production prep work was needed to bring your character alive?
DK:I think most of the pre-pro stuff we had to do was mainly with hair, makeup and . Wardrobe. As far as character work and getting into the role, I read a quite a bit about how people operated during that era, in that space and time. Also, being born and raised in the South and seeing a lot of the terrible ways people were treated growing up has stuck with me.
IC: You’ve been working as an actor since you were 8. Does it ever get old to you?
DK: This is a BRILLIANT question. The simple answer is No. Now, that being said the business, the Industry can kick your ass sometimes and it HURTS! And it can do it in so many various ways. The highs are HIGH and the Low’s are loooow. When I first began acting it wasn’t for fame, money or glory. It was just fun. Fun to pretend to be different people, fun to make believe. It was really just an extension of childhood. It’s still very much like that. However, now with being an adult, come adult responsibilities. So now I still get to do what I love, only sometimes I am able to make a little money for it.
IC: What type of script would be your “perfect role”?
DK: Another great question! I actually wrote a script to do just that, play (what I feel) is the perfect role for me. It’s called “Ticks & Grunts.” I know it sounds rather odd and somewhat offensive but I can tell you it’s pretty charming and redeeming. Without giving very much away, the character I play is a wounded protector of the are less fortunate. He has his own adversities, several of them, however he is able to overcome for the betterment of others. I really can’t wait to get this movie in production.
IC: Everyone is saying Green Book might be Oscar-worthy. I’ve only been to free screening events myself. Have you ever attended the Academy Awards?
DK: No, I’ve not been to the Academy Awards. I’ve been to premieres of films I’ve played in and to Film Festivals but not to any of the big hob-knobbery kinda stuff like
“The Oscars.” There are a few things to me that would be surreal and not in this order. Attending the Academy Awards, being a guest on a late night talk show, performing on Broadway and working with Robert DeNiro & Al Pacino (together) in one scene. A man can dream! Ha!
IC: Are you heading back to Broadway or theater anytime soon?
DK: Wow, you and the good questions! No, I am not. However, if something was to come across my pretend “desk” I’d be all in for that.
IC: Do you think the “me too “ discussions currently happening in Hollywood highlight a silenced culture?
DK: Yes, of course it has highlighted a silenced culture. I think the “Me Too” movement has been a long time coming and is absolute progress. My sister is an attorney and worked for a major studio many years ago. Back then she used to tell me a lot of stories about the goings on and how difficult it was for her and many women she worked with just getting through their day at the office. So yes, it has for sure shed a light on a silenced culture. I hope it’s shaping boundaries across all industries.
How important is it for women and minorities to be represented in productions and on sets?
DK: How important is it, it’s absolutely essential. Movies and television are supposed to represent society and our society is culturally diverse. As an actor I love being able to collaborate with all types of people, male and female. And all the diversity lends to different frames of reference. So to get that frame of reference and be able to attempt to use it in something I’m working on is a big deal (to me). One of the many reasons that I really love “Green Book” is that it’s based on a true story set in the 60’s, about two men from completely different backgrounds. They end up spending a lot of time together and we get to watch as their differences are not just overcome but embraced. I’ve read a few reviews where some of the people thought that the film didn’t go deep enough into the racial divide of the time. I don’t know that that’s what this particular movie is supposed to be strictly about. I feel like this film is meant to be uplifting! It’s about triumph, it’s about overcoming ourselves and allowing us to see each other as just people and embrace our differences as well as laugh a little at them. I hope people are able to set all the politics aside and just see it as that and enjoy it as that. It really is a hilarious and heart warming film.
IC: The movie is set in a older time. What locations where used during filming to give it authenticity?
I’m not aware of all the locations but I did my filming in and around New Orleans. The authenticity I’m sure was a culmination of hard working set decorators, carpenters, set dressers and location scouts. They did an amazing job.
IC: In a perfect world, whose your dream team? Director, Studio/Producer, Co-star?
DK: Oh man . . . the hardest question for last huh? Hmm . . . It would be a Paramount, Universal, Warner Bros, NETFLIX, AMAZON, HULU, HBO, AMC production (see what I did there), starring Jeff Bridges, Viola Davis, Meryl Streep, Catherine Keener, Michael Clarke Duncan and Bryan Cranston. Directed by Tom Hanks and Antoine Fuqua (A Hanks/Fuqua Joint), produced by George Clooney, Michael Sugar and Megan Ellison. I’m still working on the story . . . Lol!
Find David’s filmography and social feeds:
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0436064/
https://www.instagram.com/davidkallaway
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