Flynn and Miranda: Your Right to Remain Silent

 #Flashback (S8)

Exploring Flynn and Miranda with Joe Wallenstein, Producer and Storyteller

 

Overview

Excerpt: Today we meet Joe Wallenstein who has produced numerous television movies, pilots, and mini-series. Throughout his more than 40 yrs in the industry, he's worked an assistant director, associate producer, and producer. He is a Director member of the Directors Guild of America as well as a member of the Writers Guild of America West. The author has a track record in storytelling, having produced two highly-successful TV series, Knots Landing and 7th Heaven. He has also written two previous books about film production and safety in professional filming: Practical Film Making: A Handbook for the Real World and Nothing Dies for Film. He'll be joining us to discuss his book "Flynn and Miranda: Your Right to Remain Silent", published by Trine Day. The book is a fictional account of a true story. The release date coincides with the 58th anniversary of Ernesto Miranda's arrest in 1963 for kidnapping and rape. The criminal case, Miranda v. Arizona (1966), would make his name a household word. Credit: UFVA.org; joewallenstein.com.

Meet Speaker, Educator & Author Joseph Giampapa

 

Credit: Joseph Giampapa | www.josephgiampapa.com

Meet Joseph Giampapa

A nationally known Speaker and Educator, Joseph Giampapa holds a Masters Degree in communication and affiliations in three countries. He has been named to the Entertainment Industry Council Speakers Bureau's "Roster of Celebrities" with such Board Member notables (past and present) as Frank Sinatra, Tim Conway, Lucille Ball, and Jack Anderson to name a few. He specializes in the areas of "Self-Empowerment", Effective Communication, Self-image and making positive impacts in peoples' lives. 

He was raised in the suburbs of Chicago . By the time he was eighteen, he was working for the Red Cross entertainment service as a "stand-up comedian. Using "family humor" and coming from a family of eleven, he was never at a loss for material. When he was in Europe , he wrote, directed and produced various road shows for our servicemen overseas. Later in the states, as a teacher with a background in Communication and Sociology, he always made sure his students were getting their money's worth. He created high energy projects such as burying a "time capsule" in front of city hall and helped supply a school being built in the Philippines through the Peace Corps. Joe has been labeled a leader in the field of interpersonal communication and maintained a private practice for years, helping individuals "reprogram" their lives for success. He has developed programs for both the corporate and private sectors and has served on and chaired many community boards. He has developed television programs for preschoolers to bolster self-worth and has had White House staff recommend one of his programs with possible implementation in the future.

Joseph holds with the philosophy that everyone was meant to be someone. His own list of titles include: Professor, Playwright, Director, Producer and Lecturer. He is dedicated to helping each of us communicate more effectively. He introduces us to our own personal "tools for life" enabling each of us to empower ourselves to achieve greatness. Credits: Credits: Joseph Giampapa, Joseph Giampapa Books; What I Will I Can

Hustle Harder with 50 Cent

 

Credit: 50 Cent, Hustle Harder Hustle Smarter

Overview

For the first time, Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson opens up about his amazing comeback—from tragic personal loss to thriving businessman and cable’s highest-paid executive—in this unique self-help guide, his first since his blockbuster New York Times bestseller The 50th Law.

In his early twenties Curtis Jackson, known as 50 Cent rose to the heights of fame and power in the cutthroat music business. A decade ago the multi-platinum selling rap artist decided to pivot. His ability to adapt to change was demonstrated when he became the executive producer and star of Power, a high-octane, gripping crime drama centered around a drug kingpin’s family. The series quickly became “appointment” television, leading to Jackson inking a four-year, $150 million contract with the Starz network—the most lucrative deal in premium cable history.

Now, in his most personal book, Jackson shakes up the self-help category with his unique, cutting-edge lessons and hard-earned advice on embracing change. Where The 50th Law tells readers “fear nothing and you shall succeed,” Hustle Harder, Hustle Smarter builds on this message, combining it with Jackson’s street smarts and hard-learned corporate savvy to help readers successfully achieve their own comeback—and to learn to flow with the changes that disrupt their own lives. Credit: Hustle Harder Hustle Smarter

Author Joe Wallenstein Explores the Arts & "Flynn and Miranda"

 

Credit: Joe Wallenstein

Welcome to Authors by Sasha! Joe, you're a celebrated producer, director, writer and author in Hollywood. What was your childhood like in Brooklyn, NY?

​

I had a wonderful childhood. I am very glad I grew up in Brooklyn when I did. Other notable people from my neighborhood include Woody Allen, Larry King, Marisa Tomei and the parents of Ruth Bader Ginsburg (The notorious RBG).

I did all the things a Brooklyn kid did. Stick ball, punch ball, stoop ball, roller skate hockey and street football (Go down three sewers and cut right). I stayed out all night, was never bothered by anyone and had lots of friends. On the other hand, my neighborhood was home to many members of the Mafia. One man five doors down had a fourth of the NYPD on his payroll. He was a bookmaker named Harry Gross. When he got arrested it was a big deal and a major embarrassment to the police department. The case was known as “The Gross Scandal.”

When I was twelve my best friend’s father was in business with Albert Anastasia, the Lord High Executioner, The Mad Hatter and the head of Murder Incorporated. My friend’s dad was shot and killed three days after Anastasia was gunned down in the Park Sheraton Hotel in Manhattan. My neighborhood had an active fighting gang, one of twelve Brooklyn gangs and was featured in the Sylvester Stallone movie, “Lords of Flatbush.”

​

Are there any early influences which played an integral part in leading you to attend NYU's Film and TV Production program?

My life was shaped early on by my mother. When I was eight, I stole a pack of baseball cards from the neighborhood candy store. When my mother found out she said to me: “Joe, I will give you the dollar but you must go back and pay for the cards and apologize. I said: 'You are afraid I will get arrested by the police?’ She said” NO. THE REASON YOU DON’T STEAL IS, …BECAUSE THAT’S NOT WHO YOU ARE.”

Her definition of me has stayed with me my whole life. Who did I want to be? Was I honest or dishonest? Was I mean or compassionate? Was I loyal or disloyal? In other words, every day of your entire life you have to decide who you want to be. I wanted to be honest, trustworthy, hard-working, compassionate, professional and loyal. Those qualities have defined both me and my career. In a fifty-year career I have never had my integrity questioned, not once. My reputation is: “Joe is honest, a professional and …he really cares.” I am very proud of that description.

​

You worked as a Freelance Production Assistant early on in your career. What did this role entail?

A lot of grunt work. I have run for more coffee than the iconic Juan Valdez. You round up actors and drive them or accompany them to the work site. You distribute “sides” or daily pages to be shot of the script. Run for food for the director and actors. Draw up the paperwork for the First Assistant Director. i.e. call sheets and daily production reports. You run the film to the lab for development (old construct, today everything is digital).

In general, you are an all-around problem solver so that all the energy stays focused on the day's filming. Anything that protects the set (time is money). Run for the wardrobe the actor forgot to bring. Buy something the prop department neglected to pick up on their way in and on and on.

Stage background action. Should not refer to them as “extras.” That is a demeaning term and does not do justice to how creative they can be and how much value they bring to a production.

​

What guidance do you have for novice professionals who want to pursue a career in Film and TV Production?

MARRY RICH. Only kidding.

Many years ago, a Producer named Joe Manduke said to me: “Joe, in order to succeed in this business, you must want it more than life itself.” At the time, that sounded like self-serving hyperbole. But time and experience has cast that line in a different light. You must be prepared to disrupt relationships, miss family dinners, work around the clock and leave town on very short notice.

In my career, I have been punched, stabbed, needed eye surgery because of how velocity freezing wind and stood on broken bricks for twelve hours enduring extreme pain. And always saying to myself: “What? And give up showbiz?

​

What variables should they consider when choosing such opportunities in Hollywood, or any other entertainment industry?

A very good question. Can you afford, financially or emotionally, to be out of work often and for unknowable lengths of time. Are you thin-skinned or thick-skinned? Can you handle, sometimes heavy-handed, rejection, criticism or mean-spiritedness? The entertainment business is a subjective business. Somebody is always judging somebody. Pity the poor actor or actress who goes to audition after audition and doesn’t get the gig. Pity the episodic director who is a genius on one show and a bum on the next.

How will you keep your internal balance?

Someone once told me, “In order to succeed in the film business you must have an irrational belief in yourself.” That may seem like an odd way to say something but what it means is, you must have the intestinal fortitude to soldier on when events seem not to favor you.

​

Joe, oftentimes actors and actresses credit their producers for imparting wisdom that helps them refine their craft. What have actors and actresses taught you when it comes to directing talents?

A REALLY good question.

When I started, because I was nothing more than an errand-running grunt, I thought of actors and actresses as spoiled, egotistical babies who were self-absorbed and unprofessional. But when I became a first assistant director and was close to the director and at the heart of the set, I came to see actors in a completely different light. They were vulnerable, insecure and trusting. Putting your image and talent out in front of the world is a very scary trust-dependent construct. They were dependent on the vision of the director, the talent of the cinematographer, the interactivity of other actors and ultimately, dependent on the taste, talent and good judgment of the editor and director.

I learned that quickly and intellectually through on set observation. But I learned it viscerally when I directed “Knots Landing.” I was directing a love scene with Constance McCashin. Just before the camera rolled, as Connie turned her head, a few strands of hair shifted so that they covered part of her face. I called “Cut” and instructed the hair stylist to move the intruding hairs back off Connie’ face, we did the scene in a couple of takes and moved on.

Constance came up to me and said: “I just wanted to thank you. I really appreciate that you looked out for me.” It was then that I truly understood just how vulnerable actors feel and how subject they are to the whims, insensitivity or just plain bad judgement of others.

​

What writing tips do you have for writers who aspire to work in the Film & TV industry?

Develop thick skin. Don’t let others define you. Just keep soldering on. Understand your characters. Who are they? What do they want? What price are they willing to pay to achieve their goals? And whatever you do, …never give up.

​Only perseverance is omnipotent.

Credit: Flynn and Miranda

“Flynn and Miranda: Your Right to Remain Silent" authored by you and released by Trine Day Publishing brings the story of Ernesto Miranda to light. The March 13, 2021 release date coincided with the 58th anniversary of Ernesto Miranda’s arrest in 1963 for kidnapping and rape. The criminal case, Miranda v. Arizona (1966), would eventually become ingrained in our national fabric. What motivated you to explore this segment of history that is referenced often in our social, entertainment and legal culture?

​

FLYNN and MIRANDA, is not about guilt or innocence.

It is about fundamental American commitment to FAIRNESS.

Joe, you host decades worth of writing experience with developing shows and humanizing characters. Did you approach writing "Flynn and Miranda" any differently when addressing your research and delivery of the story?

​

I have always said, “If I can identify with or root for the lead character, I will follow him or her anywhere.” If you look at the “Sopranos,” you followed Tony Soprano’s story, not because he was a good guy, quite the opposite, But his life on every other level besides criminality was viscerally identifiable. His kids gave him a hard time. He got pulled over for speeding. He was us, except for that “murder’ thing.

For me, all film or television is character driven. John Flynn fascinated me. Not because he was a gifted lawyer. Rather, because he was so flawed and still able to rise to greatness.

​

Are there any aspects of the story that were omitted because it detracted the message you desired to share with audiences?

I deliberately stayed away from Flynn’s five marriages. That was not what the story I wanted to tell was about. I wanted to respect and honor everyone’s privacy and the privacy of his children.

As the Director of Physical Production at the School of Cinematic Arts, you're also a part-time lecturer. How have your speaking and teaching topics evolved in recent years?  What are the tri-annual safety seminars about because they are highly sought after in cinematic arts education?

​

Under my tutelage at USC, we have made thirty thousand projects without a single injury. We have set the gold standard for safety in student filmmaking. The trick in teaching safety is that “safety” is not about what you cannot do. It is about how you achieve your vision safely. Most student filmmakers see the world through their prism. The world, the real world, looks back at the student filmmaker.

​

How can I better explain this?

A film student stages a mugging at gunpoint in an alley near school. He/She has a crew of twenty, several lights, a camera on a dolly and ten yards of dolly track.

To filmmakers that is undeniably a film set.

However, to the little old lady or man just wandering by, it is a crime in progress. They only see the gun. They call the police. The police hear “gun” and they come running.

The worst thing anyone can do in that scenario is turn towards the police and try to explain that the gun is not real.

We instruct students and cast in that situation to: ALWAYS JUST DROP THE WEAPON.”

What is the best life guidance you've received and from whom?

Famous actor Walter Matheau once said to me: “Money is the only freedom.”

What he meant was, if you only care about money, someone else will always be pulling the strings of your life.

What are some hobbies that you enjoy when you're not producing and directing?

​

For reasons that only a good psychiatrist could articulate, I am an avid train watcher.

Yes, live train fanning is a real thing. I also love to travel when I can.

Please share with audiences how they can support your work.

​

I will avoid the obvious answer of, “buy the book.” I would like to develop a following. I hope your listeners will remember my name and look for other books by me in the future. I have several other books in development that will be published in the coming years. ​Visit JoeWallenstein.com to learn more.

Creator & Producer Dr. Tran-Harding Presents 'Medical Heroes'

Credit: Dr. Tran-Harding, Kreative Circle

Dr. Tran-Harding, Welcome to Authors by Sasha! You're a medical professional working as a radiologist at Southern California's Irvine Medical Center. What life experiences influenced you to pursue an interest in radiology? What training is needed to become a radiologist?

Thank you so much for having me, Sasha! I’m so happy to be part of the Kreative Circle. Interestingly, my first specialty choice when I became a physician was OB/GYN but after 2 years, I felt the pull of Radiology and switched specialties. It was the right decision for me as I absolutely love Radiology, interpreting imaging, and being a consultant for other physicians. To become a Radiologist, the training includes 4 years of medical school and a residency (postgraduate medical training where you are a practicing doctor but under supervision) consisting of a 1-year internship and 4 years of Radiology residency. Most Radiologists do 1-2 years of additional specialty fellowship training. 

The arrival of the pandemic has triggered the global population to rethink their life choices and priorities. As a medical professional you're exposed to patients representing demographics from the young to elderly. How has the pandemic impacted your perspective on living given the fragility of life?

The pandemic really made me realize that we all shouldn’t put off important life choices and priorities. We spend so much of our lives thinking that we are just too busy or now just isn’t the right time for things such as passion projects or second career choices. I hope that the pandemic made us all appreciate that life can be very short and that we should really seize our opportunities whenever we get the chance. It’s also important that we don’t take for granted all our friends, families, and loved ones and take a chance to show them our appreciation every chance we get. 

Medical Heroes is a 30 minute show on DB&A television that presents the stories of frontline medical professionals and their experiences navigating through the Covid-19 pandemic, including highlighting the remarkable recoveries of patients battling this illness. Do you recall the moment the idea of creating the show 'Medical Heroes' was planted in the universe?

I do remember the moment! It was actually over a year ago, in May 2020, a few months after the pandemic began and there was still a lot of fear and uncertainty about COVID-19. I watched as my husband, a frontline physician, take direct care of patients affected by the coronavirus day after day and how difficult it was for him. At the same time, I was really touched by the appreciation that many people were showing for the health care workers that were fighting the global health crisis not just at our hospital but across the world. I thought it would be really interesting for an audience to see what medical workers experienced at their jobs, their daily struggles, and even get a glimpse into their personal lives. After watching, I hope viewers will come away knowing that there is goodness, selflessness, and altruism in the world.

The episodes share insights from guests within the United States and abroad. Is there a particular segment that deeply resonates with you? How so?

I really enjoyed having all the guests on the show as they are all amazing and are all the epitome of strength and perseverance. A particular segment that resonates with me is with Marc Cohen, an EMT from New York, who is not only a first responder throughout the COVID-19 pandemic but is also doing it completely as a volunteer! Another segment that resonates with me is with ARNP Lydia Phan, someone who not only contracted and recovered from the virus herself, but also lost her father to COVID-19. She even went right back to work as soon as she could during the pandemic where she was so desperately needed despite all she went through. 

Dr. Tran-Harding, the show shares the stories of "heroes" in the medical community and society. While growing up, what did you envision a hero to be? How has that perception of a 'hero' evolved for you over the years?

Growing up, I always envisioned the typical textbook definition of a hero to be someone who is courageous, an overachiever, and a superhuman. Over time, my perception of hero now also includes someone (or something – animals can be heroes too!) that is selfless, caring, and giving. So in a way, what I thought of as a hero when I was a child really expanded into the many heroes we see every day, beyond just health care professionals. I think that anyone that does a kind deed for others without even considering getting anything back in return is a truly commendable person. 

Frontline medical professionals are risking their lives daily to provide healing services to patients. What aspects of risk management have hospitals administered to protect their staff from unnecessary physical harm and emotional trauma?

In the beginning of the global health crisis, hospitals just weren’t equipped to handle a pandemic, and we all know the turmoil of how hospital workers did not have appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). I admit, I even had to reuse PPE for weeks until they fell apart. Luckily, over time, the situation vastly improved. 

I do think hospitals and administration did the best they could to protect their staff from physical harm and trauma during the pandemic. Rules were in place to prevent the spread of the virus and the administration provided a lot of education, updates, and emotional support during the past year. 

What is the most courageous thing you've done in the previous year? This can be in the context of being a medical hero yourself, or your personal development.

In my professional life, I’m not sure I really did anything all that courageous this past year. I do think that even though it’s a part of my job to take great care of my patients either in person or by interpreting their imaging as a Radiologist, I really tried to go above and beyond for my patients knowing how scared they were being in the hospital. Despite the risks, I really wanted to spend as much time as possible with my patients and their families so they could feel a little bit more at ease in those uncertain times.  Something I did this past year that was out of character for me was hosting and launching my TV show “Medical Heroes”. It was very uncomfortable for me to put myself out there. I’m not a huge fan of watching or listening to myself on playback but it was all worth it to speak to and interview the great guests I have had on the show and to share their inspirational stories with viewers. 

The previous year has forced society to learn how to take better care of their health and community. How can everyday civilians take better care of themselves while also serving as better Samaritans in society?

I think the past year taught us that life can be very short and that we all need to remember to take care of ourselves first and foremost both physically and emotionally. Our lives are so crazy, and we are always rushing from one place to another these days and I think the pandemic really forced us as individuals to finally slow down. 

At the same time, the global health crisis also showed us that we really need to take care of those we love and not take the wonderful things we have in our lives for granted. The pandemic was an absolutely horrible time but in all that darkness, what really resonated with me were all the times that everyday people really stepped up and helped others, even strangers, any way they could. I hope that after this crazy year, we all continue to take care of ourselves, each other and maybe even ‘pay it forward’ with kindness and nice deeds for others even after this pandemic is long over. 

Healing is a broad term that extends beyond a medical context. People resort to pet therapy, sound therapy and modalities that are intended to uplift the human spirit to expedite physical, mental and emotional healing. What healing modalities have you observed that yield positive results on Covid patients?

Pet therapy and music therapy are fantastic ways to help patients heal but with restrictions in place this past year, these modalities were limited to prevent the spread of the virus. But one thing that I thought tremendously yielded positive results and uplifted COVID-19 patients was simply human interaction. Sometimes it was the nurses or other staff that could come and just speak to and reassure the patient even just for a few minutes a day. Other times, it was the use of technology so that families and the patients could communicate and show their love for one another despite not being able to see each other in person. 

Isolation has been a pivotal challenge during the lock downs around the globe. Human beings typically thrive from social engagement, human touch, and bonding in groups. Is there any upside to human isolation outside the bounds of quarantining and/or healing from an illness?

I completely agree that humans need social interaction at least some of the time to thrive. I wouldn’t say there is an upside to human isolation necessarily, but I do think that some alone time or “me time” can be very beneficial. Even social butterflies need some time to unwind, relax, do an activity that they enjoy alone, and just take some time to think about one’s own needs. For example, I’m a life-long runner and really enjoy going on runs by myself, even on vacation! It’s my alone time to really decompress and just focus on myself. 

Dr. Tran-Harding, what is one book that you would recommend audiences to read? How has this book improved the quality of your life?

I wish I could tell you I read more books, but a lot of my reading material has consisted of medical journals lately! The last book I read was actually “Hillbilly Elegy” which I would recommend to audiences. It was really interesting because my husband grew up in the Appalachian region of Kentucky, so he was brought up around a lot of similar characters in the book. “Hillbilly Elegy” also gave me insight into how others think, especially those that had a different lifestyle and upbringing than I did. 

When you're not healing others, how do you unwind and relax?

One of my favorite activities that I mentioned that really helps my emotional well-being is running. That “runner’s high” truly exists and even on the days I don’t feel like exercising, I am always so happy and energized after I do it. It really decreases my stress and helps me sleep at night. I also love to play with and cuddle my two corgis, Lola and Jude. Since we are in Southern California, my husband and I also love to take the pups to the dog beach as often as we can since my older corgi is obsessed with swimming. My husband and I also really enjoy sitting on the couch, “vegging out”, and watching movies and TV in the evenings. 

Who are your role models and how has their presence in your life helped you cope with the latest realities we face?

My role models are definitely my parents. 

They are both immigrants that escaped Vietnam after communist North Vietnamese forces captured South Vietnam in 1975. My mother rode off on a motorcycle in the middle of the night without the chance to say goodbye to her family not knowing if she would ever see them again. My father even stayed in a refugee camp in Indonesia for a year owning a lone pair of clothes before coming to the United States. They really lived the American dream for quite some time but unfortunately my dad’s health started to fail, and he had to close down his business. Our family ended up struggling financially right before I went off to college and our house was eventually foreclosed.  

My parents went through so much and made so many sacrifices for me and my sister so that we could have a better life. I owe it to my wonderful and courageous parents to overcome any hardships that life throws my way. I want to continue to make them proud and always give back to them any way that I can. 

Do you have any guidance for members in the audience struggling with the 'new' normal as it unfolds? We're all adjusting to modified ways of working and co-existing in society while implementing health safety first.

This past year has been so rough and just like everyone, I hope this all becomes a distant memory soon. I think that as the pandemic winds down, we all should continue to follow safety guidelines (including masking, social distancing, and getting the vaccine) as much as possible to keep ourselves and each other safe. But as soon as science says it is safe for us to do, I believe we all should try to go back to our old, “normal” lives and really appreciate the little things that make us happy. This includes being able to see loved ones in person and being able to see other people’s smiles again. But most of all, I think that adjusting to new things always takes time and we should all be gentle with ourselves and allow as much time as we need to adapt. 

Please share with audiences how they can support your work.

Audiences can tune in to “Medical Heroes”, which airs daily on the DB&A Television Network at 9 AM PT/12 PM ET (https://dbandatelevision.tv/) and follow the show on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @MedicalHeroesTV. 

Social Media

Facebook, Twitter and Instagram: @MedicalHeroesTV

https://www.facebook.com/MedicalHeroesTV

https://twitter.com/MedicalHeroesTV

https://www.instagram.com/medicalheroestv/

Flynn and Miranda: Your Right to Remain Silent

 Author Spotlight

Credit: Joe Wallenstein, Producer & Storyteller

Today we get to meet Joe Wallenstein who has produced numerous television movies, pilots, and mini-series. Throughout his more than 40 yrs in the industry, he's worked an assistant director, associate producer, and producer. He is a Director member of the Directors Guild of America as well as a member of the Writers Guild of America West. The author has a track record in storytelling, having produced two highly-successful TV series, Knots Landing and 7th Heaven. He has also written two previous books about film production and safety in professional filming: Practical Film Making: A Handbook for the Real World and Nothing Dies for Film. He'll be joining us to discuss his book "Flynn and Miranda: Your Right to Remain Silent", published by Trine Day. The book is a fictional account of a true story. The release date coincides with the 58th anniversary of Ernesto Miranda's arrest in 1963 for kidnapping and rape. The criminal case, Miranda v. Arizona (1966), would make his name a household word. Credit: UFVA.org; joewallenstein.com.

Meet Megan Davis, Hollywood Actress and Producer

Credit: Actress Megan Davis

Megan, Welcome! Your history traces back to acting from the early age of three years old working on commercials. How were you introduced to such opportunities at a young age? What was the experience like for yourself and your family?

I always wanted to act. I was obsessed with the character of Cosette in Les Miserables and used to clean our own kitchen floors by hand while I sang Castle on a Cloud. My uncle was directing TV commercials at the time and asked if I wanted to be in one, which, of course, I did! And then one led to two...

As an actress and producer, you've studied at the BFA Acting/Musical Theater program at The University of Arizona. Did you host any preconceptions of what you would learn in this program to fulfill your academic and professional goals? What did you learn about self-development from completing this rewarding program? Is there anything you could have done differently?

Not really. To be completely honest, I only went to school instead of going straight to LA because I felt like it was super clear that I could get out of rehab earlier if I stayed in Tucson. And then I just completely fell in love with the BFA program and the professors and the other students and now, of course, I am so grateful that it happened that way because what an exceptional school to have been trained at. The producing kind of happened by accident. Scott Stuber, who is now the head of film at Netflix, was a University of Arizona graduate and I asked if I could intern with him over the summer of my senior year to learn the other side of film-making. He was awesome. In terms of self-development, I would say I have learned more about that here in LA, because when I was in school, there was still a projected course of action to follow which makes everything so much easier. Once there is no piece of paper telling you what to do next, then you really learn a lot about yourself. And he was kind enough to not only let me, but to teach me so much. There are always things you can do differently or "better" in hindsight, but I wouldn't change a thing.

You've also studied at Second City, an improvisational comedy enterprise based out of Chicago, with training programs and live theaters in Toronto and Los Angeles.

What are a few prerequisites (qualities or skill sets) that can benefit actors in performing improvisational comedy?

Was there any aspect of this craft that you found challenging yet mastered over time?

What professional advice can you offer to candidates seeking an opportunity to study at Second City?

What was your greatest achievement during your time invested at Second City?

Is there any comedian you admire? 

The best thing you can take in with you when studying comedy is to completely lose the word "no" from your mental vocabulary. Sometimes the things that feel the most ludicrous in the moment work the best, and you will never know if you close yourself off. Also, comedy is a group sport, especially improv, so you want to keep an attitude of always being open so you can build with the other person. There is hopefully a true place of communion you can get to in comedy in the same way you can get to in drama. Well, I found it very challenging at first. In fact, the reason that I went in the first place was because comedy scared the shit out of me and I thought well I better throw myself into the hardest and best comedy I know of then and get over it. And then I found out I was actually really good at it. Improv isn't really my jam in the sense that I don't enjoy it as much as scripted comedy but improv is so important to all aspects of acting. So many shows and plays I have done - the best moments came out of improv, and therefore out of all of the artists on set behind the camera and in front of the camera having that attitude of not shutting off to their preconceived notions - of being open to let the muse come to them. I love Kate McKinnon. I could just watch her all day. Her timing is impeccable. 

Megan, as a professional actress, you stress the importance of physical dexterity and athleticism in your craft.

As an equestrian that can also sing, play the piano and dance, are there any new physical challenges that you're entertaining?

How can novice actors develop different forms of dexterity to grant them a competitive advantage in their acting roles?

Have you played a body double for another actor due to your wide range of athleticism and range?

Are there any action roles that you've opted to perform yourself instead of delegating it to a body double?

Hmm, I think for me it is more just about overall wellness and keeping up with your training in every area. Just like I think actors should always be in class (I'm actually answering these while my Shakespeare class is on break) I also think you should always be training your body. Your body is obviously a huge part of your craft and I think it should always be in a state of readiness to transform or of feeling at your best, whatever that means for you individually. Also, I do think that the more you can learn, the more you can experience, the more you have to work from. I am a bit of a thrill seeker so I enjoy sky-diving and bungee jumping and cliff jumping. I enjoy training in hand to hand combat and broadsword and rapier/dagger. I think your body is such a huge part of acting that any movement you can study is wonderful. Any art form you can study that contributes to the mind and body being as in sync as possible. I have not but I have had multiple people play my body double. I would almost always prefer to do it myself, but sometimes the production just isn't comfortable allowing you to do the stunts.

Your work references Katharine Hepburn as a form of inspiration. What was it about Ms. Hepburn that influenced you in how you approach and represent the art of acting?

I don't know that my admiration for her is even just about her acting, but really who she is as a person. She is unapologetically herself. She is just such an inspiring human being. She always found a way to make it happen even when people were telling her no. I fell in love with her when I saw this movie Love Affair, which was essentially a re-make of An Affair to Remember. I think that was the first role I ever saw her in. And I remember thinking she was so strong and so vulnerable somehow at the same time.

Among a few entertainment genres, your work also includes drama and comedy. Did you find one genre more difficult to connect with than the other? Are there any common threads among those two styles of storytelling that audiences overlook?

Oh, I think they are so similar. Underneath both of them is the most important thing in storytelling - truth. Comedy is funny because it's grounded in truth. Drama is compelling because it's rooted in truth. They are just different ways of approaching the truth - they appeal to our different senses and defense mechanisms as human beings. I don't think I find one harder than the other - there are definitely huge traps in both - but both are so incredible.

Credit: IMDB

Some of your works include the American Horror Story, Bones, 2 Broke Girls and For Nothing. What have you learned about receiving direction from Directors and improvising at your discretion?

Well, this is a tricky question. I always believe in being open to improv. But there are times when it wouldn't be appropriate for the character or the moment. But I think in all of those projects you listed that we were all very open to collaboration and improv. In Bones, the director and I decided to do something in that scene and not tell David Boreanez that we were going to do it so that they could just catch his reaction when the cameras were rolling. In American Horror Story, Sarah Paulson asked if we could just play in the scene at one part, which, of course, I loved. To get to work with excellent actors and get to play in the moment with them, that's it. That's the best. 

You've also produced projects such as American Street Kid (2018) and Famous (2019). What was your experience working on American Street Kid which focuses on the youth homelessness epidemic? Were there any new professional epiphanies acquired behind the scenes while working on this project?

Obviously this was incredibly rewarding and challenging. I felt so very grateful to get to be a small part of telling that story. Those kids are so courageous and so strong. And it is an issue that we don't talk about, in my opinion, enough in this country. There is no reason that we have children living on the street. And one of the things that I think the director did so beautifully was address the common misconceptions that people have about why these children ended up living on the street.   

Credit: Famous

Famous was a story that challenged the protagonist to learn the price of fame.

From your personal experiences, how do you define fame? Do you believe fame comes at a price?

...ooo fame is hard to define. There's different levels, there are different ways in which someone can be famous or renowned. That specific project was loosely based on the stories of Corey Feldman and Corey Haim and River Phoenix. And it wasn't just about fame, it was also about children being taken advantage of by the mechanism of fame all those that stood to benefit from their fame. And I think we have seen so many examples of that in every part of life, sadly. I think of course it comes with a price, and in a weird way, I think we are seeing a piece of that from the phenomenon that is social media and the way it has affected and continues to affect people. We are all starting to see how detrimental it can be to live publicly and to have anyone be able to comment anything they want on anything you do or say. It's a dangerous place mentally. And I am hopeful it will lead to a wider conversation about self-worth.      

Megan, you were also nominated for the Best Actress Award by the Los Angeles Independent Film Festival for portraying the prescription-pill addict in Adverse Effects. How did you prepare to play the role of Samantha?

Well, in this specific circumstance I have had a lot of experience with addiction and how devastating it can be. I was really lucky to have Spencer as a director on this and to have Aaron on set with me, because they both allowed me to go through being crazy and being broken and all of the things I went through with her while we were filming. 

How do you know you're satisfied with your performance?  Is there a certain validation you receive from the outside world, or is there an inner knowing you've done justice to the role you're trusted to honor?

Oh man, I am never satisfied with my performance. I always think that there is more that can be found, more that can be explored, more that can be done, I think outside validation is always great and anyone who says it isn't is totally lying, but I think most artists really crave that internal feeling when they hit that sweet spot of the truth and know it, even if only for 30 seconds. I could ride that high the rest of my life. I think something that I always love is when someone tells me that they saw themselves in the role, because it then feels like you've at least touched the truth. When Corey Feldman first saw Famous he said that I was exactly like an ex-girlfriend of his at that time, which I loved because it meant that someone who lived that story recognized the work I had done as true to the story. I liked that.

Your latest project is The Christmas Family Reunion projected for a 2021 holiday release. What was the experience like working with the cast and what can audiences expect from this project? 

This was a weird one because it was my first time working with all of the new COVID protocols. So there were a lot of things that had to be done or not done in order to ensure that everyone was safe. I think the most notable to me was that it meant less time hanging out together before and between filming - which I love that time because, for me, it helps me to experience a certain level of comfortability. But Jake Helgren is an excellent director and he is so fun so he really helped us through all of that and still created a fun and safe environment. This is the second film I have done with Ninth House and both Jake Helgren and Autumn Federici are incredible and I felt very safe throughout the whole process. And with all of their projects, I think the audience can expect an excellent holiday film. I honestly felt so lucky to be working with them after they had just done "Dashing in December" - an important holiday film that told the story of two men falling in love in such a beautiful way. I found myself thinking while I was watching it, "Why haven't I seen this story before?" And so to be working with a company and with artists that are on the forefront of telling new stories -  that is such an honor. 

Are there any shows that you love watching in reruns or those that are in active production?

I am so ridiculous about this, I watch so many shows and movies over and over and over again. I've probably seen Friends all the way through maybe 20 times. I've watched the series Playing Shakespeare at least 5 times. Once something inspires you, I think you crave that feeling over and over. But, I have to remind myself to stop looking for feelings I have felt before and allow myself to experience new things that might have similar or even greater results.   

Is there a book that you're reading at the moment? Is there a book that you recommend to audiences?

As I look at the ground next to my bed, there are four books I am reading now, which is weird because I normally only read one at a time. I am re-reading Glennon Doyle's "Untamed" which my friend Brooke recommended and it is so excellent. My mom and I are both reading it and then talking about it together. So much respect for Gelnnon Doyle. I am also super into self development and spiritual books. Just speaking to my own profession, I think you have to always be growing and learning and working on yourself and the more you grow and learn as a person the more you learn and grow in terms of your characters. And, who doesn't want to be better every day? I am also reading The Sociopath Next Door and A Visit From the Goon Squad and The Worthy Project. I am super into audio books too. I love to drive around at night - when everything is quiet and still in LA - and put on a good audio book and gaze at the lights.   

Megan, please share how audiences can support your work.

Well, it would be great if they want to watch it and like it! You can go to IMDB and find anything I have worked on.  Also find me on Instagram @meggydavis and I will usually post about projects. 

Credit: Megan Davis, Actress and Producer