Published: December 28, 2008 11:03 PM EST
By: Isaac Davis Jr., MBA (Juniorscave.com)
JC Interview Exclusive: Paul Preiss
Paul Preiss
Paul Preiss is an amazing new talent in the entertainment industry. He has made an auspicious debut in the industry turning in a powerful performance in Dog Tags. He plays the main character, Nate, who is fighting several demons including wanting to know who is his father. Paul is also a masterful photographer and writer. He has written and captured some of the best parts of life in his works. Paul recently agreed to complete an online interview with our magazine. We are delighted with the outcome. Enjoy!
Isaac: Hi Paul, thank you for taking the time to do this interview. I wanted to ask you what inspired you to want to pursue an acting career.
Paul: Hello Isaac... it is a bit strange answering these questions via email but I will give it my best. After finishing college, I moved to the East Village in NYC where I was working as a fashion model and a bellman in midtown. All of my best buddies at the hotel were actors and I finally went to one of their acting classes. It was an immediate connection for me. I knew that feeling in my stomach couldn't be ignored. From that point on, I have been a man on a mission.
Isaac: Since being in the business, how has your life changed?
Paul: Well, I read entirely different kinds of books. I listen intently to people when they speak; I articulate my thoughts. I am learning to love the beauty of life more than I would ever had thought possible. It is an intoxicating experience waking up in the morning and sincerely knowing you are doing exactly what you are supposed to be doing.
Isaac: What does your family and friends think about you as an actor?
Paul: They are all my biggest supporters. I COULD NOT do what I am doing without their encouragement and love. They always knew I was crazy anyways.
Isaac: One of the roles that I really enjoyed your performances was in Dog Tags. Your character's inner
conflicts were so touching to me. Your portrayal of Nate came across very real. How did you prepared for this role? Which part of this role would you say is Paul Preiss?
Paul: Well, it was really my first major role. I was fortunate enough to have a director that believed in me. We had some very powerful rehearsals where I was able to find some interesting character traits. To prepare for a role, I convince myself of the notion that -I am the character, the character is me- this way, I am not lying... it is all truthful.
There is certainly a lot of Paul Preiss in Nate... that is why I was cast.
Isaac: How did you handle the love scene in this movie? Did it make you uncomfortable?
Paul: Bart Fletcher (Andy) is a friend of mine, so that was comforting. Honestly, Isaac, it was just the anticipation that made me nervous. I knew when I read the script that this was part of the story. It is crucial to the relationship of Nate and Andy. Soooo... in my head, it was a mind-fuck because it was really something I could not go back to personal experience and pull out from my emotion's pocket. From an acting standpoint, I had to embrace the uncomfortability of the moment because for truth, it is exactly what Nate was feeling as well. He too was lost, scared, nervous, confused... You know what I mean??
Isaac: What is the one aspect about making movies that you really enjoy?
Paul: Creative collaboration.
Isaac: What has been the most challenging aspect about pursuing a career in acting?
Paul: It has shifted... at the beginning it was an inner battle I would have with myself; Convincing myself that I was an actor. Once I jumped that hurdle I really became free as a person. Now the hardest part of being an actor is paying my rent.
Isaac: Let's talk about another great project that you have been a part of: Journey of Hope. Describe a little about this project and why this project is very important to you.
Paul: Well, I will try to give the project the dignity it deserves in my description. The backbone of that project was my girlfriend Rachel's Mom, Lisa. She was an amazing woman and she inspired the project. It was the most amazing experience of my life. She battled breast cancer for awhile and it tore me up. I was stuck in NYC and Rachel dropped everything and flew back to Michigan to try to bring her to health. I thought of an idea to travel from NYC to San Fran with a Polaroid camera and take pictures of Breast Cancer survivors along the way and have them give well wishes to Lisa and words of encouragement.
Essentially, saying FIGHT THIS LISA! YOU CAN DO IT! And I was going to send the package of Polaroids and wishes to Lisa back in Michigan. She lost her battle with cancer before I was able to leave NYC. Some how, the project stayed alive and Rachel joined me across country with 2 unbelievable friends... the entire trip was about surviving and livin life.
Over 30 survivors let us into their homes in 3 weeks and 3000 miles! We made a documentary of the entire experience.
I miss Lisa.
Isaac: Truly inspiring story Paul.
Isaac: If you had the opportunity to work with one Director in Hollywood, who would it be and why?
Paul: Gus Van Sant because he blows me away. Also, Woody Allen, for that same reason.
Isaac: Another one of your loves is writing. How important is it for you to be able to express your emotions through your writing?
Paul: It zens me out... It is weird though, ever since I left NYC I hardly write. I really miss that head space. I have an overactive mind and writing allows the static to subside.
Isaac: You have a wonderful official website. How important to you as an artist has it been to have an
official website for your family, friends, and fans?
Paul: My website is a very selfish endeavor. I basically have that as my platform for expression of art. I create something for myself and for the meditation it allows me. To fulfill that emotion entirely, I love for it to be out in the public forum to trigger people's minds.
Isaac: You also have been taking some amazing photos capturing the essence of life and beauty. How long have you been doing photography?
Paul: I started taking photos a lot about 4 years ago. I spent a lot of time in Milan, Barcelona, and Germany... those were some lonesome times and I would travel by foot everywhere just taking photos. I loved it. Nothing beats the feeling of shooting on film and convincing myself I just captured an amazing moment and like Christmas morning I rush to the lab to get my contact sheets...LOL!
Isaac: What would you like to do with this gift (meaning what is the next level you would like to go)?
Paul: My goal at the moment is to work with an amazing photographer out here in LA... Photo assist or something along those lines... I want to learn more about the technical aspects of photography. I dream of having creative freedom where I am never obligated to be mundane. I want to be a published photographer and poet someday.
Isaac: What are some up and coming projects that you are working on now?
Paul: I recently started my own production company. I optioned an amazing script that I am producing and playing the lead male character. Also, I live at the beach man, sooooo my endless project is living life!
Isaac: Time to give some shouts out to your friends, family, and fans.
Paul: Everyone that I love already knows it. Okay, I LOVE YOU MOM.
To my fans... thank you for your support.
Isaac: Final words from Paul Preiss...
Paul: Follow your bliss and don't let anyone tell you that you can't do something. ohhhhhhh, and don't forget to laugh.
