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Sexy, smart, and sarcastic. That’s Colin Cunningham. An awesome guy who just happens to be a great actor to boot. You might want to catch him on the new show Falling Skies that premiered recently with Noah Wyle. If you haven’t seen it yet, you’ve probably seen Cunningham in about 500 other television shows, movies, and theatre productions. This guy’s done it all.
Well, before we discuss all your success on American soil, I know that you’ve seriously dominated the entertainment industry in Canada. Let’s talk about some of your awards and nominations over there.
Almost spat my coffee out on that one. Let me just say that the illusion of Hollywood is certainly all encompassing. The fact of the matter is that all that 'success on American soil', was shot entirely in Canada. It's a shame that because of taxes, people in this industry often have to leave their own country in order to make a living. But, yes. I have been blessed to have won a few awards. A number of Canadian 'Emmys' I guess you'd say. Some for U.S. shows, and others Canadian. Proud of them all.
That’s crazy, but good to hear about the upside. All right. So, let’s talk about the most recent premiere of Falling Skies. What do you think this new show brings to the every-day TV guide line-up?
Well, hopefully something that doesn't suck your Grannies big toe. The scope of this show is unlike anything anyone has seen in a while. It's simply gigantic. The sets, the production design, the scope. It looks more like a mini-series or feature than a TV show. So much time and work and sweat has gone into 'Skies' and I just hope and pray that the audience finds something new and exciting, not usually found on the small screen.
What do you feel you bring to the new series?
Long hair and a beard.
Ha! That’s deep. So, the series is being produced by Spielberg. Is he very hands-on at all with the show?
Yes he was. 'Up-close and hands-on' for the Pilot. And, at 'arms length' for season one. The technology today is so advanced that you can literally watch live takes with Noah Wyle from your iPhone in Australia.
I know. It’s ridiculous, right?! So what’s it like working on a Steven Spielberg project? Does it differ much from working on other films or shows?
Spielberg, shmeilberg! What's he ever done that so special? Ha. Just kidding. The guy is perhaps the greatest story teller of all time and to work on anything associated with the man isn't just a feather in your cap. It's more like a giant rack of Peacock feathers.
Okay, so I want to hear about Yellowcrow Films…Give me the scoop.
Yellowcrow Films was started as a way for both myself and producer/actor Madison Graie to create our own content. Since its inception, we've garnered well over 30 'Best Of' awards and nominations for our work. Features, Short-Films, Music Videos, and Plays. We also made the short list for an Academy Award in 2009 with our film Centigrade. It’s available on iTunes!
Well, I know you have had your hand in working behind-the-scenes of films before, so I have to ask about the award-winning Zacharia Farted. I hear it was somewhat of a “family affair”?
When you only got a nickel to spend, you grab everyone you can. Nobody knew it (because they all changed their names for the movie), but my Dad was one of the stars, my Mom played a supporting role, my brother wrote music for the film, and my brother-in-law bared his ass. Three Audience Favorite Awards and a half dozen 'Best Of' Nominations later and we all think we did pretty good.
I’d say so. So, one of the characters in the film is actually called Martin Yellowcrow. Does that have anything to do at all with Yellowcrow Films?
It most certainly does.
Ha. I guess you’ll just leave me guessing a little on that one. Okay, so now I want to hear more about your musical side. I hear you’re great on the sax.
I used to play in a soul/funk band. We all dressed up in surgical garb, mask and all, and were dubbed 'The Safe Sax Horn Section'.
Hmm… do I even need to ask what kind of music you write?
The kind that leaves notes on your door begging to, 'Knock that shit off!'
Any aspirations to combine your love of acting with your eclectic musical talents?
It's the same thing really. Music is just a language there are no words for.
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