Exclusive Interview: Connor Fox

Recently, I was able to conduct an exclusive interview with the multi-talented and award-winning actor, writer and producer Connor Fox.
Connor will be starring in the TV movie Mothman, alongside Jewel Staite, which will be airing on the Syfy channel on April 24, 2010.

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Can you talk a bit about Mothman and your character?

Mothman is set in the small town of Point Pleasant, WV. The Mothman is a legendary monster that is out to exact revenge on a group of childhood friends who covered up an accidental killing. I play Derek, the good ole boy that never left his hometown and is still hung up on his high school sweetheart.

What is Syfy’s version of the Mothman creature like?

Scary. He sees when you are sleeping and he knows when you’re awake. He knows when you’ve been bad or good. So, you could say he’s a lot like Santa Clause.

What was your audition processes like for the role?

Different. I was shooting a project in New Mexico and couldn’t be at the auditions. So, I had to put myself on tape. I had my director for the film I was working on put me on tape with hotel room lamps for lighting and the props guy was my reader. They liked my audition and wanted to do an Ichat callback with the director and producer. I agreed to do it, the thing is I was still in New Mexico and didn’t have access to a computer to do it on. So, I rented a car, drove to Best Buy and bought a laptop with a webcam on it. Of course the hotel I was staying in had a spotty internet connection in my room so I walked around the hotel until I found a conference room that had a direct internet connection. After locking the door and posting a do not enter sign I stacked two tables and a chair on top of each other so the camera on the laptop would be at the right height for me to audition. At this point I had everything set up and ready for my audition that was supposed to begin in five minutes. Well, my manager calls and tells me that they just called and I have to have my own reader for the audition. Everyone from the film was on location shooting and I didn’t know anyone else at the hotel. I had like two minutes before my audition started so I go out into the hallway and literally ask the first guy that walks by if he will be my reader. He said yes! The guy did an amazing job reading for me and the audition went great. The next day I booked the part!

Did they allow you any freedom with your character development?

For sure. One entire scene in the film is actually improv. I’ll tell you which one after you see the film. I’ll let you guess first.

Did you have to do any research or preparation for your role?

I didn’t really have much time considering I had to be on set the day after I booked the role. But, I grew up in a small town in Virginia. So, I guess you could say the first eighteen years of my life was preparation for this film. Minus the giant flying creature out to get me.

Were there any unexpected challenges you faced during filming or on location?

I ended up doing my own stunts. It was a challenge, but one I really enjoyed.

I’m sure you’ve been asked many times now, but … How was the experience working with scifi alum Jewel Staite? Do you secretly hate her now?

Working with Jewel was a lot of fun. She is a very talented and funny girl. The only thing I hate is that we aren’t working together on anything right now.

So will you be taking any trips through the woods in West Virginia anytime soon?

I certainly hope not.

I read that you’re a sci fi fan as well. What movies/television do you enjoy watching?

I’m a huge fan of Lost. It will be missed. When it comes to watching movies I can pretty much be up for anything. But, a good Sci Fi movie I just saw was Repo Men. It was a perfect all around Sci Fi film and Jude Law was a total badass in it.

Any other upcoming projects you’d like to tell us about?

I’m the lead in a new Suspense Thriller/Horror film “Yaksha” which begins filming this summer. It’s about a group of kids rehearsing a play in a remote countryside mansion that are visited by an ancient abomination, a descendent of the 18th century Hindu tribe known as Yaksha.

Your bio also mentions you’re doing some writing. How did you decide to get into that?

I told my manager all the scripts I was reading for were really bad and my manager challenged me to write one better myself. So I did.

What about science fiction inspires you the most?

No limits. I’ve always been inspired by the idea that anything is possible.

What would your dream role be?

To play Light Yagami in an American adaption of Death Note.

If you weren’t acting, what do you think you’d be doing?

I would be a treasure hunter.

What do you enjoy in your down time?

Video games, comic books, hanging out with my buddies, playing on my softball team in the park, going to casinos and metal detecting.

Thanks for your time! Is there anything else you’d like to add?

Check out my new website connorfoxonline.com or twitter me @connorfoxplease and make sure you let me know what you thought of Mothman!