Chicago based actor/producer Ric Morgan is currently filming a feature called, IMAGO! It is always great to see my hometown of Chiraq getting some entertainment industry buzz. Seriously, Cali gets old for even die hard west-cost folk. Meanwhile, Chi-town will always have a unique and cinematic grit. Thanks to Laura, we were able to get a 1-on-1 Q&A with Ric.
How was it transitioning from law enforcement to the entertainment industry?
When I left the Sheriff's Office, it was my intention to take some time off, travel, and visit far-flung places and family. Figured that after awhile I would return to the public-safety realm, as I'd amassed a considerable skill-set, one in demand in an increasingly dangerous world; maybe as a beltway counter-terrorism consultant, bomb appraisal officer, or in VIP protection. Going into showbiz really wasn't on my radar.
After catching up with the fam, I knocked around Latin America awhile. Did some surfing, yoga, brushed up on my Spanish, learned to spin poi, and came to find out how little one needs to be happy. Pura Vida is about catching that wave or sunset, dancing under the stars, kissing the girl. The impetus to parlay my experience into a well-paying job, working for the man, had evaporated into the warm tropical air.
Upon my return, on a lark I went on the set of the Kelsey Grammer TV series Boss as an extra. I was just supposed to be a sidewalk blur for the scene, but I could instantly access that the timing with the campaign bus' arrival was all off, so when the principal actors disembarked I stopped, held open the storefront door, and followed them inside, and into the next scene. Turned out Mario Van Peebles was the director for that episode, and he took a shine to me, goofing around and pulling me into more shots. I had a great time. Shortly thereafter I went on an audition for a bit part in an indie short, and wound up being offered the principal titular role. Things started to pick up steam from then on, and I never seriously considered going back to where I'm given a Blackberry and the mantle of grave responsibility.
Now, if I screw up, nobody dies; it's just, "Take 2!"
What are the biggest challenges that come with being an actor?
Auditions would have to be near the top of the list. Not so much because of anxiety or nerves, because I handle those in the context of a life lived through far worse, but rather in the challenge of trying to discern how to approach, and execute my performance. Who are these people, and what do they want? I will often have several ideas for the character, but may only get one shot. I can usually be fearless in my choice, but auditions are conducted in so many different ways, sometimes I get tripped up. I am trying to learn to slow down, and access the room better before beginning.
What are the benefits of being based in Chicago?
Where do I begin? Chicago's film community is vibrant, collaborative, and supportive (almost to a fault, in that we need to be harder on ourselves, so as to be taken more seriously elsewhere). Everything one needs to create quality films is right here: the acting talent, the experienced crews, equipment, locations -great locations, and an awesome public-transportation system to tie it all together. Illinois Film Office tax incentives invite more productions, begetting Cinespace, seven major TV and film productions, and film incubators like Stage 18 and Fort Knox.
If you could play any role in a feature film, what type of role would you play and who would you chose as your co-star?
The Broken Man. I am often cast in authoritarian roles, which is fine, but I want to play the down-and-out, has-been, drunken former jazz star whose wife left him after their only son died while in his care. That, or a remake of "Fletch".
Who is your favorite actor and why?
Wow, that's tough. I'm going to go with Anthony Hopkins. For his ability in memorizing lines, and delivering them in such a away that you are convinced it is the very first time he has uttered them. He's a nuanced master at projecting power, minimally. You forget you're watching Sir Anthony. While he is probably best known for his portrayal of Hannibal Lecter, I really liked him as Burt Munro in World's Fastest Indian.
If you could give someone advice who is looking to make a career change like yourself and get into acting, what would you tell them?
Don't do so seeking fame, or fortune, but for love and in pursuit of the craft, and the art of cinematic storytelling.
What is your most recent project?
Imago- A full-length indie feature dramatizing the horrors of modern-day sexual slavery and human trafficking. We are currently in production, and are about halfway through principal photography.
(Imago is scheduled to release in 2018 www.facebook.com/Imagothemovie2017 )
More on Ric Morgan @ www.IMDb.me/ricmorgan www.ricmorgan.net
It must be hard wearing multiple hats, tell us what it is like to be both a producer and an actor on Imago?
Also location scout, casting agent, grip, script doctor and occasional director! It's crazy, and a challenge to maintain focus when spinning so many plates, all the while herding cats. But 'tis the nature of indie filmmaking, and we all pull together.
Lastly, tell us about Ric Morgan in a nutshell.
Wide Quixotic streak. Curious and wondering. Humbly humbled. Evolved and evolving. Observant, and feeling. Reliably unexpected. Re-Imagining Reality.
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