TopShelf Magazine May 2023

JAMES QUINN

REPRINTED WITH PERMISSION FROM FEBRUARY 2023

RELATABLE VOICE MAGAZINE

Our February cover star is the talented actor James Quinn. James is known for The Dark Knight Rises (2012), Checkmate (2019) and Sandman (2018).

James is also a writer, producer and director. Check out his new movie The Consumer which is out now.

Hello James, welcome to the Relatable Voice Magazine.When did you decided to become an actor?

My interest sparked in 1985 on the heels of Back To The Future. It was mesmerizing to me.

I didn’t actually do any acting until 1989. I would go on to do small bit parts or background during the 1990’s every so often. I wouldn´t actually pursue it as a profession until 2011.

What do you like about acting the most and the least?

The thing I like most about acting is the creative process. Developing a character and bringing it to life. It’s intoxicating to escape into a new world.

The thing a like the least about acting is the waiting on your next job. I love just going from one project to another but unfortunately that’s not always possible in our business.

Did you take up any formal training in acting?

I started with local workshops and background on big sets.

I’ve gotten amazing advice from some of the best in the business.

My best training however has come onset in the moment. You can’t put a price on just doing it. Your biggest investment needs to be in yourself.

I came back to acting in 2011 and pursued it �� . I had just finished up a long run in construction and union politics which was exhausting ultimately led to me needing a positive change. This may sound crazy but acting has always brought me balance.

How is this character Grady Sanders like you? Different?

I would say he is very much like me. I wrote the screenplay for SANDMAN as most of the story pertains to my own journey. The ex boxer who left the union over political differences and had to find his way back in life is absolutely my story. It was very surreal to see how art mirrors your own life. It was very therapeutic in a cinematic way.

Do you like something other than

I like playing Ice hockey and boxing. I’ve always enjoyed fitness at high levels.

How is your experience working in the industry so far?

I’ve been very fortunate to have a lot of positive experiences in the business. We have not so great experiences as well but I always say if you can learn from each experience then you never loose because you take that knowledge forward with you.

Who are your biggest influences?

My biggest influences I would have to say are Michael Keaton, Michael J Fox, Humphrey Bogart, Bruce Willis, Nicholas Guest, Roddy Piper & Jimmy Stewart.

I’m my opinion I believe these men have all impacted the business in a very positive way. Each bringing something new and amazing to the table. They sell a story with so much more than just dialogue and good writing. They sell it with their body language, with their eyes and with their hearts. It’s next level.

Which role that you have played you like the most?

My favorite role I’ve played so far has been Grady Sanders. It’s because the story is so close to my real life. It was the most personal I’ve ever been on film and the closest I will ever come to playing myself.

What message would you want to give to your fans?

Thank you for always supporting my work and interacting with me on social media and in life. You make all the difference. At the end of the day the fans have the right to cheer you or to boo you. The fact that they take the time to take this journey with you. It means everything. It also means your making a difference.

What, according to you, is the best part of your work?

The creative process and end result. To see your own vision come true or to help bring other people visions to life.

How does it feel to be a star and how did fame change you?

I think if I look at my stardom as yet to come I’ll always have something to pursue and to work towards.

What attracts you to a role now?

The thing that most attracts me to a role now is something fresh. Exciting characters, New journeys, and stories that have not yet been told or can be told from a new perspective.

Every industry, including the entertainment industry, is full of competition; what do you do to stand out ?

Much like my inspirations the thing that makes me stand out is my body language on camera. My willingness to give everything I have, both mentally and physically.

Also to try and conduct myself like a professional and gentleman on set.

What do you do to handle the pressure that comes with your work?

The pressure will always be there so embrace it. I try to make that energy a positive instead of a negative. Sometimes that pressure is what brings out my best. No time to think and just react.

Do you have experience acting in television or film?

I have acted in quite a bit of film and television over the years on both Hollywood and independent projects.

What is the first thing you do to research and approach a role?

I try to get to know the character intimately. You need to try to get to get into that persons mindset. Visit people who have has similar experiences and take notes.

Any exciting new projects?

Yes my newest projects include “The 12th Letter” based off the novel The 12th Letter written by authors Jackie Hovorka.

I also have a new film getting to ready to film called “Strange Angels “ based off the novel Strange Angels written by author Ernest Keegan.

ABOUT JAMES QUINN

James Quinn is an American born award winning actor. He most recently won best actor for The 12th Letter at both “The COLFF” and “The Digital Griffix” film festivals.

He is also a director , writer & talk show host from Pittsburgh PA. James is known for such films as SANDMAN, The 12th Letter, The Boonies, Checkmate, No Knock List, Before The Border, The Dark Knight Rises, Pro Wrestlers Vs Zombies, (CBS) One Dollar, Mayor Of Kingstown, and plenty more.

James has appeared on the cover of Artistic Platforms Magazine 4 times in recognition of his work.

He has both national and international distribution of several of his films. James also has a background in Ice Hockey, amateur boxing, & basketball.

James in recent years has written numerous movie scripts and has begun directing his own films as well.

https://www.instagram.com/ realjamesquinn/?hl=en