Glenn recently agreed to do a question and answer session for the site. Thanks to everyone who submitted questions, and thank you to Glenn for taking the time to answer. If you have trouble reading the grey on black text, I've created a black on white page for contrast.
February 4, 2008
How did you get into acting?
When I was 20, I overheard a conversation between two people, about how rock stars and actors have great fun in their life and make loads of money ... that’s the truth. When you’re a kid growing up in Kentucky, and you’re bored but curious, the idea that you could live anywhere or do anything you want, and go after something that most people are afraid of trying, seemed like a great adventure.
Did you study acting during high school or in college?
One semester in college when I got to Los Angeles.
Was it something you always wanted to do?
Never thought about it until I was 20.
I am assuming you grew up in Kentucky?
Yes.
Was it hard to make the move from there to LA?
No.
Was your family supportive of your move?
They didn’t really understand it, but they were supportive.
Have you ever acted with your wife in a production before?
Yes, we met doing a play, Don’t Go Back to Rockville, in Los Angeles.
If so, is it hard working with someone you know so well, or does that make it easier?
Hallie is really good, so it’s easy acting with her.
If not, would you like to work with her?
There are things that we are developing for the two of us. So, yes.
How did you get involved in photography?
My father was a photographer. When I moved to Los Angeles I saw an opportunity to have a business doing actors’ headshots, and have the freedom to be my own boss. So I asked him to ship me one of his cameras. A 35mm Nikon F. [Examples of Glenn's amazing photography can be found at In House Media.]
Your bio on the In House Media site says you attended film school. Where did you go and what made you decide to learn the behind-the-scenes aspects of filmmaking?
I went to Los Angeles City College for film – 3 years (they have a great program, almost all my teachers were from USC and UCLA – the education was excellent). Since I was an older student, I was not interested in paying a high tuition. Francis [Ford Coppola] said he would give me a letter of recommendation for one of the bigger schools, but City College was what I wanted.
Was it something you were always interested in, or did acting open your eyes to the other side of the camera?
Once I started working, I knew that I wanted to be a triple threat (acting, writing, directing). It really is the only way you can have complete control of your work. The hard part is finding someone with the cash to back your vision. That’s why I built In House Media, so I could have the creative control to build sets, etc. and to do the things I wanted to do.
What advice do you have for someone trying to break into the entertainment industry as a writer (or in any capacity)?
I wish I knew. I think honestly you have to write the things you would like to see on the screen. I say write as much as you can ... at least 5 screenplays ... because everybody has one screenplay these days and trying to sell that ONE screenplay ... It’s a long shot ... But have people read them, teachers, friends, (who will be honest), etc. Get feed back, if you like it, use it, if you don’t like the feed back, don’t use it ... However if 99% of the feedback is “this is really really good” then take it to the next step and try to find representation ... or try to find someone to financially back it. If that happens, you’re a producer. As far as breaking into the industry in any capacity ... you should know your end goal, keep that vision intact and work hard.
Did you enjoy filming The Outsiders or Rumble Fish more?
Rumble Fish
What was it like working with Francis Ford Coppola?
The max an actor could hope for.
Do you have any funny anecdotes or stories from your time working on The Outsiders or Rumble Fish?
No, not really. I was pretty much involved with working my ass off and staying focused on the task at hand.
Would you like to share anything about the film you’ve written?
Which one? If you’re talking about the one where the money fell through, it’s a political suspense thriller.
Do you plan to go back to acting one day?
I remember Francis telling me that my acting success would come later in life. Maybe that time is approaching ... I don’t know. I have a few more things I want to personally accomplish first. I’m looking for another facility. I have been working on finishing my college education. I’ve been going to school since the seventies and have ninety some units. I have three more semesters to go (a year and a half ending with a BA in Education) I set a goal to finish before my daughter finished high school. So I need to do that. Time is running out - she’s a freshman.
What sort of role would bring you back to acting?
Something interesting. It doesn’t have to be big ... just thoughtful.
How does it feel to suddenly be getting all this attention for your acting and work that you did 17+ years ago?
With the kind of character work that I was doing back then, it was often disappointing to see it “fly under the radar.” So I am deeply flattered to know there is an audience that gets it. It makes the work feel justified. Thank you.
The last ten questions were borrowed from the questions James Lipton uses on "Inside The Actors Studio"
What is your favourite word?
Believe.
What is your least favourite word?
No.
What turns you on creatively, spiritually or emotionally?
Creative people.
What turns you off?
Dream crushers
What sound or noise do you love?
My daughter's voice.
What sound or noise do you hate?
Car horns.
What is your favourite curse word?
The universal, FUCK
What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?
Commandeering the USS Ronald Reagan
What profession would you not like to do?
Aviation Boatswain’s Mate
If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates?
Happy birthday.
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Be sure to check out Katie's interview with Glenn regarding Rumble Fish and his work with Francis Ford Coppola. Many thanks to Glenn for taking the time to answer all these questions!
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