With Dark Rising being released in the U.S. on August 11th and production starting on Dark Rising 2 in September, we thought it a perfect time to talk with Dark Rising star Landy Cannon about life, his daughter and work as an actor.
When did you start acting?
Amateur – Out of the womb (Did some of my best work) Professionally – 1996
How did you get into the industry?
It was sort of a transition from modeling to acting. My modeling agent kept telling me I would be perfect for T.V. They started submitting me for commercials and bit parts in movies and I started booking them. It was way more fun. I wasn’t a very good model. I drank beer. (Heavens to Betsy) Oh dear!
What was your first gig?
It was a really low budget film school project. I had like 5 lines and I thought I was the star. (I wasn’t) I wondered where my trailer was my first and only day on set. I think they gave me a corner in a make shift waiting room and fed me cold pizza. (Little did they know, I Love Cold Pizza! Ha! In their face!)
Did your parents approve of your career choice?
They’ve always supported me in anything I’ve wanted to do. I’m sure they would‘ve liked me to be a rocket scientist, but when they see me on T.V. or the big screen, even when I do a voice over for the radio they get sooooo excited. It’s adorable.
What’s been your greatest disappointment in the industry?
I’ve had so many one that stands out is getting my first lead in a film and three days before flying out to location the producers lost their financing. Ouch!!!! It’s happened a few more times since. Making movies is hard…don’t let anyone tell you different.
What’s been your greatest achievement to date?
Personally – the birth of my daughter, Ariella. Professionally – The Dark Rising Franchise. It gave me great joy to go to work everyday, create and play!
Strangest day you’ve had on set?
I’ve had lots of weird things happen on set. I played a Porn star once in a T.V. show. I had a scene with Alicia Klass, the real life porn star. She was trying to go mainstream with her acting career. She came on set for our scene which was a simulated sex scene and dropped her robe and yelled ” Alright, who am I f*#king?” It was a very interesting afternoon of shooting. Actually she was very nice and oddly normal.
Tell us about working with Mercedes McNab on Medium Raw?
Mercedes was very laid back. She’s a Pro and easy to work with. I’ve worked with a lot of young stars and she is “cream of the crop cool”!
What are your aspirations for the future?
Personally – Live a good life, full of Joy and Laughter. Professionally – I know it’s a cliché’ but I just want to keep working. Do good work. Tell stories and hopefully entertain while I’m doing it.
Have you ever been nominated for an award?
Yes, I had my first nomination for a Canadian Comedy Award. Male Lead in a Feature for “Dark Rising“. I lost to Seth Rogen. (Whatever… Like he’s funny! LOL)
Dark Rising is coming out in the U.S today so be sure to go out and pick up your copy! Here’s the remainder of Dark Rising’s leading man Landy Cannon.
If you could play any character on screen what would it be?
I love the old Spaghetti Westerns with Clint. An uber -cool character like ’the man with no name’ would be the ultimate. I think this genre of simple story telling through a gritty western needs to be revisited more. I’ve always wanted to do a Western.
We’ve heard you’ve just embarked on a new role – as daddy- How’s that?
Being a father has changed me only for the better! I look at my daughter and the world disappears. She’s a gem.
Do you get nervous before a big shoot?
Yes… Nervous, but very excited at the same time!
What’s your Favourite Television Show?
Californication— Gotta love Hank Moody!
What’s your favourite film of all time?
If I have to pick one, it’s gotta be “Forrest Gump”.
What Director would you love to work with?
Clint Eastwood.
If you had to chose a role “Behind the Scenes” What would it be?
Director of Photography(DOP). Great Cinematography moves me.
What hobbies do you pursue?
I love woodworking and any type of sport.
What’s the most fun you’ve had working on a project and Why?
This one’s easy – Dark Rising. Hands Down! I’ve always said: “in those woods in Pickering, Ontario, Canada magic happened. “ It’s what film making should always be. The producers made that movie for virtually nothing. I’ll have life long friends from that shoot. It’s hard to explain that magic. Just think, being a child and having the best time at camp for 3 weeks. Beautiful.
If you weren’t an actor what would you be?
A carpenter.
JUST FOR FUN:
Biggest Fear? Being a Carpenter! ( See last answer)
Who’s your celebrity crush? No one touched Farrah Fawcett in the 80’s, WOW!!!!
What’s your comfort food? My wife’s Italian — Anything pasta related. Fresh Cannelloni, Ravioli, Rigatoni. Has to be homemade though. Mmmmmmmmm!!!!!
Do you believe in Miracles? I witnessed one. The birth of my daughter. That’ll blow your shorts up. Incredible.
Do you believe in Aliens? I think we would have to be pretty self centred to think we’re the only ones here!!!!
What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done? Snowmobiled off a cliff ,that I didn’t know was there, on top of a mountain on the west coast. Thank god it was powder snow.
Tell us a secret? I’m missing a toe on my right foot. ( Hydro Truck + 7 yr old = One less toe.)
What Click were you a part of in Highschool? Admittedly, the Jocks, but I liked pretty much every one and had friends from all different clicks.
What Historical figure would you like to meet and why? Paul Newman. Because he’s Paul Newman!
Who’s you’re favourite superhero? Thor! I like sayin’ ‘Thor’! The long hair is cool.
What picture do you have on your screen of your phone? My daughter.
What website do you frequent most often? Fitnessblackbook.com Rusty knows his shit!
Anything else you’d like to say? People, people, people… be kind to one another, life is waaaay too short!!!! I want to shout this from the top of a mountain daily.
Source: DefiantFilms.com
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