Because I am a proponent of the works of Rick Ravanello, I am very passionate about his upcoming film, Jessica Frost. Included in the cast list is a man by the name of Sean Dillingham. He is new to me, but definitely not new to the industry. Recently, Sean took some time to answer some questions about his love and passion for this industry as well as providing some insight into his past, present, and future works.
RH: What inspired you to become an actor? What kind of training have you received?
SD: The old movies! When I was seven, I saw my first Gene Kelly movie and was like, “That’s what I want to do!” I got into school theatre, public/community theatre and then into improv, stand up, commercials, TV and film.
Tell us about your experience with On the Road, as I believe that’s your best-known work so far. Tell us a little about the film and your character.
(Hahaha) I played the face of racism! I was the cotton foreman where one of the leads comes and works in his adventures. It was a great film, and the best experience I took away from it was thanks to the director, Walter Salles! I had a few lines, but here he was working with Kristen Stewart, Kirsten Dunst, Steve Buscemi and the list goes on and on for this film. I’m there checking in, getting wardrobe, getting a trailer and he walks in, flanked with two production assistants. He walks into the rooms full of actors, extras, productions people and more, makes a path right to me, shakes my hand and says “Sean, thank you so much for being in the film.” That blew me away! Here’s this man, on this huge production, who didn’t have to say a word to anyone, let alone me, takes the time to let everyone know, they are important. That made an impact. Everyone matters. EVERYONE.
Please tell us about other notable works in your career as I am not familiar with a lot of your credits.
Notable? Hmm. There are a lot of things I’ve done. Twenty plus films, sixty plus commercials – to me, all notable. I’m just having a blast! I truly love being an actor! I’ve been lucky enough to have worked with people and productions from all around the world, and the magic is still there for me, one hundred percent every time! Jessica Frost is a film I am in that will go into production soon. I play a real psychopath in that one. I’m looking forward to it! Full body make-up, crazy character – certainly will try to go “Jared Leto as the Joker” on that one! Under the Big Sky is a cool dino pic coming out as well that I have a great role in.
Many of my readers are Rick Ravanello fans. Have you met him yet?
No – only online in the social media world! 🙂
Runar Bernsten is the director (just interviewed him). What has been your experience with him so far?
Super nice guy, great vision and passion – A director I really feel I can learn from and I look forward to the work!
You also have writing/directing/producing credits. Is this something you plan on pursuing further?
Possibly. Never say never, right? I’ve done some, and now I have had so much experience with acting, when I’m on a set, I feel I have an eye and always suggest things. Maybe things that will work or not, but always an active part of any crew. I may do some short films I wrote, but we’ll see. Right now, I am incredibly busy as an actor.
Any other upcoming works you can mention?
TV stuff like Nightshift and Longmire. Seven films I’ve shot and that are in the can waiting for editing for them to be released. Atomic Shark, Jessica Frost, Krampus Unleashed, Under the Big Sky, Creation’s Daughter, Strange Places and more! As they say, Stay Tuned!
As comedy appears to be your starting point, what would you say to people who are considering a career in comedy?
Comedy is fine, but only one aspect. What I would say is GET TRAINING! Acting, stand-up, improv, film, commercial – any and all kind of training! If you’re not acting, you should be training! Get those skills!
Who would you consider your top comedic influences in your life and why?
There’s a lot – Jack Lemmon (realism) Walter Matthau (So subtle in his comedy delivery), Steve Martin, Jerry Lewis (Physical comedy), Jim Carrey, and Robin Williams (let loose Improv)
In the tumultuous sea teeming with actors, comedians, and more, Sean is one who consistently dedicates himself to his craft, and he takes every role seriously, no matter how small or insignificant it might seem to others. His enthusiasm for his chosen profession seems to effervesce from his inner being, and he is genuinely committed to continuing to learn, trying new things, and refining his skills. Every new opportunity that comes his way is a chance to demonstrate his dexterity, and it would seem that his quiet but fierce perseverance is beginning to land him roles where he can scale new heights and manifest his versatility. He is decidedly not in the entertainment business to become “rich and famous.” I would say that the fact that he gets to do what he truly enjoys for a living is a reward in of itself, and he never expects any notoriety. I can hardly wait to see his upcoming film with my good friend, Rick, so be sure that you watch out for Jessica Frost coming sometime next year. Until then, please follow him via the links below and check out his diverse works because this is one actor whom you do not want to overlook.
FOLLOW SEAN
