Shawn Boyd, actor: THE CENTER

Shawn Boyde plays “Eric” in THE CENTER

1Q: Tell us how you became involved with THE CENTER, and how you prepared for your role.

I randomly dated 3 of the Griak’s friends over the years, which was fascinating because we weren’t even in the same friend circle and Minneapolis is not a small city. It just happened. I sort of chalked it up to a funny coincidence and didn’t think much of it. Charlie would just pop up in my life for a minute, and then he’d be gone until I dated another of these women.

One day, I submitted for a casting call, and Charlie responded. I think the uncanniness of it finally sunk in for both of us and we realized we were supposed to be friends.

We met to talk about the movie and really hit it off. Pretty soon thereafter, we started filming some early test scenes to see where it went, and the rest was history.

Preparing for a role is always mystifying to me. I’ve done it lots of times, but I never quite know how I’m going to pull it off each time. Then, about month before we started shooting, I got cast in a Scientology film (they do lots of their own films and cast actors in LA), and that gave me some good firsthand insight into self-help groups and how they work. This film is not specifically about any one organization, but the timing was just uncanny.

2Q: Cinequest Film Festival is hosting the World Premiere of THE CENTER. Explain to us how it feels to bring this film before audiences for the first time, and what do you think their reaction will be to your film?

I’m thrilled to finally have it out in the world. I don’t think most people know how much time it takes to get an indy film out in the world. Most don’t ever make it, and those that do can take 4-5 years. I’m ecstatic, grateful, and honored we’re here.

I think this film is going to live with audiences for a few days afterwards. It’s definitely one that will provoke thought.

3Q: What was your best and/or worst experience while making THE CENTER?

Working with Charlie Griak. He’s a visionary director, but somehow he’s also ultimately collaborative. I think that’s tough to find. It shows that he trusts his actors and he trusts the process. There’s no ego with Charlie. Anything that made the movie better, he’d run with. And that included me suggesting a new line or move here and there. He was open to all of it.

4Q: Festival audiences often have to make hard decisions about what to see, and the catalog descriptions sometimes run together. In your own words, why should people see your film?

10 years from now Charlie is going to win an Oscar, and together we’ll be able to say that we saw his first feature at Cinequest. That’s pretty cool.

5Q: Time to pre-plan: You just won the Oscar for THE CENTER. Give us your acceptance speech.

Life is an epic ride, and you can do whatever you set your sights on.
So get in. Latch in. And point the nose towards your dreams. You could be standing here, or wherever you want to be, too.

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