CynbytheSea Interview With
Todd William Schroeder
Thank you Todd, we had a great time with you!
Loved your character on this show, you did a fantastic job. Here's wishing you a very prosperous future..
From the members of CynbytheSea.
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1.) In your line of work of doing stunts, Is there an regime you follow to keep up with the demands of doing stunts?

TODD: As you can imagine being a stunt performer is very physically and mentally challenging. My normal routine used to consist of 2 hrs of cardio and weight 4-6 days a week. One of the things that made this the best job in the world was the diversity of skills required. Specialty work can consist of a large range of activities ( martial arts, climbing, sliding cars, high falls, working with fire etc. to give you a small example ). The more talents you can be proficient at can increase your chances of work. The training in specialty work can fill up any number of your days depending on the requirements of the character you are playing or doubling.


2.) How did you feel about doing a Sci Fi show like Earth Final Conflict?

TODD: It was pretty cool to learn how all the high tech. Special effects for that kind of show are put together and apply to your work. It was the first really big SCI FI show that I was involved with. Now I know why George Lucas is a very happy guy with the Star Wars Films. Big time fun..


3.)Who did you double for?

TODD: I doubled for Kevin Killner the lead in the show character BOONE: 1st season until he was killed off.

Deb Schwartz ~ Michigan, USA
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4.) You have worked on projects in Germany and your surname is German. Are you of German parentage/ descent and do you speak German?

TODD: Unfortunately I’ve never worked in Germany and or any of Europe. I certainly would love that opportunity if it arises…I’ll keep my fingers crossed. I’ve always envied one of my hero’s Clint Eastwood, doing all those spaghetti westerns over in Italy so many moons ago. I am of German/Italian blood going back a many generations but no Speken La Deutch.


5.) What was/were the best thing(s) about working on LFN?

TODD:Top notch cast. I didn’t get a chance to work with entire cast but they were all very welcoming. Roy Dupuis is obviously a great talent and also briefly met Alberta Watson who’s work I have admired for years. I had a blast!!!!


6.) If you made your own film what type of role(s) would you play that you haven't done yet and who would you cast opposite you?

TODD: Speaking of that I did Write and Direct a film that has had some International Film Festival Award success “The Missing Piece” This short dramatic film follows a traveling salesman (Robert) played by myself, along his search and struggle to find himself. Haunted by recurring dreams, Robert sets out on a journey to deal with his abandonment, his children’s medical issues and a pursuit of his biological identity. I didn’t initially want perform in this as it was the first thing I had ever directed, but we kept having commitment problems with our other choices. That question is a little hard to answer as there are so many interesting possibilities. What I usually do is what I’m best at and get hired for but would love to do something along the line of Sean Penn (Jimmy-Mystic River).

7.) Which is more important to you, your acting or stunt career and why?

TODD: I don’t work as a stuntman anymore, although that was my big dream come true and started doing live Airshow stunts since I was in my early 20’s. It was truly the most fun and exhilarating profession. I did study acting when I first started and dabbled a little in it a little over the years. I think you have take on acting out of artistic passion which, trust me, is far different than financial passion.


8.) Out of all the places in the world that your work has taken you to so far, where is your favorite place and will you share it with us?

TODD: I had a chance to work in Puerto Vallarta Mexico shooting a TV series called “Sweating Bullets” starring Rob Steward & Carolyn Dunn. I love sunny weather year round …so that was a little to much like play rather than work.


9.) What training did you have, to be a stunt person/actor?

TODD: I started out working with one of the original Hell drivers, then went on to dragging under planes and doing a truck top landing act in the Airshow circuit across North America. That got me connected with some of the Stunt Guy’s in Canada and things snowballed from there. As an actor I had studied in Theatre School- College of Performing Arts which I ended up dropping out before I graduated after I started getting offered some professional gigs…..


10.) What are you working on at the moment, current projects?
And what would you like to work on next?

TODD: I just finished doing a guest spot on a new show “Kevin Hill” starring Taye Diggs (Basic –John Travolta) where I played Larry Stalinger in the season finale. Earlier this year I did an episode of a show “Missing” with Vivica A. Fox (Kill Bill) …..stunningly beautiful. I like to get a job as a regular detective on one of these CSI cop shows or something like that. They seem to be the flavor of the industry right now and are popping up everywhere. The key word here is regular …as in steady work for all you producer / casting director’s out there.

11.) Where do you see yourself in the future?

TODD: Dumpster….Joking But with this industry you never know. Just happy to be breathing today and in the moment.

Natalie Helmig ~ Edinburgh, Scotland
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12.) How hard it was for you to create your character Shellen for LFN?

TODD: Nope, really easy. The beautiful thing about playing bad guy’s, which I love to do, is you get to vent and act out all your real life frustrations in a fun, harmless environment. For me playing bad guy’s (however complex they may be) is like getting free anger management therapy. Most of us are so removed from this kind of real life behavior that it is open season to what you can do with these character’s.


13.)Is it difficult to let go of the character once you finish shooting?

TODD: I haven’t found that to be a problem although some characters I have played especially (The Missing Piece) which was based on my personal life as an adopted child hit a little close to home and can be a little intense.


14.) You have participated in a cult series like LFN, what positive effects did that leave you for your career?

TODD: I like to see when the entire creative team and process has an impact on the viewing public and develops such a great following. Having a chance to be a small part of that is definitely rewarding.


15.) Is there any anecdote you care to share with us, from LFN?

TODD: The whole story line was so close to that of the Hannibal character in that film, that you couldn’t help having a bit of fun with the whole cannibalistic side of things that Anthony Hopkins had created with his character. Harris Yullin is such a world class actor that he was a lot of fun to work with and gave his own spin on as similar character. Of course a few denture jokes were always tossed in to lighten the mood.


16.) With which character in your career do you feel identified with?

TODD: I would have to say that I could definitely identify with the last role I just shot on “Kevin Hill” although I’m not such a dominating Father figure in real life. Stallinger was a father that pushed his son very hard to be a successful football star against his wishes. Having played semi pro football myself I can relate some what to the passion for the game. In my personal life I tend to let my two boys discover their own path and give them the opportunity to explore what they might like to pursue.

Ana María ~ Argentina
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17.) According to a Toronto Star article someone was reported being seriously injured while shooting the Steven Seagal feature "Exit Wounds" in Toronto, Canada, can you tell us what happened.

TODD: I can’t elaborate on this subject with any great detail at this time as there are still outstanding legal issues that have been unresolved. I was working as a Stunt Double for Steven Segal on that film. The occurrence you are referring to happened when a improperly engineered stunt I was performing went wrong. I was injured in that incident and it also claimed the life of fellow stuntman Chris Lamon. This unfortunately knocked me out the that career.


18.) Did you have other injuries doing stunts? What kind?

TODD: Stunts are designed to create the illusion of great danger if done properly. Of course it is a physical industry as is professional wrestling and you do take your bumps, bruises and muscle pulls some times in the line of duty. We are fortunate in Canada to have some of the best trained Stunt Coordinators and performers in the world and was privileged to work in that circle. Accidents as mentioned in “Exit Wounds” are an extremely rare and isolated occurrence in Canada.


19.) What kind of stunts did you do for LFN?

TODD: After my guest spot on the show they brought me back to do some work as bad guy’s firing machine guns that gets shot down.

Claudia Conde ~ Buenos Aires, Argentina
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20.) What did you do before acting/stunting and why the change?

TODD: Many, many, many odd jobs……


21.) Have you been in a big Hollywood production in the U.S. itself? Or only those made in Toronto and Canada??

TODD: Unfortunately the answer is NO. But with this great fan based website there is always the hopes of greater recognition to get me across the border for a show.


22.) If we watch some of the films you have made closely would we see you in the stunts and would we notice how dangerous they are?

TODD: That is a very good question. A lot of times for stunts you are doubling for the actor that will appear on screen so you really aren’t recognizable. I would say anything most of the times if you see any of my on camera performing 9 times out of 10 the characters will involve some good action.

Thank you.
Warren Stewart ~ Perth, Australia
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23.) In your film career, do you feel as if you are being type cast because of your strong athletic ability?

TODD: I guess that may have been true and my thoughts are that I rather be type cast than not cast at all. For me I believe it proved to be an asset and I love action characters


24.) In the series "Forever Knight", some of the actors also had parts in "La Femme Nikita", did you have the opportunity to meet any of them in any different series other than the above two mentioned?

TODD: I am not sure what cast members from FK have worked on Nikita but I have worked several times with Nigel Bennett including when I was shooting “Sweating Bullets” down in Mexico. We went deep sea fishing and enjoyed a tequila or two. I have seen Geraint Wyn Davies, who is also a well established Director, in auditions for shows he is working on


25.) With your part in La Femme Nikita, did you enjoy the group and did you feel comfortable with them?

TODD: Everyone there went out of their way to make you feel part the family.


26.) What type of parts do you enjoy most?

TODD: Thugs with very low IQ’s I find can open up some fun moments to play. I’m interested in any character that has been well written and poses a creative challenge.
I really like to be entertained when I watch films and I gravitate to the stuff I’d most like to do. My new hero has got to be “the Rock” He doesn’t take things to seriously ( and in this industry how can you) and he’s great at what he does… He cracks me up and I just loved him in “Rundown” . That’s what I like to do!!!!!


27.) What type of films do you prefer?

TODD: All starts at a good script and story. I like all genres depending on my mood. Sometimes I’m in the mood for a good comedy that will have me rolling…sometimes a really intense thriller and go figure sometimes it’s Guy’s night and time to turn up a notch with the car chases, explosions, gun fights ….you Know!

Sandy Meridith ~ Kansas, USA
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28.) I watched the scene very carefully, that you performed with Harris Yullen. There was much I wanted to know. What type of involvement was there in the choreography aspects of the scene that you had with Mr. Yullen?

TODD: Harris and I spent some time working with the Stunt Coordinator to get a sense of what they wanted in the scene, which basically was to work him over until he was ready to talk. Unfortunately, JAWS as I have come to fondly remember him as, didn’t like getting beat up and teased and decided to rip my throat out.


29.)You seemed to take on the role of "Shellen" very naturally. Whatever you were told in terms of preparing for his character, I felt you had delved deeply into the mindset of this type of person, as you were in character, What were the emotional feelings you experienced during this scene?

TODD: I was told by our Director Jon Cassar (who I believe took home a Gemini award for his direction in this episode – equivalent to American Emmy) That Shellen was a former op, that had spun out of control and could no longer be used in the field. That is why I was brought in to help convince Harris’s character to spill the beans. Jon said you can go over the top with this guy. I just tried to stay focused to the mission of the character and I hope it was believable.


30.) You shared a scene with Roy Dupuis in which there was a quick fight scene, as you both rehearsed for this, can you tell us a little about what went on to achieve it?

TODD: This stuff moves along pretty fast. Roy is in great shape and really used to working with the fights and high action stuff. We spent a couple of hours going over some moves with the Stunt Coordinator and the other performers. Before you know it cameras are rolling and guy’s are flying… but my character is no match for Roy who chokes me out.


31.)In the scenes you had with Mr. Yullen or Mr. Dupuis, how many takes was it before the production team yelled "that's a wrap" in scenes with each of them?

TODD: I think we spent a half a day shooting the Harris Yullen sequence with the normal array of coverage(shots & angles) The same went for the fight scene with Roy we were out in better part of the day. TV is a little limiting at times and usually you don’t have time for more than 4-5 takes before moving on …unless you really screw up.


32.) You've got a hell of a build, what's your regimen?

TODD: Milk and cookies!


33.) Your scenes on "La Femme Nikita" were quite bloody, what was the process involved to make it appear as such?

TODD: We had a special effects make up people that do a great job at making this stuff so believable


34.) What does the future have in store for you, when acting is no longer something you'd like to pursue?

TODD: I’ve actually been trying to pursue new avenues behind the camera. I have written and directed two short dramas that have picked up a few awards at International Festivals – a couple from out your way at the Houston Film Festival “Worldfest”. I have been contacted by a writing team out of Vancouver to direct my first feature film.
Working Title “My Ding –a- Ling” Comedy, This is a very funny script, with a female lead. The story is based around a frustrated secretary seriously pissed off about being passed over for promotions…Her wishes come true when she awakens to find she now has an additional body part to contend with. We’ll see what happens! Stay tuned

Cynthia Wilkerson ~ Texas, USA
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SPECIAL COMMENTS:
Cheers
Todd William Schroeder

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