Dennis Hurley: Actor, Writer, Comedian, Albino

Dennis began his career as a performer at Ithaca College (http://www.ithaca.edu/hs/depts/theatre/)   in New York, receiving improvisational training from the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre in NYC and the Massachusetts-based ImprovBoston.  (www.improvboston.com)

Dennis Hurley’s television and film credits include: The Daily Show (under 5), Let Them Chirp A While, and the role of "Michael" in Running With Scissors (scene deleted)One of his original film productions, The Albino Code  (www.7fluidoz.com/albinocode) , a parody of The DaVinci Code which he wrote and starred in, has been met with international acclaim, being featured on CNN, MSNBC, Inside Edition, Entertainment Tonight, Good Morning America, FOX News, as well as in articles in People Magazine, The New York Post, The Hollywood Reporter, and The Boston Globe in a review by top film critic Ty Burr.Dennis has performed live in over 40 states across the US, including the lead role in the original play Diamond In The Rough at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC. He has acted in such Off-Off Broadway productions asRosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead, A Christmas Carol, Naked, Killing The Great White Tiger, Where's Charley?, Measure For Measure, Macbeth, Titus Andronicus, The Girl Most Likely To..., The Magic Of Mrs. Crowling and his original comedic play, Dating Grim. (http://www.datinggrim.com)
Dennis maintains an active presence in the Boston comedy scene, performing in the sketch group , Sawyer and Hurley. (www.sawyerandhurley.com)  He regularly produces, writes and performs in short films with local companiesCastparty Productions (www.castparty.com), No Spoon Productions (http://www.nospoon.tv), ImprovBoston, and his own DownCellar Films  (www.myspace.com/downcellar).

Coming up....
A lead role in the feature length comedy Inventory (www.inventorymovie.com), various parts in upcoming films such as Cost Of The Living (www.lovethyjob.com/zomromcom), Meet The Mayfarers(http://www.mayfarers.com) and he will soon be wrapping production on his short thriller, Once Again with Mfish Productions. (http://www.themfish.com)

What is the current project you are working on?

ONCE AGAIN, a thriller about a man who has given up. The entrance of a woman makes him believe they were reincarnated lovers from the past.

Did you always want to be a filmmaker?

I always wanted to be an actor. I had considered film when I turned 18. Acting or Filmmaking? – was the question I was struggling with then. Acting just came naturally to me.

What inspired you to become filmmaker?

All I really ever thought about in junior high and high school was going to the movies and making my own movies on the weekends.

What is the best thing about being one?

Creating compelling characters. Characters that audiences either root for or condemn. I love the devotion that happens between fictional characters and audiences.

What is the worst thing about being one?

All my time is consumed by thinking about bills. Time that could be spent writing and performing.

What is the estimated number of projects you have worked on?

Over 100.

Who is your favorite filmmaker?

A tie.
P.T. Anderson and Charlie Kauffman.

How has your life changed since you became a filmmaker?

Since I've been producing my own work, I’ve been able to specify my brand as an actor. I feel my own voice is in more of my work

What is one piece of advice you can give to someone who also wants to make it in the movie business?

Figure out Exactly what you want to do within the entertainment industry before you move anywhere. Figure out what you love about film and then chase that at all costs. Start a savings account.

What do you like to do besides filmmaking?

Traveling, downhill skiing, hanging out with good friends, performing live sketch comedy.

Have you had any other jobs before you decided to become a filmmaker?

Oh yeah. Lord and Taylor, KFC, CVS, Starbucks, a call center, data entry, office temp work, character at a theme retaurant. There's not much I HAVEN'T done.

What are some of your favorite American films? Foreign films? Television shows?

The films of Christopher Guest, Robert Zemekis, Christopher Nolan, P.T. Anderson, Arrested Development, Mr. Show. Basically any Sketch Comedy show that pushes the envelope in an intelligent way.


How would you describe your film education?

As an actor.

How would you describe the film "scene" where you live?

Boston has a large, growing independent film community. Lots of local projects in addition to Hollywood features have shot here.

How has social media changed the independent film industry?

It’s pushed my actor brand out there like never before. It’s gotten me recognized on the street as my character in HURLEY BROTHERS HOME FURNITURE:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NouSJPSuJ3M

What's your opinion on crowdfunding?

I love meeting people online who want to watch the kind of work that I want to make.

What is the casting process like?

There is No "one way" to do it. Lots of people just cast their friends, some hold auditions at their office or local community centers, some look at online reels and headshots.

How does independent film differ from the mainstream?

I think the 2 worlds are merging, as of late. Every Huge Hollywood Production company has their own “independent” division. As for grassroots ultra low budget independent filmmaking, the best thing about that is you have more creative control over your film.

You could go back in time and see any classic film being made. Which film would it be and why?

The Shinning. I wonder how he chose some of the beautiful shots.

What's your favorite movie quote and why?

"My whole purpose in life is to make people laugh." - Roger Rabbit

When an audience is laughing at my material, that is when I am at my happiest.

What is your opinion on movie remakes and sequels?

It can be done well. - Back To The Future 2 and 3

It can be done poorly - Jaws 2.

What is your opinion on book to movie adaptions?

It’s all in the director’s hands. I love some of the Harry Potter films and some of them, I don’t care for. and i think that’s mostly because of the choices of each director.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Please check out Please check out www.dennis-hurley.com for all updates.