Actor Jayce Alexander Basques

Name: Jayce Alexander Basques

Title/Role: Daryl

Contact info: twitter.com/jjjayce

What is the current project you are working on?

-Deader Days, a fantastic macabre comedy, also and indie feature called Speak To Me in Poetry, as well as two indie features I'm working on.

How do you handle rejection?

-Nothing is good or bad until you label it. So handling rejection should be handled the way you handle acceptance; however, there is a lot more to be learned from rejection. In either case, ask yourself: What did you do well? Not so well? What will you do differently next time?

Did you always want to be a actor?

-Being a mimic and observer of people has always been a natural coping mechanism; in my case, my family takes pride in creativity and following passion. Every actor says they always knew they wanted to be one; but I don't quite buy that and I feel actors act for a lot of reasons that came into play later in their lives.

 What inspired you to become actor/actress?

-Probably being interested in stories and people; being apt to diving headlong into work is exhausting especially if you enjoy knowing everything there is to know on a given topic SO film allows you to do so in healthy doses without burning out.

 What is the best thing about being one?

-Working towards earning the right to truly call yourself one. Being a master of a given art requires at least 20 years of deliberate practice; the people who make that commitment know this. Casual hobbyists don't and are often quick and careless with the title of "actor."

 What is the worst thing about being one?

-There are a lot of people that call themselves actors that lack focus and work ethic... which can be tedious. You hear a lot of the first-person singular subject pronoun being thrown around in audition waiting rooms.

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

-Lots. But then again, tons were for practice and some never saw the light of day.

 Who is your favorite actor/actress?

-A few for very different reasons; Cary Grant was handsome and charming but so modest as though he is the only one who doesn't know it! Plus few actors can pull off comedy and drama so well. Paul Newman had a very subtle style, he let the audience come to him. Marlon Brando truly changed film by bridging the gap between movies and the theatre. Clark Gable, Henry Fonda, Buster Keaton and Charlie Chaplin are up there for me as well. James Dean was the embodiment of authenticity and living moment to moment in East of Eden.

 How has your life changed since you became a actor?

-As you become more aware of the world around you, you're able to assess your emotions and those of others around you better.

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

-By all means, do it. Don't assume any technique or school is the best, find what works for you and get to work. Audition for everything that interests you and if no one casts you, write your own material. Something you believe in.

What do you like to do besides filmmaking?

-My buddies and I are touring musicians in a band called DownDownDown and live band for a guy named Damato. We're also starting a brewery.

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

-Just about every day job possible; most recently and executive assistant, pizza delivery guy, graphic designer and attempted to get a gig as a part-time gravedigger; they wouldn't let me work at night and carry around a lantern though.

How would you describe your film education?

-TCM is probably the best free resource for actors and directors. My theatrical training consisted of graduating from The Meisner Technique Studio under Jim Jarrett in San Francisco.

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

-So many!! But let's start off with "The Big Sleep," "Stage Door," "The Great Dictator," "The Awful Truth," "Blow Up," "Cool Hand Luke," "East of Eden," "The Grapes of Wrath," "A Streetcar Named Desire," "Annie Hall..."

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

-I respect my filmmaker friends for their vision, drive and the work they stand for. My scene consists of the artistic family that you stay connected with no matter where you physically are.

 How has social media changed the independent film industry?

-Presumably it has given it a boost - the underdog is typically more apt to adapt to new media in order to survive.

What's your opinion on crowdfunding?

-What a great concept, like a collective consciousness of cooperation. It's popularity is overwhelming and hopefully it will continue to be a valid option while evolving and gaining further acceptance in the mainstream.

 How does independent film differ from the mainstream?

-The lines are so blurred now. At times indie aims for marketability; while mainstream aims to be him and appealing to the underground. So the grass is always greener... then there are the outliers of the mainstream commercial mega productions and the uncomfortable indie art films so... the breadth of it all is wide but the boundaries are ill-defined.

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

-Either "Citizen Kane," "Casablanca" or "East of Eden..." all of which we're unassumingly on the brink of major breakthroughs.

Do you believe in life on other planets?

-It'd be arrogant to think otherwise. Or at least if there isn't now, when can all agree it is likely at some point in the future or past.

Do you watch "the Walking Dead"?

-I haven't yet, unless I get it on dvd, it is hard to keep a tv schedule. Plus I usually cannot stand most commercial tv and radio. But that show looked interesting.

 What's your favorite movie quote and why?

-Anything from Humphrey Bogart... he has a knack for clever and hilarious lines without ever "delivering a joke."

 What is your opinion on movie remakes and sequels?

-They can have their upsides. A faithful rendition or organic continuation are all good in my book. Squeezing pennies from a franchise in a straight to supermarket dvd release can be sad. Anything done well, with integrity is ok in my book.

What is your opinion on book to movie adaptions?

-The consensus I've heard is that the films often fail to live up to the books and people familiar with both tend to be disappointed in one or another. Reading fiction isn't my thing, so my point isn't valid; but I see the book and the movie adaptations to be two distinct and separate creatures.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

-Thank you for talking to us and taking interest in actors and filmmakers. Talking about the craft is what helps us all gain perspective and improve.