Photo: Alex Korolkovas, jacket Pence 1979 In the world of film and theater, few individuals wear as many hats as Andrew Boszhardt. As a writer, producer, and actor, Boszhardt’s multifaceted career has woven a tapestry of creativity, dedication, and a deep understanding of the intricacies of storytelling. In this exclusive interview, Boszhardt takes us on a journey through his artistic evolution, reflecting on how each role has influenced and enriched the others, shaping his unique identity as an artist. From the bustling streets of New York City to the quiet moments of character introspection, Boszhardt shares insights into his creative process, the influences that have shaped his work, and the unforgettable experiences that have left an indelible mark on his career. Join us as we delve into the mind of a true New York artist, whose passion for storytelling knows no bounds. Photo: Alex Korolkovas Can you tell us about your journey as a writer, producer, and actor and how your experiences in each role have shaped your artistic identity? “Acting and writing are quite symbiotic, because the actor’s first job when they get a script is to interpret how their character fits into the overall story. If you have a solid understanding of the mechanics of dramaturgy (e.g., character arcs, objectives, obstacles, etc.), then interpreting a script is much easier.” “My growth as an actor has made me a better writer because when I put pen to paper, I can now see the character’s behavior in my mind’s eye. When he says “I love you,” does he look her in the eyes (and mean it) or mumble, glance at the floor, and take a sip of his coffee? I also have a deeper sensitivity and empathy for my characters—both the good and the bad ones! Producing has made me a better writer because I now have a sense, when writing a script, of how much it’s going to cost, what’s necessary vs. unnecessary, ways to simplify from a production standpoint, etc.” “So it’s all interconnected, which is why you see guys like George Clooney and Bradley Cooper wearing multiple hats on a project. Eventually, like them, I will direct too. They became multi-hyphenates later in their careers; I’m doing it earlier.” What draws you to the craft of writing, and how do you balance your creative endeavors as a writer with your other roles? “I was a history major in college and went to Lawrenceville High School, which places immense value on the liberal arts and humanities. From the time I locked myself in my room for three days to finish the first Harry Potter, I have always been a voracious reader (I’m the guy on the subway reading Anna Kerinina). To write well, you have to read a lot.” “I write every day, especially when I’m in the middle of a project, and I like to write first thing in the morning, as that’s when my mind is freshest and I have caffeine coursing through my veins! Other people write late into the night—that’s not for me. I’m in bed with a book by 10:30. Finally, writing is pure creation. You had a blank page and nothing more than an idea, and now you’ve got a 130-page script. You’ve created a world and characters with hopes, fears, and dreams! In a way, it’s like an act of God.” Can you share insights into your writing process and any specific influences or inspirations behind your literary works? “As I mentioned before, I am extremely disciplined with both my writing and acting (I’m also a musician… singing, guitar, and piano). I work on my various artistic disciplines every day. I approach it like an athlete, which I’ve been my whole life. Would Djokovic take a week off from tennis? Hell no.” “In terms of influences, I’ll rattle off a few: Neil Simon, Arthur Miller, Mel Brooks, F. Scott Fitzgerald, A.R. Gurney, Mark Twain, Jordan Peele, and many more.”   How do you believe your writing contributes to the storytelling landscape of NYC? “I was born in Mt. Sinai and grew up between New York and New Jersey, but I’ve been in the city about 70% of my life. I love this place. I’m crazy about it. Every time I walk through Central Park, I am in a state of awe… Knowing that Audrey Hepburn and Cary Grant once strolled around the boat pond. I am 100% committed to being a New York artist and further developing the film community here. I can’t wait to shoot a film in Manhattan… I know there will be many! I believe that my artistic sensibility and writing are very “New York.” Intelligent, slightly sardonic, but always with a sense of humor.” What inspired you to venture into producing, and what do you find most rewarding about bringing projects to life behind the scenes? “Frankly, necessity. I am an entrepreneur by nature. When you are an artist, you are essentially running your own business; call mine “Andrew Boszhardt, Inc.” Until you’ve hit the big time, you’ve got to be the one who hustles and grinds on your behalf.” “It’s super rewarding to work with people who genuinely appreciate the opportunity you’re giving them and who believe in the project. You don’t realize it until you make your first feature, but it literally takes a village. Everyone—from the makeup to the transportation department—contributes to what goes on the screen.” Can you share any memorable experiences from your productions that have left a lasting impact on you? “There was one night when we were shooting “Breed of Greed”…it’s the film’s climax. We’re running 90 minutes into overtime, and the sun is starting to rise, which would have presented continuity issues in the edit. We had five minutes or less, one take, to get it right. I remember our director, Ralph Hemecker, and AD saying a few encouraging words to the cast and crew, and then it got silent. Deathly silent. Every single person there was in the zone, unified by the same goal—nail the scene. “Action!” Well, we got it in one take, and it looks fantastic on the screen.” As an actor, how do you approach character development, and what techniques do you find most effective in embodying diverse roles? “Here’s the thing. For the first ten years of your career, you will probably play “versions of yourself.” People love to decry being typecast, but it’s actually a blessing. Lean into that. I tend to play a lot of upper-class characters (the tennis pro, the Ivy League student, the Wall Street Banker, etc.)—sometimes on the sweet and funny side, and sometimes on the arrogant and sinister side.” “I use the classroom as a way to stretch. I am always in class. Always. Not enough actors continuously train. I studied Meisner for two years at Maggie Flanigan and am now studying Method Acting.” Photo: Alex Korolkovas, jacket and shirt Pence 1979 What have been some of the most memorable performances of your career, and what did you learn from those experiences? “I can’t reveal too much about “Breed of Greed” before the film comes out, but playing Henry Wendolyn was memorable and challenging for various reasons. This was the first time I’d been the lead in a feature film. I’d done indie films before but never carried a movie. Of the 26 shooting days; I filmed on 23 of those. It was a baptism by fire. The biggest takeaway though was how little you have to do to be effective on camera. Now, don’t get me wrong, you have to prep like crazy, but once you’re there on set, you let it all go and trust that if you’re thinking the characters thoughts and emotionally connected to the circumstances, then the camera will pick up on the beautiful nuance and subtlety of your performance.” “In Michael Mailer’s “Cutman,” I played the degenerate son (Winston) of a crooked, criminal scion. Winston is slimy, not all that bright, and probably got kicked out of prep school for dealing Adderall. The key with characters like this, though, is to never play into the type. In other words, don’t play him as he’s written… don’t put a hat on a hat because the dialogue will take care of a lot. In fact, it can be more interesting to play against what’s expected. So, for Winston, I had to find his power, his confidence, and his charm. He doesn’t think he’s dumb. He’s the smartest, smoothest guy in the damn room.” “In “Cape Carl,” I play the tennis pro who’s having an extramarital affair. More of what I said before… Find ways to play against what’s written. Audiences love that contrast. Is it more interesting to hear someone scream “I hate you!” or for them to say “I hate you” with a sad, loving smile (I hope you all get the “When Harry Met Sally” reference).” How does the NYC arts scene influence your approach to acting and the types of roles you pursue? “A former acting teacher used to encourage us to “bathe in the arts.” See theater, go to concerts, visit museums, etc. Where else is better for that than New York? It is so easy to stay inspired here.” “I even get inspiration walking through Central Park… or taking in Monet’s Water Lilies at The Met… or watching a street performer on the subway…the sources of inspiration in NYC are endless!” “As for the types of roles I pursue, I am definitely drawn to “New York” characters, and, for now, that’s how a lot of people (directors, producers, casting directors) see me. Again, the lawyer, the banker, the heir, etc. I also spent a few years in the corporate world, so I have those experiences to draw from when I play these characters.” With your diverse talents, how do you manage to balance writing, producing, and acting projects simultaneously? “It can definitely be a challenge at times. I will go through spurts when I am 70% focused on writing and 30% focused on acting, and then vice versa. As for producing… that is always going on, especially when I’m selling a film or have a project in development.” “I have to absolutely commit to the task at hand. If I’m working on an audition, then that’s all I do for 3 hours. Then I can check my phone, email, etc. When I’m sitting down to write in the morning, I do nothing else. Multitasking is a fallacy. It’s impossible. You can only do one thing effectively at a time.” Do you find that each role informs the others, and if so, in what ways? “Absolutely. More than anything, you get more and more confident with each role. You discover parts of yourself, parts that were unconscious… To invoke Frued, the human psyche is like an iceberg (most of it is unconscious). Part of the actor’s (and artist’s) job is to explore their subconscious. With each role, you’re also more willing to take risks.” What advice would you give to aspiring creatives looking to pursue multiple passions in the arts industry? “I would say the best thing you can do is learn to write. It all starts with the story. Understanding the mechanics of storytelling can help you in any job and industry too. Humans have communicated through stories since the invention of language. Find a story that only you can tell. I owe Otto Eckstein immensely in this regard… He saw potential in me and encouraged me to double down on my writing. When you write a great script, you own it, and if you can raise the money and get it made, you’ll always have an acting job (assuming you wrote a role for yourself). So I split my time between auditioning and developing my own projects.” What exciting projects are you currently working on, and what can audiences look forward to from you in the near future? “I’ve got two features, a tv pilot and an off-Broadway play that I’m developing. There also might be an opportunity to make a sequel to “Breed of Greed.”” “Breed of Greed” and “Cutman” should get released in the next 6-12 months.” How do you envision your artistic journey evolving in the ever-changing landscape of NYC? “New York represents the nexus of the old and the new. It is a city that is constantly growing, but never manages to lose its storied history. If you haven’t gathered this by now, I am a deeply nostalgic person. An “old soul,” you might say. I want to preserve the history of this wonderful city, but I also want to pave the way for new voices (including my own) and art. I hope to be a major artistic force in this city over the years to come. I’ll close by quoting one of my heroes, Frank Sinatra, who once sang in “New York, New York: “If I can make it there, I’ll make it anywhere!” The post Crafting Characters, Shaping Stories: An Artistic Journey with Andrew Boszhardt appeared first on LA Weekly.