5 Questions for Actor: MIKE PAQUIN

Mike Paquin was born in S.W. Philly, raised in Delco, and currently resides in the Roxborough section of Philly. Most recently he’s featured in Christopher Stem‘s short film Thriller “The Springs County Psycho”, which is temporarily available on YouTube (see below).

Mike caught the acting bug a little later in life, but has been making steady headway by studying the craft and acting in several local independent films. Before you know it, we’ll be saying we knew him when!

Welcome Mike to Tinsel & Tine’s 5 Questions Series:

T&T: What led you to this latest project? & briefly describe your character.

MIKE PAQUIN: My “Latest” project is as the Star of the Award Winning 14 minutes short film Thriller “The Springs County Psycho”, currently playing in Film Festivals nationwide.

I saw a posting on one of the Philly acting pages, from a young film maker, seeking cast and crew. Ultimately four strangers came together for his project, two actors, and two guys behind the camera. We worked a twelve hour day and realized that we were getting great stuff, but we were not finished. We came back together for a second shorter day, but that too wound up being a twelve hour day! There was just fantastic energy and collaborations on this shoot that came together in record time.

What we got, even before it was edited, color corrected, etc., seemed pretty magical to all involved. Sum of the total being more than the parts, and all that.

Can’t say much about my character due to possible spoilers, it is after all a thriller! I can say that I had wanted to play a much heavier role for a while, and this was my chance.

T&T: Do you have any superstitions or rituals before an audition?

MP: I really haven’t noticed any ritualistic behaviors or rituals just YET, except maybe STRESSING!

T&T: If you had the choice to be cast in the remake of any popular movie, what would it be? (answer can be an Indie, just nothing too obscure) & would you want to change anything about that character?

MP: I don’t see myself as a good mimic, though that’s probably the thing that is done least in a remake. And I don’t know that I would want to be the guy who tried to do a popular role different or “better”. I’ve been so happy breathing life into my characters, and who they become is where I find the magic! Now I certainly look at past performances, and think how I would like to re-place THAT hack (me! lol).

T&T: Do you have any foodie or music (or both) related moments regarding a role, preparing for a role or after wrapping production?

MP: I’m a Cheesesteak nut (I’m even in the Cheesesteak book, (Yes there is a book, yes I’m in it! Long story), I had to play a role where I was turning a guy onto his first Cheesesteak ever, but the steaks we had were lame 🙁
I looked so happy and satisfied on screen, as I’m an actor, but I was so sad inside as I’m also a foodie!

T&T: Give a shout out to those on your team who have been in your corner while you hit both highs and lows in your profession.

MP: Shout out to all my family and good friends, who have been pretty supportive. My sister Michele, my Aunt Jayne, my daughter Devon, son Mikey, and cousin Kelly in particular, have really stepped up. My two oldest dearest friends

Joy and Candace have always supported me in everything, not just my acting. A couple stand-out cheerleaders more recently, in the friend category, who have really pumped me with positive vibes, are Butchie Burns and Frank Aguilar

I have a whole BUNCH of projects coming up, as I work hard to stay very busy:

I’m gonna be a “Wise Guy” in the final episode of the Web based “Center City” Noir crime series by Strange Films out of Philly.

I’ll be playing a misguided High School football coach pretending he’s (dead) a ghost, who FAILS in the attempt to inspire his players!

I’m appearing as a character in a popular Rapper’s upcoming new video, being shot here.

I’ve got a small part in the Indie Feature “Agoraphobia” that’s been filming in the region.

Lined up to portray a psychiatrist helping a phobic patient cope, in a short to film, any day now.

I’m certain I’m spacing on a couple of things, including some web series’ offers that I’ve received, and I have some upcoming auditions.

There’s talk now, fueled by the outstanding response to “The Springs County Psycho”, about spinning off a Feature Length sequel!