‘Love’ Fest

Show Business sits down with New York actor Thaddeus Schneider to discuss his role in the festival favorite “Love Like Blood.

 

Howard Beach native Thaddeus Schneider recently won the Best Actor Award at the New York International Independent Film and Video Festival. According to IFQ critic Nicole Holland, “Schneider stood out for his natural acting talent and charismatic New York vibe.”

 

Schneider comes across as an interesting mix of laid-back joker with a passionate, intense streak that connects with audiences. He has had speaking parts in “Law and Order” and “Rescue Me” and has appeared in films such as “Hell’s Kitchen.” Show Business recently caught up with Schneider, who talked about his latest projects, his views on acting, and why beautiful women like Angelina Jolie sometimes fall into his lap.

 

Show Business: Congratulations on your award. Tell me a bit about your character in “Love Like Blood” and why you wanted to play the part of a petty criminal?

 

Thaddeus Schneider: I played the part of Kevin — a regular guy from any New York neighborhood who was battling demons. Kevin was a car thief and damn good at it. He would have excelled had he devoted his time to getting a college degree. Basically, it is the story of a guy who can change for the better and commit to it. I liked the script and felt that Kevin’s character was one that plenty of people could identify with.

 

SB: “Love Like Blood” was your first feature film. How would you rate the experience?

 

TS: It blew me away. Until I have a child, I would try to compare it to that. Meeting and working with all the talented cast and crew, filming on locations and the whole learning experience was a dream come true. The director Steven Bozga, my agent Lauren Nadler and my co-star Caroline Whitney Smith were all amazing to work with.

 

SB: Have you found the experience of screening “Love Like Blood” at film festivals rewarding?

 

TS: Yes. The festival circuit is crucial to the success of any non-studio film. I really liked the vibe at the New York International Independent Film and Video Festival, and I respect their commitment to giving the indies a chance. I also met some filmmakers, and went to some great parties and seminars, so it was definitely a worthwhile experience.

SB: What type of character would you most like to play?

 

TS: I always wanted to do a movie like “Kramer vs. Kramer.” I would definitely want to play a dramatic and memorable character.

 

SB: Which director would you most like to work with?

 

TS: Clint Eastwood.

 

SB: What’s your most memorable acting moment?

 

TS: My first acting moment in film was with Angelina Jolie in “Hell’s Kitchen.” It was right before she won an Oscar for “Girl, Interrupted.” I didn’t even know who she was. She fell into my lap as I was smoking and talking about riding the A Train. [Laughs]. I got the taste for the big screen and that’s that.

 

SB: [Laughs] So how does an actor survive in a celebrity-obsessed town like New York? Any advice for actors?

 

TS: I don’t suck up the celebrity air. With acting, you have to really want it and follow through with the action component. I think that’s the case with anything in life that’s important to you. Going on auditions, and getting an agent and a publicist is definitely helpful.

 

SB: What’s next for you?

 

TS: I shot a TV pilot called “SKELS.” It’s a New York police crime drama, and I play one of three brothers. It’s like “Law and Order” meets “Pulp Fiction.” I’m hoping it gets a television deal. I also have some writing credits on a film, titled “Cartier Heist.” It’s about four New York guys who pull off a diamond heist in Manhattan. We are trying to pull it off in the fall — the production that is!