Dan Berg
He played in Max Richter‘s Popsy as Sheridan.
SKSM: Could you start with telling me a little bit about yourself? Who are you and what do you do?
Dan Berg: I just turned 30 years old and moved back to the west Chicago suburbs from LA a little over a year ago. I was living in Hollywood for two years, pursuing my dream of becoming a full time paid actor. California was very expensive and family was far away, so I decided to return to my true home in the Fox Valley area of Illinois. I was able to book a national Walmart commercial that ended up playing during the Chicago Cubs World Series in 2016 before I left the sunshine state! I’ve been supporting myself by working in the service industry as a bartender and server for the last 10 years. The flexible hours and fast cash allowed me to invest into my acting career, working many independent and student film gigs along the way. I recently decided to leave the service industry to try my hand in Real Estate as a broker for Baird & Warner. I hope that my new occupation will allow me to generate more income in order to further pursue my acting career.
SKSM: When did you know you wanted to become an actor?
Dan Berg: I’ve been putting on shows and playing characters since I was a kid. I got my first taste for the stage in 6th grade when I played Huck in the stage play The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. When I realized I could make a whole room of people laugh by “playing pretend” on stage I knew that this is what I wanted to do for a living.
SKSM: How did you become involved in Popsy Dollar Baby film?
Dan Berg: I saw the casting call on actors access and thought that the Dollar Baby program was an awesome idea. I immediately submitted to audition.
SKSM: What do you think it is about the story that attracts people so much?
Dan Berg: I think it is the tension the audience feels as they watch the story unfold. It is very dark and controversial, but ends with the good guy getting the bad guy, which is what we all want. 😉
SKSM: Did you have to audition for the part or was it written directly for you?
Dan Berg: I enjoyed the audition process as well. Max Richter (Director) had actors chose a scene or monologue from a Stephen King screenplay and I was thrilled to have my choice in the matter. I chose the final scene in Secret Window.
SKSM: You worked with Max Richter on this film, how was that?
Dan Berg: Max is a young director who clearly worked hard to make this production happen. I was impressed by his vision and his patience in working with everyone on set.
SKSM: Was there any funny or special moment when they made the movie that you would like to tell me about?
Dan Berg: The actor who played the young boy never ran out of energy. He was running around all day, having fun, being a kid. But the moment we got the shot ready and Max called “action,” he was a professional actor who hit all his lines EVERY TIME! Honestly, he knew his lines better than I did!
SKSM: Do you still have any contact with the crew/cast from that time? If so with who?
Dan Berg: Erin Grote was on sound for the production and we still keep in touch. I’ve also talked with Max through email.
SKSM: What are you working on nowadays?
Dan Berg: I am currently involved in a large project with a production company I help manage called Wadworth Productions. It is a web series called Separate Checks. It’s a comedy that follows the story lines of characters working in the service industry.
SKSM: Are you a fan of Stephen King’s work?
Dan Berg: Absolutely! He is one of the most talented authors of our time.
SKSM: What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
Dan Berg: I used to pursue rap and hip hop as a producer and artist.
SKSM: Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions. Is there anything you want to say to the fans that read this interview?
Dan Berg: –
