David Philip Fishman
He played in Walter Perez‘s Into The Night as The Master.
SKSM: Could you start with telling me a little bit about yourself? Who are you and what do you do?
David Phillip Fishman: My name is David Phillip Fishman, and I play the Master in Walter Perez’s Into the Night. I’m a recent graduate from USC’s School of Dramatic Arts, with a BFA in Acting. At the moment, most of my life is taken up with unpacking my boxes from moving out of student housing, but when I’m done with that, I’ll spend most of my time reading and writing screenplays, plays, short stories, anything I can get my hands on.
SKSM: When did you know you wanted to become an actor?
David Phillip Fishman: My elementary school did a Christmas play every other year about the life of an Italian composer, Antonio Vivaldi. When I was in third grade, I watched the fifth-grader who played Vivaldi that year and loved his Italian accent, so I spent the next two years perfecting my own Italian accent. I ended up falling in love with the stage and haven’t looked back since!
SKSM: How did you become involved in Into The Night Dollar Baby film?
David Phillip Fishman: I’ve worked with Walter before on a handful of projects, including a comedic webseries with a number of his classmates from CSULA. He invited me to be a part of this project fairly early on.
SKSM: What do you think it is about the story that attracts people so much?
David Phillip Fishman: This story links to Salem’s Lot, one of Stephen King’s most famous and popular works, which immediately lends it a lot of background and helps to build the world beyond the short film. My character in particular ties into the whole backstory from Salem’s Lot, which I find fascinating.
SKSM: Did you have to audition for the part or was it written directly for you?
David Phillip Fishman: Walter told me a story about speaking with a co-creator about the role of the Master, and specifically the physical traits they find scary. While his co-creator said she would be more afraid of a bigger, more imposing figure, Walter wanted someone tall and skinny, so the sense of power would come more from the words and actions of the Master rather than simply his figure, and eventually invited me to be a part of the project. Hopefully I live up to those expectations!
SKSM: You worked with Walter Perez on this film, how was that?
David Phillip Fishman: Walter’s a consummate professional. I’ve always enjoyed being on set with him because he works well with actors and treats us well, too. I can’t wait to see what he goes on to do.
SKSM: Was there any funny or special moment when they made the movie that you would like to tell me about?
David Phillip Fishman: The special effects makeup took forever, but I think it was definitely worth it. I looked terrifying to me, and I’m quite excited to see how it turns out.
SKSM: Do you still have any contact with the crew/cast from that time? If so with who?
David Phillip Fishman: We’ve all worked together before, and I’m sure we’ll work together again sometime soon!
SKSM: What are you working on nowadays?
David Phillip Fishman: I’m partially finished with principal photography on my first feature, an indie feature filmed in Los Angeles and Sweden called I Wanted Our Summer, which will be coming out next summer. I also run a YouTube sketch comedy group called Elephant Dept. Season Two is on its way!
SKSM: Are you a fan of Stephen King’s work?
David Phillip Fishman: I’ve been reading his books and short stories since I was quite young. Probably a little younger than I should have been, but the librarians didn’t know that. I’ve always been fascinated with the screen adaptations of many of his famous works, and I’m excited to see how this one turns out!
SKSM: What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
David Phillip Fishman: It took me five tries to get all the way through Kubrick’s Shining… But now I love it!
SKSM: Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions. Is there anything you want to say to the fans that read this interview?
David Phillip Fishman: I’m excited for all of us to see the final product! Thanks for reading!
SKSM: Do you like to add anything else?
David Phillip Fishman: A huge thank you to Walter and everyone else involved in the short, both cast and crew. I can’t wait to see how it turns out!
