Deak J. Smalls
He played in Paul Inman‘s That Feeling Dollar Baby film as Copilot.
SKSM: Could you start with telling me a little bit about yourself? Who are you and what do you do?
Deak J. Smalls: My name is Deak J. Smalls, I am an actor and at times a humorist from Charleston, SC. I was sent by baby Jesus to be an entertainer in this world.
SKSM: When did you know you wanted to become an actor?
Deak J. Smalls: I’ve wanted to become an entertainer in acting ever since I was in the second grade. Started taking the craft professionally in the beginning of 2013.
SKSM: How did you become involved in That Feeling Dollar Baby film?
Deak J. Smalls: I got involved with this project when I sent off my audition to wyfp pictures through email. If I’m not mistaken I believed I auditioned for another role, unfortunately I didn’t get the part but Mr. Paul saw something in me that he still wanted to work with me on this project.
SKSM: What do you think it is about the story that attracts people so much?
Deak J. Smalls: Honestly, I think given the fact this story came from the creative mind of Mr. King himself automatically brought readers to wanting to know what he has in store for us readers. The imagination Mr. King can conduct will definitely have the fans wanting to know how another one of his masterpieces will be portrayed on the big screen.
SKSM: Did you have to audition for the part or was it written directly for you?
Deak J. Smalls: I definitely had to work my butt off in my audition for this project just like everyone else I’m sure. Again, like I said I initially tried out for another role but Paul appreciated my performance he offered me another role in this production. And I am very grateful.
SKSM: You worked with Paul Inman on this film, how was that?
Deak J. Smalls: Working with Paul in the amount of time I did was simply amazing and informative for me. Watching him work and staying true to the story was incredible for me to say the least. You can tell how much he wants to tell this story in the authentic way possible in honoring Stephen King.
SKSM: Was there any funny or special moment when they made the movie that you would like to tell me about?
Deak J. Smalls: My scene partner, Patrick Herrmann was an absolute kook to work with… In a good way haha. We definitely had a lot of fun behind the scenes and kept each other on our toes while filming. Especially during the scenes of us closed in in that small cockpit.
SKSM: Do you still have any contact with the crew/cast from that time? If so with who?
Deak J. Smalls: Not as much as I do keeping up with mostly Mr. Paul. I’m sure everyone involved in this project are busy working on other things. Behind the scenes I’ve met a lot of amazing ppl, cast and in crew.
SKSM: What are you working on nowadays?
Deak J. Smalls: As of now I’m starting to work on a few other projects by the end of the year and next year. And still auditioning for other projects. So fingers crossed, you’ll see more of me.
SKSM: Are you a fan of Stephen King’s work?
Deak J. Smalls: What kind of question is that, of course I am a fan of the almighty Stephen King. I’ve grew up reading and watching his product such as IT, The Stand, Salem’s Lot, Carrie, The Shining, Pet Sematary, The Green Mile… one of my personal favorites, Later, The Outsider, TommyKnockers, the Mr. Mercedes trilogies and I actually loved Doctor Sleep despite of what critics may think about it. Stephen King is a genius and have and will forever be a force.
SKSM: What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
Deak J. Smalls: Not really so much of a secret to my close family and friends but I am a crier when it comes to watching compassionate flicks. And I am not ashamed. I’ve shed tears to such pictures as Fox and The Hound, the end of Avengers: Endgame, Ghost, Malcolm X and Bicentennial Man… Rest In Peace to the great Robin Williams.
SKSM: Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions. Is there anything you want to say to the fans that read this interview?
Deak J. Smalls: Much love to the fans of all of The Almighty Stephen King’s work. I think you’ll absolutely love and appreciate this picture That Feeling. Thank you for showing love and continue to be supportive and I can’t wait for you all to see what we bring to this wonderful project.
SKSM: Do you like to add anything else?
Deak J. Smalls: Thank you to stephenkingshortmovies.com and thank you to the whole cast and crew who were involved in front and behind the camera in making this film and a big big shoutout to Mr. Paul Inman and Wyfp pictures for believing in me for what I contributed to this film. Follow me on every platform @deakjsmalls (Instagram, Twitter) on everything.
