Paris Peterson

He played in Robert Smith‘s Morning Deliveries as Spike.

SKSM: Could you start with telling me a little bit about yourself? Who are you and what do you do?

Paris Peterson: My name is Paris Peterson. I’m an artist of many sorts. I work primarily in the art dept. for film/commercial work, but my north star is over the acting field.

SKSM: When did you know you wanted to become an actor?

Paris Peterson: I’ve pretty much always known I wanted to be an actor for as long as I can remember. I started out acting in local community plays when I was really young, like four. My mother would make the sets and costumes which was really special. I was the only one out of my siblings who stuck with it after we moved. Long story short, I’m attracted to the human condition.

SKSM: How did you become involved in Morning Deliveries Dollar Baby film?

Paris Peterson: I had just moved to Los Angeles and was looking for my own work. I stumbled across a casting call for MD, and submitted because who wouldn’t want to play a milkman?

SKSM: What do you think it is about the story that attracts people so much?

Paris Peterson: I haven’t met too many people who have read it other than Robbie and some of the crew, but what attracted me to it was this incredibly dark feeling that was thinly painted over this seemingly innocent imagery of the suburbs. I always feel some sort of underlying darkness in suburban areas, so that definitely resonated with me.

SKSM: Did you have to audition for the part or was it written directly for you?

Paris Peterson: Neither, actually. I submitted myself on a casting website, and I shortly heard back from Robbie saying how much I looked like his version of Spike, and then after offered me the role. I’d say there was definitely some luck involved.

SKSM: You worked with Robert Smith on this film, how was that?

Paris Peterson: Robbie is a true talent. Before working on Morning Deliveries, I had only seen his past few shorts on youtube. Real guerilla, DIY kind of films that were very compelling. One of them really frightened me. I knew from that moment that he was an artist with a clear vision, one with whom I wanted to work with.

His approach to this film was backed heavily by collaboration from all ends of production. He referred to making the production like “playing jazz” which I thought was really clever. I believe that just opened a floodgate of ideas from all people involved. Being on set felt safe for exploration and collaboration.

SKSM: Was there any funny or special moment when they made the movie that you would like to tell me about?

Paris Peterson: We shot the film in Taft, CA which was a town Robbie grew up in. Even just being in that town was very special and helped me understand a part of Robbie in a way. Very grateful for him to invite me into his worlds, real and fictitious.

SKSM: What are you working on nowadays?

Paris Peterson: I’m currently working on a feature film with Robbie that we plan to shoot next year. I’ll be taking on my first leading role in a feature which is exciting and terrifying. He’s written something really special that will be a huge challenge for me. Other than that, I’ll be auditioning here and there—just staying busy creating whatever I can.

SKSM: Are you a fan of Stephen King’s work?

Paris Peterson: You know, I have to admit I’m much more familiar with his stories through film rather than on a page. I read many short stories from “Skeleton Crew” before we filmed Morning Deliveries, and found them to be so compelling. My parents gifted me The Shining when I was 7 years old, and that film flipped my world upside down. I also grew up watching (and loving) Cujo, Misery, Carrie, Shawshank Redemption, Children of the Corn, etc. I think It (1990) was the first movie that I can remember terrifying me as a child.

SKSM: What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you?

Paris Peterson: I’m colorblind and can sneeze with my eyes open.

SKSM: Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions. Is there anything you want to say to the fans that read this interview?

Paris Peterson: If you want to see Morning Deliveries, hit up Robbie at rob@robbiesmith.org ! I’m sure he can provide a link.

SKSM: Do you like to add anything else?

Paris Peterson: Thanks for reading if you’ve made it this far!