Film Actor/Model Tanner Acord may not be a household name YET but this young film actor/model is certainly moving into that direction. He is picking the projects that are getting him notice and soon all of his hard works are going to pay off for Tanner. When we spoke to Tanner online, he explains his passion for acting, the life of a model, and who exactly is Tanner Acord. If you want an honest, fun, and revealing interview about a promising new actor/model, then this is the interview that you need to read.
Isaac: I would like to give you a BIG thank you for agreeing to interview with our publication. I hope that 2011 is going well for you so far. What do you believe has been your biggest/greatest accomplishment in 2010 for your career?
Tanner: 2011 is opening a lot of doors for me. I’d have to say one of the biggest accomplishments for me in 2010 is tied between two different projects. The first is Facebook News Television, I landed an anchor/hosting role on the pilot. This broke me into the hosting scene. My niche for the show was Music and Entertainment. I got the chance to better my skills at memorizing and got to interview some interesting people and experience some great things. The second is Vampire Boys. This was my first feature film that I was considered one of the co-stars and had something to do with the film.
Isaac: What is it about starting an acting career that incites your passion?
Tanner: Really for me, acting is an escape from reality. You get to be a kid again basically. I get to act like someone else, someone awesome a lot of times. It's like playing a game with your friends. Ever since I was on stage doing a talent show I loved every second of it. It's hard to explain but anyone who's ever had that type of experience just KNOWS that they love it and it’s something they were meant to do.
Isaac: What can you tell us about your new role in the film Vampire Roles and what drew you to this film and the project?
Tanner: my role on Vampire Boys could be considered the comic relief in a sense. I'm the youngest of the 4 "brothers" in the brood. I was created last and so I'm considered the youngest. I'm the little bro and I get picked on. I have a scene where Dane, Jess Allen (the big guy), tells one of the characters that I get thrown threw a tree by another vampire and my reaction to this actually got me the role as Adam. I did it in a comical way that lightened the scene. No one else was able to do that when auditioning.
Isaac: Who are some of your favorite actors and actresses?
Tanner: Jim Carrey is hands down my all time favorite. I use to re-enact "The Mask" all the time when I was younger. I'm pretty composed when I need to be, but really I'm a goof ball like him.
Olivia Wilde is gorgeous. I've watched her work on "House" and then "Tron: Legacy". Can't really say if it’s the acting skills or that she's just too sexy.
Alyson Michalka is extremely talented in her work and singing.
Isaac: What traits do you respect the most in an actor?
Tanner Acord Photo courtesy of Tanner Acord
Tanner: The biggest thing that I still haven't been able to completely get down is just being natural. An actor/actress that can take a couple of lines read them over then just throw them out like it was completely natural and not planned at all. The emotion you put into the lines that make them your own.
Isaac: Let us talk about your modeling career. You are building up quite an impressive resume with your modeling gigs. What draws you to modeling?
Tanner: Haha. Modeling was a flute thing. It came with the acting gig. I never believed I was a model nor could ever be one. But, I had a roommate that did it and he would always bring me along on non paid gigs. From there, I got some decent photos and people seemed to like them so I went for it. From there, I've gotten to some crazy things and get some amazing pictures out of it. I've tried going to modeling agencies but never been picked up.
Isaac: What's your style like in real life?
Tanner: I like getting dressed and looking good but not over done. It's a v-neck and a pair of jeans and some vans, or a pair of slacks and a T with some vans. Or throw a vest into the mix and a hat even. It's Simple like me. I'm laid back and easy going in real life and all my friends can vouch on that. I keep my style the same way. I like color too Reds, Blues, Greens. Makes you stand out but not outrageous.
Isaac: Is it hard to not smile while you're walking down the runway?
Tanner: The runway is a hell of a place. It's so nerve raking. There’s no time to think about smiling when you gotta make sure you're taking the right steps to be able to turn at the right point and not look down or fall. It's hell but it’s a hell of a rush.
Isaac: What's the weirdest thing you've ever worn in a show?
Tanner: Craziest thing was this latex/plastic suit that came up above my chin to my nose. It was a suit though and looked like one; so ridiculous and hot.
Isaac: Haha. Sounds like it was.
Isaac: On the fashion industry: who are the people that you really have loved to work with?
Tanner: Ray Aquino Designs was the best designer I've worked with. He's down to earth and has some sick designs. The whole show went so smooth and easy.
Isaac: How do you do to stay in shape? Do you work out, diet, or you don’t need any of that?
Tanner: Diet wise I don't need one. my metabolism is too high right now I have to eat just to keep my weight. I do work out with free weights 4 days a wk for about an hour each time. I've done the P90X and use a lot of the same work outs from that but I implement more heavier weights into it.
Isaac: What are your career goals for the not too distant future for both your modeling and acting career?
Tanner: Acting, I want to be the lead in a feature. Whether it be indie or whatever. That’s what I want and it’s completely obtainable.
Modeling, I need to get a couple more looks for my portfolio and submit to more agencies.
Isaac: What advice do you have for others who are just getting their start in the entertainment business for either modeling or acting?
Tanner: This business is brutal. There are thousands of people out there that look exactly like you do and you'll figure that out the first audition you go on. But, that doesn't need to get you down because there's a role for everyone and your time will come. It's a job and you’re a salesman/woman if you don't get the first gig learn something from it and move onto the next.
You gotta have tough skin. It’s funny because actors/actresses are usually emotional because that’s what they use to act but at the same time you have to be able to put those emotions away when it comes to the auditions.
Isaac: Finally, what part is it that you feel that you were born to play?
Tanner: I like to compare a lot of myself to Shia Labeouf, he's a sarcastic funny guy but can play the lead role in an intense film. I have the lead role qualities and can rock those rolls if given the chance. It's the All American boy role. As for a character role, I would love any kind of super hero role. I never had a Favorite super hero so I couldn't pick just one.
Isaac: Leave us with some final thoughts and/or wisdom….
Tanner: Don't give up. Acting is a long term commitment. It’s not gonna happen overnight. If you believe it's what you want to do, then you'll go the distance. I know I've had to live paycheck to paycheck and worry about money and paying rent and just soo many other hardships with doing this because I moved away from Texas to follow this dream when I could have stayed there and gotten a 9 to 5 jobs and had nothing to worry about.
But, I would not give up any of this hardship for what I do. If I had the chance to do it all over again I would because I love it and it's worth it. I know people that have given up and gone home and they regret every second of it. Yes, they live well and have a steady job but there's something missing. Just don't give up, everything happens for a reason.
