Christian Keyes – Saints & Sinners

By: Jamie Steinberg

Q) What are the recent projects that you are working on?

A) I have my second novel, Dr. Feel Good, that just came out. It was a script that I adapted to novel format that is getting a lot of really good feedback. It’s about a therapist who went to medical school with his best friend, who is also a therapist. The friend doesn’t take his job seriously. He tries to sleep with his hot patients and updates his social media during his sessions. Between the two of them, they deal with a lot of communication issues and anger management issues. The main doctor is actually just getting out of his fifth engagement so he’s kind of avoiding dealing with that. There is a lot going on, but it is a witty, funny and sexy story.

Q) How was your character on “Saints & Sinners” originally described to you?

A) Levi Sterling was originally presented to me as someone with some dirt on his hands. That’s what made it appealing to me. I’ve been a lot of safe characters and I can actually act so I want to be challenged with a character. I want to have to fight for people to respect the character at times and dislike him at other times. All of the above was wrapped up in Levi so I initially fell for what it was – a finance guy who has had his trouble with the FCC, but comes back home to Cypress, Georgia to pull his life together. He’s going through a divorce and has a daughter. He has a lot of pressure and responsibility put on his shoulders. It was appealing and I loved it right away.

Q) Was there anything you added to the role that wasn’t originally scripted for you?

A) We kept pretty tight to the script because there was a lot in the writing as far as the creation of building up of Levi. I didn’t change too much, just little mannerisms and things like that. For the most part, it was just what was on the page.

Q) What was the most challenging part of filming the show for you?

A) I think that the struggle is having to work and make someone who has done (and occasionally still doing) some less than stellar things to be likeable – to make him appealing to the viewer where he isn’t just some typical bad guy, a person that is not interesting. I wanted to make him interesting, but strong and still vulnerable. It was finding layers to Levi and making them show through.

Q) What are some upcoming moments this season that you are most looking forward to the fan reaction?

A) There are some that I can’t specify, but clearly there is a tension there between Levi and Christie (Jasmine Burke). They were each other’s first love in high school, but then he got out, went away to college and started his life elsewhere. That comes to the surface at some point. That tension reaches a point where it can no longer be contained. I am looking forward to the fans reaction to that.

Q) Was there instant cast chemistry when everyone began working together?

A) Actually, I flew in the day before we started. I was working on something else, but the cast was already down there for the table-read. I think the beauty of it was that I had worked Clifton Powell and Keith Robinson before. I have worked with the Executive Production team before. I already knew Vanessa Bell Calloway so that rapport was already established. Clearly, I have a respect for their work. Thankfully, it showed across the screen.

Q) What do you hope fans take away from watching the show?

A) I hope they take away that they really enjoy the show. I would watch it if I wasn’t on it. I like the concept and the idea. I hope that they take away a lesson in each episode. There is humor in each episode. Even with the drama, there is an occasional funny moment to lighten it up. I hope they take away that there is always room for redemption. You can make mistakes, but you can still get your life back, keep it together and do some great things. Who knows? Maybe several other seasons of “Saints & Sinners” are coming. Hopefully, they take away from it that they have a new favorite show.

Q) You are a part of social media. Have you been enjoying the instant fan feedback you have been receiving to the premise episode?

A) Yes, absolutely. Anything that is broadcast or is airing I always try to be involved in social media. The live tweeting, Instagram posts and Facebook feedback and responding – we literally got hundreds of tweets, Facebook messages and Instagram notes saying they can’t wait until the next episode to see where the story goes. I enjoyed the comments and questions, the feedback and responses in general.

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?

A) Thank you! I wouldn’t be able to do what I do without them. Put your seatbelt on because there is a lot coming up. I shot three films that are coming out soon. There is the first season of “Saints & Sinners) and my new novel. I’m trying to do book signings in various cities. It will be a movie or TV show very soon. The support has been incredible and appreciated. Follow me on Twitter and Instagram at @ChristianKeyes and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ChristianKeyesOfficialFanpage!

Watch “Saints & Sinners” on Bounce TV every Sunday at 9pm/ET.