Lew Temple – Camouflage

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

A) Well, I am currently on a film, Kidnap, the title speaks for itself. It is an action/thriller starring Halle Berry. I take her child and she courageously chasing me to get him back. It is a strong message of a mother’s maternal instinct, as well as social commentary to this awful event that happens too often. It is a great project being directed by Luis Prieto and we are in New Orleans filming. I also just had Atlas Shrugged: Who is John Galt? come out in theaters. Shangri-La Suite is coming soon, as well as Saving Isobel, The Grace of Jake and Desierto. So, I have some really good material coming out that I am proud of being a part of and everyone’s work in them.

Q) We’ll be seeing you in the upcoming film Camouflage. How was your character Nolan originally described to you?

A) Nolan was pitched to me as somebody with and open ear, when there was nowhere else to turn for a desperate young person. On the surface, he is helpful and he is the only one who may understand the pain that is occurring and cares to listen. Unfortunately, he has anterior motives and an agenda that is not genuine or well intended.

Q) What made you want to be a part of the film?

A) I felt it was an important social commentary about an issue that is very real in the world today. Many people are hurting with a level of discontent. This may lead to depression or any other number of emotional illness. I just wanted to be part of a story that offered some understanding. I also appreciated that while the subject matter is difficult, the film presents it, but does not judge or editorialize. That was important to me.

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

A) I think the tone of Nolan was something that I was interested in developing. He was someone who had to be trusted by a young person – a friend, less a counselor employed by the university. I wanted to give Nolan a level of easiness and somebody that really listened and heard the person he was visiting with. I gave him a bit of “The Dude” in The Big Lebowski. It was interesting to explore the colors or the approach that could be useful to influence people.

Q) Did the cast chemistry come instantly or did it take some time to bond?

A) All of my work was with Kyle [T. Cowan], so that was fairly in place by the the we got on set. We had had several discussions and rehearsals prior to our shooting schedule. I was interested in exploring what different approaches we would be able to take with the relation of counselor-student. Fortunately, Kyle was very available to this exploration. I was happy with what we found. It is always a journey when you tell a story and it is the discovery along the way that makes the film’s success.

Q) What were some of your most memorable moments from filming Camouflage?

A) I would say the experimental process with developing the character. It was interesting with the different colors we used, even tone of my voice. I thought the locations were great, particularly the interrogation room. It was built in a studio on a sound stage and was very camera versatile.

Q) What message do you hope people take away from viewing the movie?

A) I would want a heightened awareness of mental and emotional suffering that occurs and with that a certain tolerance and compassion provided. I am of the mindset that by having a better awareness, we can have a better prevention. It is critical to have a place to go for help, real help, not ulterior-motive driven hope. These awful events continue to happen, we are not going to help by dismissing them as sad events. We have to get involved and be proactive in changing the behavior pattern and mindset to act out on your pain. It starts somehow in the home, we know that. So, lets help somehow. I don’t have the answers, but lets ask the right questions.

Q) You’re a part of social media. Are you looking forward to the instant fan feedback you will receive?

A) I am most excited that Camouflage will be available to everyone who has access to the Internet. It will be accessible to a larger audience than just a small theatrical release. I am excited that a message will be delivered with integrity and intention, but without judgment. I hope that everyone sees the film and they can reach out and get involved by at the very least commentary.

Q) Is there anything else about the film that you want to be sure to share with viewers?

A) This is a small film with a large concept. It was built with a great deal of passion and desire to tell this story. I am hopeful that it finds its audience, that it causes an audience to consider and that it provokes conversation about difficult issues that we are continually encountering. I am grateful for Kyle T. Cowan to have invited me to be part of this message. I believe each cast and crew member involved helped to tell this story, to deliver this message. That is the all that matters here.