Shawn-Caulin Young – Heart, Baby

By starrymag | November 28, 2018

By: Lisa Steinberg

 

 

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

 

A) As an actor, the third season of “True Detective” on HBO! It was a dream come true being part of the series. The cast and crew are beyond talented and dynamic. It’s high-level storytelling at its best. I was lucky enough to work opposite Mahershala Ali and let me tell you he is the best. I smell Emmy and Golden Globes for him. As a producer and director, I have various projects in different stages of development. I can tell you that all of my stories center around a female protagonist.

 

Q) Please tell us the premise for your upcoming film Heart, Baby. 

 

A) Heart, Baby is the remarkable true story of George Lee Martin, an unbeatable prison boxer who turned down his opportunity for freedom and 1984 Olympic gold to stay in prison.  It’s a story of brotherhood, faith and the power of love. The film is a tapestry of complex characters and themes. You can watch it over and over again and find new things each and every time.

 

Q) How was Crystal originally described to you?

 

A) Crystal was originally described to me as being a devout Evangelical Christian and fierce fashionista. Born in the late 1960s, she grew up in a time and place where the idea of being transgender was unheard of. I was told she was beautiful and built like a dancer. She was caring, loving, sharp tongued and loyal beyond words. She was known as a true child of God.

 

Q) Was there anything you added to the character that wasn’t in her initial breakdown? 

 

A) I added a lot of personal touches when it came to make-up, hair and wardrobe as there were no existing photos of Crystal. The only thing we have of Crystal is a recording of her singing with a fellow inmate. Needless-to-say, I had many things I had to create in order to bring her back to life. Almost every single one of Crystal’s looks in the film were based off either an iconic movie star or a prominent female musician from the times, like Stevie Nicks. This was where I had the most fun. It’s thanks to Robin Matthews, Yolanda Mercadel and their unbelievable teams that I was able to pull off all the refined beauty and grace that Crystal deserved.

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

 

A) The story. For me, it’s always the story. I couldn’t believe that this actually happened. Only three hundred people witnessed what George did back in 1984. When I read the script for the first time I immediately burst into tears. That’s always a good sign for me. If I cry it means I am supposed to be a part of it. I read it three times in a row because I couldn’t get enough. I am honored that Angela Shelton even allowed me to be part of this powerful film.

 

Q) The movie is based on a true story. What kind of research did you do into preparing to take on your role? 

 

A) Preparing for the role was a long and tedious process. I lived for four months as a trans woman before and during filming. My process started with interviewing several of my trans friends about their experiences and watching various lectures and documentaries. I did as much of the intellectual research as I could possibly do first, so that I could try to understand the psychological ratifications of the trans experience. From there, I tried to fill in as many of the gaps about Crystal’s life as I possibly could. I worked with various coaches including the great acting teacher, Larry Moss. Countless hours were spent developing her voice through female vocalization techniques. I learned etiquette and walking from a former Miss New York. I grew my hair and nails for six months, got eyelash and hair extensions, cosmetically altered my face and even lost close to thirty pounds so I could portray her accurately. I spent hours searching for personal touches that I thought the real Crystal would’ve loved. I even had a perfume made so I could wear it every day onset. When I say I did everything I could to honor and respect her and the trans community I did.

 

Q) Were you familiar with any of your costars before working with them on the movie? 

 

A) I was familiar with my co-star Jackson Rathbone. Twilight was the biggest thing on the planet at one point. If you don’t know who the cast of that franchise are, you have been hiding in a cave somewhere. Gbenga [Akinnagbe] I kinda knew from his time on HBO’s “The Wire.” Several of the supporting cast members I knew personally from my years in Hollywood like Shaun Brown (Bug), Justice Leak (Chase), Tom Proctor (Lucky) and Nancy LaScala (Mary). We were lucky enough to have an amazing ensemble of great character actors for the film. There are even a couple of my famous friends hidden as extras in the cast.

 

Q) What kind of advice did director Angela Shelton offer that you took to heart while filming? 

 

A) She said to trust myself. She is a remarkable director who has intense passion for her vision. That passion is infectious. I followed her lead when it came to the producing of the film. As an actor, she gave me the space to discover and explore the truth. That’s a rare quality in a director.

 

Q) What were some of your most memorable moments from filming Heart, Baby?

 

A) For me, the most memorable moments on set were with the crew, especially my homies in the makeup and hair trailer. I spent more time in that trailer than I did anywhere else. It typically took four hours to process me into whatever look Crystal was sporting that day. I had a lot of fun with my hair goddess Yolanda. We would kiki and talk about life and God. I found much comfort and joy connecting with Academy Award winner Robin Matthews and her makeup team Ashley and Estancia. We would listen to music, dance around and play. It was the only place I felt safe and completely seen. That hair and makeup trailer were my haven. There is one moment that sticks out more than any other though. It was with my personal dresser Thayer Abaigael – amazing woman and artist. I was prepping for a huge moment in the movie and she selflessly made herself available to me in that moment…looking into my eyes… supporting me. I will never forget that moment with her as long as I live. I am so grateful to her and all the crew for their love and support.

 

Q) What do you hope viewers take away from watching the film? 

 

A) I hope the audience take away a greater sense of love. They are only two choices in life, Love or Fear. I hope after watching this film, people will choose Love more often than Fear.

 

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

 

A) Am I looking forward to the instant feedback? Um… no. I don’t know about all that. This was such a vulnerable experience for me. I would say I am more eagerly apprehensive? The only thing I care about is that I was able to do Crystal and the trans community justice. I don’t really care about any other feedback than theirs.

 

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

 

A) I would like to say to everyone who’s a fan and supporter of my work that I am so grateful and honored that my truth speaks to you. Being an artist is one of the loneliest professions in the world. It’s because of the fans that I am able to keep going at times. It’s their energy and enthusiasm fuels me with the desire to work hard and be the best version of me that I can possibly be. In turn, my goal as a storyteller is to inspire those around me to be the best version of themselves that they can be. I believe it’s a cyclical relationship. They inspire me, as I hope I inspire them.