I met Todd Mathus in person for the first time at the American Legion's Post 43, in Hollywood, California - the same Post to which Charlton Heston, Ernest Borgnine, Clark Gable, Gene Autry, and President Ronald Reagan belonged. [Mickey Rooney may still be a member.] Todd had invited me and Libertad Green to join him at their bar, since he, as a member, was authorized to invite two guests at a time. Unfortunately, Libertad Green felt too sick to go out that night, perhaps because some chicken cordon bleu on the set of Going Bongo didn't sit well with her the day before, so I went alone.
Upon arriving, I discovered a metal cage, painted black, in front of the entrance to the building, with a smoke break area next to it. I made myself at home in the smoke break area, and sent a text message to Todd to let him know I was there.
He called me to apologize for running late; he had just finished a job interview via video teleconference, and needed to have dinner with his fiancée before joining me at the Post.
While I was still on the cell phone, a man and a woman opened the cage and escorted me in, since I dropped Todd's name and told them I was on the phone with him.
Inside, I had a bottle of Guinness at the Deco bar, then joined the couple and several other people, in the Poker Room, for a meeting of writers. After I listened to a Vietnam veteran read the opening chapter to a novel he was writing, and to a Hispanic, female Reverend read one of her essays or sermons, Todd entered the room and took me out to the bar, where I ordered another bottle of Guinness, and he ordered a drink for himself.
A tall, dark, handsome, professional model, Todd seemed, like everyone else there, relaxed and friendly, and eager to exchange small talk with all of the people who approached him at the bar, as well as with me.
Vaughanster: Your official website (www.tkhproductions.com) indicates that your production company is TKH. What does TKH stand for?
Todd: It is my Vietnamese birth name, Tran Khak Hieu. In America, my name would be switched around, Hieu Khak Tran. For some that are reading this and are not familiar with Asian culture, the last name always comes first. This identifies the "blood line" that you come from. It also identified the social class of you and your family. In Asia, it was very common to "purchase" a royal/honorable name to better the chances of gaining social status and higher level jobs.
Vaughanster: Thank you for your military service. What influenced you to join the U.S. Air Force?
Todd: It was my way of saying "thank you" to the vets, before me. Especially, the Vietnam vets. I wouldn't be here today without them.
Vaughanster: Where were you on September 11, 2001? 2012? When Osama Bin Laden was captured?
Todd: In 2001 I was cast for lead roles in a couple of feature, indy films. In 2012, I was here in L.A. and had just become a member of the American Legion Post 43 - one of the most difficult posts to get into.
Vaughanster: What were some of your best and worst experiences while working for Homeland Security and the military?
Todd: While working in the U.S. Air Force, the best thing was the comradery amongst us. We were all like brothers and sisters. I still keep in touch with some of them, today. The worst times were when we had to present the flag to the next of kin, during a funeral. I was selected for our base's Honor Guard team. This was especially difficult when there were children present, and it was a service for their parent or parents. I don't believe you ever get over that.
Vaughanster: Your IMDb profile indicates you began your entertainment career by modeling for J.C. Penny and Calvin Klein, then began acting in film a year later. What year did you start modeling, and what was the first movie you worked in as an actor?
Todd: I started in 1996 when I moved to Arizona, after getting out of the Air Force. I was blessed with a three-year contract with J.C. Penny's. I just walked into an agency, and they said they had a great gig for me! That same year, a friend suggested I try acting.
In 1996, I was cast for my first movie, an ABC Special called My Son Is Innocent, starring Marilu Henner. Later that year, I was featured in Three Kings, starring George Clooney. Then, I took a break, to spend time with my family. I was married, at the time, with two daughters. I started picking up work again in 2002. The best years were from 2004 to 2006. I was, once again, blessed with a lot of work. I got cast for five lead roles and several supporting and day player roles.
Later, in 2011, my fiancée and I decided to move to LA. I've been here a year and a half, and have been cast for three leading roles (and a national commercial!) of which one of the films is going to Cannes, Sundance, and several other major festivals. I'm really excited about that one! That means major exposure, as an actor! I'm very happy with how my "second" career is starting off here, in Hollywood!
Here's the link to the promo commercial:
(http://www.liveobligated.com/?page_id=125)
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| Photo Courtesy of Grant Rosen |
Vaughanster: Your IMDb bio indicates that you "[feel] honored to have been mentored by some of the best" and that you "[have] used this knowledge as both an actor and producer." Who do you consider the best actors and producers you've worked for and/or with?
Todd: I can't say that there is/are any "best" actors, or producers, that I have worked with. I have never had a "bad" experience with anyone. They were all awesome! I believe that this business is all about attitude. I show up early on every shoot. I come onto set with a smile and big positive attitude. I do my job and go home. I would work with all of them, again, any day!
Vaughanster: How closely did you get to work with George Clooney, Mark Wahlberg and/or any of the other stars of Three Kings?
Todd: Pretty closely. George, most of the time... He is absolutely down to earth and always a pleasure to work with. He doesn't treat you like a "BG" [background] actor. To him, we're all part of the same team to make the film happen. He is, also, the type of guy that if a BG actor was treated inappropriately, he would back you, as long as you aren't the source of the problem.
Vaughanster: Who awarded you exactly what award for being the "best male actor" in Prank?
Todd: Actually, what happened was, at the public viewing of Prank, much to our surprise, the director had put it in the end credits of the film! So, it should be stated that I have received many accolades/recognitions for best, and most dedicated, male actor. I always give 2000% to the director.
Vaughanster: At what point did you decide to shift gears from acting to producing and directing?
Todd: Actually, I haven't. I was originally cast for a day player role in an indy film called Running on Empty Dreams. Then one day, the writer/director's son went to the same school as my daughter and she overheard me talking about production. At that time, I had a lot of connections in the industry. She asked if I had ever produced a film, before.
I answered, "No."
She asked if I'd like to try it, since I knew so many people, to put together an entire crew.
Then, my "96-hour challenge" was born. It was a Tuesday; I asked her what she already had.
She said "a D.P." [Director of Photography]. She then mentioned that she wanted to shoot a great teaser for marketing.
I asked her, "When do you want to have a cast/crew meeting?"
She said, "This Friday."
I dared ask the last question: "When did you want to shoot this teaser?"
She said, "This weekend."
Wow, did I have some hustling to do! So, I succeeded, and I now have four Telly Awards on my desk for the film, and we garnered a world-wide distribution deal with Maverick Entertainment!
As for the direction of Sustisimo Nivel, a.k.a. Scare Level, I only co-directed to help out a debuting director, on a short. I was actually the lead actor, and producer, on that project. [In Spanish, sustísimo means "most frightening," and nivel means "level."]
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| Photo courtesy of Grant Rosen |
Todd: As always, in this industry, most of the lead roles are pre-cast. Producers and directors have a lot of "power" regarding casting, especially if they already have a relationship with the talent. In some instances, I've learned/observed that roles get cast simply from an incidental meeting. An example of this is that one of my lead roles I got recently was because I met the director while shooting pool. She liked my look, and loved my personality. I've done the same, in turn. I have sat in on many auditions, though. I try to make myself very available to the cast, to ensure that conditions are at their best during a shoot.
Vaughanster: You have one of the most impressive resumés I've taken the time to look at on IMDb.com. How important do you think it is to have and maintain an IMDb profile and resumé if you are seeking work in movies and television?
Todd: Quite important! It's the first reference that directors and producers look at, although the reality is that not all actors' work is on the "Main Details." I don't know of too many directors that actually look into the resumé page, but I do. Like mine, only so many films/TV shows get the legitimacy to be on IMDb, and it puts you "on the radar" in the industry. I always ask the director/producer if the film will be on IMDb. IMDb is a marketing tool, especially, when you get enough high quality work to be able to post a demo reel. It saves a lot of time and paper (head shots).
Vaughanster: You played a comedian in The Tears of a Clown. Do you consider yourself a professional comedian?
Todd: Only at BBQ's and birthdays, although I've been advised to try it out. I always "break" the tension when I'm on set, and it's usually with laughter. I love to laugh while I work. I don't whistle, because I don't think other actors would appreciate me slobbering on them, LOL. Just kidding; I'm actually a great whistler.
Vaughanster: Did you have the title role in The Whistler?
Todd: Oh, no I didn't; a six foot seven guy did, LOL. And the whistling wasn't even real. It was a foley added to the track, LOL.
Vaughanster: Big guys can be fun to work with, right?
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| Photo courtesy of Running on Empty Dreams Productions |
Todd: They're especially fun to work with in comedic situations.
Vaughanster: John Candy?
Todd: Most def!
Vaughanster: Who are your favorite comedians, living or deceased?
Todd: Oh, wow! There's a lot I like. Robin Williams, Chris Farley, Will Farrow, Steve Carrell - just to name a few.
Vaughanster: As a comedian and a martial artist in movies and television, whose movies do you prefer watching - Jet Li's or Jackie Chan's?
Todd: Jet Li's! I'm a very serious and intense actor, so, if I ever got cast for a martial arts role, it would be a very dramatic, intense role. Jet Li's movies, also, have a more realistic story line, for the most part.
Vaughanster: Who are your favorite martial artists?
Todd: Donnie Yen (Ip Man and Ip Man 2), Bolo Yeung, Jeff Speakman, Jet Li, and Rain.
Vaughanster: Your current project, Taming the Beast, is scheduled for release in 2015, and has a half million-dollar budget. How did you come by that much money?
Todd: At this time that figure is rumored. It was entered so that it could be listed on IMDb. There's another film that I'm involved with, where we just got funded for $25 million. Most of the money, currently, is in Europe, for indy film makers, unless it's a studio picture. Due to confidentiality, I cannot name where the money actually comes from, but, I can say this: There are a lot of private investors here in the U.S. With a track record, and a great business plan, you can get the money! Sometimes, a source will refer you to the investors if they trust and like you enough.
Vaughanster: How important is money to what you consider success in entertainment?
Todd: Not very! This is what I consider a success: As long as I'm making enough to pay my bills, feed myself, and they are all great, challenging roles, I'm happy. I don't necessarily want to become a super star. If it happens, it happens. I just want to get to a level of - like your Danny Trejo's and Steve Buscemi's, simply working all the time. Like a pro ball player loves to play football, I love to act. Take the love out of the craft, and you have no craft.
Vaughanster: Several of your roles seem closely related to your real world experience. You served in the Air Force, then played an Air Force Staff Sergeant in Running on Empty Dreams. You served in Iraq, and played an Iraqi soldier in Three Kings. You're a martial artist, and played a Yakuza warrior in The Unjust. You studied electronics and played a Frat Boy in They Know. Were you a frat boy in reality? If so, which fraternity did you belong to, and which college did you attend?
Todd: Yes, I like to go with my strengths when selecting roles to audition for. I highly recommend this to other actors. This is a huge factor in my being extremely comfortable "in my skin"; hence, all of my characters look/feel real to the audience. I could go on much more about this, but, that can be another interview.
No, I was never in a fraternity. I don't believe we had those in the Community College of the Air Force, LOL.
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| Todd H. Mathus in Three Kings, Courtesy of Warner Bros. |
Todd: I met Joliff on set of Arrested Development [2013, Mitchell Hurwitz]. We just kind of "hit it off," and I started giving him some tips in the business.
No, I don't think he makes a good gangster. He's way too nice, LOL!
Vaughanster: Your IMDb resumé indicates that you are not willing to do unpaid work. Did you ever do unpaid work in the entertainment industry, to gain experience and exposure?
Todd: Absolutely! I believe that many of us in the industry have done that. You have to be humble enough to realize that we all have to start somewhere. Very rarely, I still do it today. If I like the role/character enough, I'll "trade." For instance, I've been trying to get my SAG eligibility; then, today [March 7, 2013], I got a role that will feature me, and I get a Taft-Hartley. Not bad for only a little over a half day's work! [When someone lists an actor, on a Taft-Hartley form, as a principal performer, the actor becomes eligible to become a member of S.A.G. (the Screen Actors Guild).]
Vaughanster: Do you recommend that any people beginning their entertainment careers do unpaid work? If so, at what point should they discontinue doing so?
Todd: Yes, I recommend it. The "payment" they'll receive is now they have speaking roles on tape that they can put together in a demo reel. This is very important, to gain other roles. As for when they should stop doing paid gigs, that's a grey area. It depends on their situation at the time. Are they union or non-union? Is there a budget on the film? Et cetera... It doesn't hurt to ask. It's much easier if you have an agent; they do the negotiation on your behalf. However, when the time comes, they should keep two things in mind:
1) It's O.K. to do a first deal with a project for "trade," but not after that.
Then 2), they should always negotiate higher on the next project. To give an example: One time an actor did a film for $1,110 per day. Then, three years later, the production company contacted her, again. This time, they said they didn't have any money for a talent budget. They asked her to do this gig, only one time, for free. She recognized the name of the company and called them out. Finally, she refused the job.
You have to keep your eyes and ears open in this industry, especially if you don't have an agent.
Vaughanster: What does "V.F.T." stand for, near the top of your IMDb resumé?
Todd: I belong to Veterans in Film and Television. It's a military, vets-only group. However, the public can check them out on Facebook.
Vaughanster: Your Bacon Number on IMDb is 3. It appears that even actors who passed away before Kevin Bacon was born, have Bacon Numbers at least as low as 3. Have you ever met anyone with a Bacon Number of 4 or more?
Todd: I met the man himself (Kevin) at the Phoenix Film Festival, back in 2004. He was really cool to me. But no, I have never known, nor met, anyone with a Bacon Number higher than 3. I know, it's weird because I worked with John T. Kretchmer (Flatliners) on "Hidden Palms." [IMDb does not, apparently, count TV series toward Bacon Numbers - only films.]
Vaughanster: You studied Shaolin Kempo; is that what the late David Carradine's character practiced in the TV series "Kung Fu"?
Todd: No, it isn't. Shaolin Kempo is a "harder" version, branching off of Kung Fu. David's character used the traditional style of Kung Fu. Jeff Speakman (The Perfect Weapon, 1991) studied Shoalin Kempo.
Vaughanster: How realistic or unrealistic is the Kung Fu demonstrated in the Kung Fu Panda movies?
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| Todd H. Mathus in Three Kings |
Todd: Unrealistic; if they were live action actors, they'd all be on cables to do half of what is portrayed in Panda Kung Fu, LOL.
Vaughanster: What martial artists have you worked with?
Todd: No famous ones, yet, but most of the female and male co-stars I had in some of the action films I've done were all black belts, at the minimum.
Vaughanster: Which begs the questions: What is higher than a black belt? And what is "the maximum"?
Todd: Anything of a first degree black belt and above. Depends on the style... Some styles have been known to go up to 15th degree, maybe higher, before gaining Master or Grand Master title. Grand Master is the highest level you can get to.
Vaughanster: What martial artists would you like to work with?
Todd: Jackie Chan! I heard he is so much fun to work with, from a reliable source...
Vaughanster: What weapons would you like to work with, if any, that you haven't yet?
Todd: Three-sectional staff, Tai Chi Sword...
Vaughanster: What weapons have you worked with, if any, that you'd rather not work with again?
Todd: None! I love them all.
Vaughanster: Were you aware that nunchucks are illegal in certain parts of the United States?
Todd: Yes, as well as butterfly knives and extendable batons.
Vaughanster: Where do you stand on the current gun control controversy?
Todd: Not sure - never had to use a gun, LOL.
Vaughanster: Do you think entertainers and martial artists should be role models?
Todd: Sure! There are a lot of principles in martial arts that are life lessons. I was an instructor for five years at a dojo. My clients were from four to forty-two years old. Because I had two children of my own, I was primarily the youth instructor. As for actors, depends on who you're talking about.
Vaughanster: Does it bother you that criminals such as Charlie Sheen and Lindsay Lohan seem to be able to commit crimes with impunity, yet remain marketable and employable in movies and television?
Todd: Yes, those would be two actors, just to start, that I would not want my children to have as role models.
Vaughanster: Who else would you not want your children to have as role models, among singers, athletes and politicians, as well as actors?
Todd: The list would be too long to mention. The history of entertainment news kind of spells that out for me, and the public.
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| Courtesy of DY Productions |
Todd: No, but, I'll definitely check it out.
Vaughanster: Your nationalities on IMDb.com are listed as Vietnamese and Italian. Do you carry on any traditions from these countries?
Todd: Having come over to the U.S. at two years old, no, but I have a lot of friends of these nationalities that have taught me a lot about my own heritage.
Vaughanster: Do you speak Vietnamese, Italian, or any other foreign languages?
Todd: No, but, I do speak some Cambodian and Spanish. Funny combo, right?
Vaughanster: Yes! Why Cambodian, but not Vietnamese?
Todd: I was previously married for ten years to a Chinese/Cambodian woman. Both of my daughters are trilingual. I think it's awesome!
Vaughanster: What cities, States and countries have you traveled to?
Todd: Too many to list, LOL.
Vaughanster: How did you celebrate St. Patrick's Day?
Todd: A nice quiet evening at home with my fiancée... I've discovered that it gets way too crazy here, in Hollywood. We had a marathon, watching the Leprechaun movies.
Vaughanster: What advice would you like to give any aspiring actors, models and/or producers who might read this interview?
Todd: Like I mentioned above, always keep a positive attitude. If all you want is fame and riches, then it will be more difficult to succeed in this industry. Our craft of acting, or producing, is to create a world for society to escape everyday life, for just two hours. When you can reach an audience, emotionally, then you're doing something right. Diversity is a big plus in this industry, too. Actors, don't be afraid to try PA-ing [being a production assistant] on a set. Producers, try a small role in a short film, sometime. In doing this, you will, both, truly, then understand what we all go through to succeed in making a film or TV show. This will, also, better your understanding of how to communicate with one another. As a last note to actors: I highly recommend the book by Bonnie Gillespie, Self-Management for Actors. She is so thorough in her advice about becoming a professional actor! She doesn't miss a thing, and is such a wonderful, down to earth person!
Actors must always remember, that this IS a business and WE are the product. Love your craft; love your team; love life. But, most of all, love yourself, and you will succeed.
Thank you for the interview, William; you're awesome!
Interview by William Mortensen Vaughan
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