Doug Bertolini
He played in Stephen Dean‘s Rest Stop as Psychiatrist.
SKSM: Could you start with telling me a little bit about yourself? Who are you and what do you do?
Doug Bertolini: I’m second generation Italian-American, born in Atlanta, GA. I’ve been acting for the past 25 years and with Hollywood basically coming to Atlanta, many network and film opportunites are now available to those of us working in this market.
SKSM: When did you know you wanted to become an actor?
Doug Bertolini: Many years ago, I was given a small speaking part on the set of a Home Depot commercial and I’ve been hooked ever since!
SKSM: How did you become involved in Rest Stop Dollar Baby film?
Doug Bertolini: A close friend and fellow actor Tom Amick asked if I’d like to participate in the production as the psychiatrist and said: “Absolutely!”
SKSM: What do you think it is about the story that attracts people so much?
Doug Bertolini: First off, it’s based on a Stephen King short story, which is a major draw in and of itself. Secondly, the production quality, story adaptation and fellow actors make this short film a must see.
SKSM: Did you have to audition for the part or was it written directly for you?
Doug Bertolini: It felt like it was written just for me with my quirky and eclectic approach to acting; but no, I did not have to audition for this particular role. The director Stephen Dean felt after viewing my ‘Film-TV Demo Reel’ I’d be a perfect fit for the role.
SKSM: You worked with Stephen Dean on this film, how was that?
Doug Bertolini: Very enjoyable! We saw eye-to-eye on many facets of the character and how to portray him.
SKSM: Was there any funny or special moment when they made the movie that you would like to tell me about?
Doug Bertolini: I couldn’t quite place where I was pulling this character from in regards to my subconscious and then later I realized it was from a character actor on the Andy Griffith show of which I enjoyed watching as a child. His name was: Howard McNear and played the eccentric barber: Floyd Lawson (A very funny, stammering character!)
SKSM: Do you still have any contact with the crew/cast from that time? If so with who?
Doug Bertolini: I enjoy speaking with the director Stephen Dean on occasion and Tom Amick and I often collaborate on how to improve upon audition techniques and delivering believable scenes.
SKSM: What are you working on nowadays?
Doug Bertolini: Currently up for a few roles in major studio feature films and of course it’s all about hurry up and wait and hoping you land the part!
SKSM: Are you a fan of Stephen King’s work?
Doug Bertolini: Absolutely!
SKSM: What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
Doug Bertolini: I’m a former US Marine and I guess ending up as an actor is rather the polar opposite of what most might expect. As a quick sidebar and an homage to the recent passing of a fellow Marine, Actor R. Lee Ermey (74) known for: “Full Metal Jacket” died on Sunday morning April 15, 2018.
SKSM: Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions. Is there anything you want to say to the fans that read this interview?
Doug Bertolini: You might enjoy viewing my “Film-TV Demo Reel” on YouTube of which I recently edited in at the beginning a fun ‘snippet’ from the short film ‘Rest Stop’ scenes not seen in the trailer! Simply search: Doug Bertolini – then look for my “Film-TV Demo Reel” – (Hope you enjoy it!)
SKSM: Do you like to add anything else?
Doug Bertolini: Try and catch the full-length (25-minute) short film ‘Rest Stop’ at a film festival near you!
