Colin Fin
He played in Julia Marchese‘s I Know What You Need Dollar Baby film as Tony Lombard.
SKSM: Could you start with telling me a little bit about yourself? Who are you and what do you do?
Colin Fin: Hi Oscar, my name is Colin Fin and I am an actor and dancer out here in Los Angeles. I am from Connecticut, went to college for a BFA in Acting. This summer I graduated I was grateful to jump right into the film industry through being cast in this project as well as my first feature film which I shot that fall, also coming out soon. Through meeting people on these sets, I was convinced to move to LA and have been loving it. Out here, in addition to acting/film, I work in the health and wellness industry in dance/fitness, connecting through movement, and also enjoy directing and choreographing.
SKSM: When did you know you wanted to become an actor?
Colin Fin: When I was younger, I always wanted to be happy— That is what I would wish for and envision for myself, and I believe that is what guided me to find my passion and push through the noise that was in the way of that. I always had the best times in play rehearsals growing up and felt most myself. It was an outlet for me and the people I had to look up to in my arts training in theatre/dance were incredible influences, so I knew that was what made me happiest. Before that I wanted to be a cotton candy seller and have 10 children. You win some you lose some.
SKSM: How did you become involved in I know what you need Dollar Baby film?
Colin Fin: I saw an audition posting sent to my school, Ithaca College to be shared on the theatre arts facebook page. There were a few rounds of auditions, and the week of graduation I booked it.
SKSM: What do you think it is about the story that attracts people so much?
Colin Fin: It’s a very real line that people are familiar with, between love and obsession. How something can be super sweet one second and then incredibly creepy once it passes a line. I think unfortunately many people can relate their own experiences to the feeling of walking Edward’s tightrope of manipulation, and how disorienting and blinding it can be.
SKSM: Did you have to audition for the part or was it written directly for you?
Colin Fin: I auditioned for the role and went through a callback process on Zoom. I remember Julia from the beginning to get everything as close to the story Stephen had written as possible, so I really analyzed Tony’s from the text to find the energy. After being cast I was asked to grow my hair out so it could be slicked back like him too.
SKSM: You worked with Julia Marchese on this film, how was that?
Colin Fin: Julia was a wonderful first director for me. She was so passionate about the project which created a great atmosphere on set. She was really intentional about mixing cast and crew as one big team and having a really open collaboration. This allowed for a sense of play on set, which as an actor opens you up to make more decisions. She also always was there for advice on Los Angeles / the film industry or questions I had starting out.
SKSM: Was there any funny or special moment when they made the movie that you would like to tell me about?
Colin Fin: Riding in the golf cart with my hair and makeup girls, my PA Jamie driving me back to the airport windows down blasting music, sharing a dorm with Will (we went to the same college theatre program 3 years apart!), horror movie nights with the cast, improvisation on Tony’s mommas spaghetti, my stick shift lesson and what takes the cake is: getting the VW bus stick on a hill with the crew in the back.
SKSM: Do you still have any contact with the crew/cast from that time? If so with who?
Colin Fin: Yes we all follow each other on social media, it’s great to see what everyone’s up to. I’ve been able to meet up with some of the cast/crew out here too!
SKSM: What are you working on nowadays?
Colin Fin: Staying busy in training for an upcoming dance job! Also looking forward to the release of Empire Waist, the other project I mentioned before (my first feature film) which was shopped at Cannes Festival Market to be released later this year. As an actor, always more auditions ahead, I directed a project and look forward to directing/choreographing more this year as well.
SKSM: Are you a fan of Stephen King’s work?
Colin Fin: Of course. I love the directness of his text. He’s so complex yet so simple in his delivery, and has a smoothness and intellect I really respect and enjoy.
SKSM: What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
Colin Fin: The drums/percussion were my original artistic outlet so rhythm feels like a part of my identity. And 我说一点儿中文, I speak some Mandarin Chinese.
SKSM: Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions. Is there anything you want to say to the fans that read this interview?
Colin Fin: Thank you for supporting this piece of art! I am excited for it to finally be out.
SKSM: Do you like to add anything else?
Colin Fin: Thanks to the cast and crew for being a great first set experience! And to my family and friends always. IG: @colinfin
