Mark Rival
He played in Andrew Simpson‘s Big Wheels Dollar Baby film as Rocky.
SKSM: Could you start with telling me a little bit about yourself? Who are you and what do you do?
Mark Rival: Hey Oscar, a pleasure to meet you. My name is Mark Rival. I am an actor/producer/facilitator for indie films here in Toronto Canada. I’ve been acting for close to 20 years and am absolutely in love with the process. I have a passion for the film industry and truly enjoy making connections with people, I have recently started to produce indie projects under Rival Productions, in order to help promote their work both here in Canada and internationally.
SKSM: When did you know you wanted to become an actor?
Mark Rival: TBH I’ve always had a fascination for acting. Influences from Films and televisión help to nurture and inspire creativity, especially when you’re a kid. We’ve all played roles as children in the playground. Now I still get to play roles as an adult and I am having a blast!
SKSM: How did you become involved in Big Wheels Dollar Baby film?
Mark Rival: I was asked to audition by a friend of mine, producer Yair Karlberger. One of the most profesional producer/writers that I have the pleasure of knowing. We previously worked on a feature film together that is now in post production. So I then auditioned for the role of Rocky.
SKSM: What do you think it is about the story that attracts people so much?
Mark Rival: Stephen King has the ability to mezmerize his audiences through his detailed and rich colourful characters and their environments. His intelligent “slow burn” writing style keeps his readers intrigued and on the edge of their seats.
SKSM: Did you have to audition for the part or was it written directly for you?
Mark Rival: I had to audition for the role of Rocky.
SKSM: You worked with Andrew Simpson on this film, how was that?
Mark Rival: That was an absolute blessing! Andrew’s profesional demeanor and friendly approach to all the actors and crew is truly inspiring. The respect that he gets form them in return translates to the positive mood and flow on set. His crew is hands down is the tightest and most organized that I’ve seen. He is an actors director, challenging us yet supporting our ideas and thoughts on set. I’d love to work with him again, anyone would.
SKSM: Was there any funny or special moment when they made the movie that you would like to tell me about?
Mark Rival: Well, I got to drive a 71 Cutlass for a few days, hat was fun! The car was perfect for what we were looking for. A good friend of mine Brian Todish of Sunset Speedway said that we could absolutely use it for the shooting of Big Wheels.
SKSM: Do you still have any contact with the crew/cast from that time? If so with who?
Mark Rival: I am still in contact with mostly everyone from the film. That’s how much fun it was, Producer/ Actor/writer Andrew Bee plays “Bob” in Big Wheels. He is one of the most profesional actors that I’ve had the pleasure of working with. His approach to all aspects of his character is something to see. He’s wonderful to have on set in front and behind the camera. Producer/writer Yair Karlberger and I are now discussing other projects for shooting this summer. Hopefully we will all work together on future projects!
SKSM: What are you working on nowadays?
Mark Rival: I’m presently acting in a T.V series where I play a Russian Billionaire that invites wealthy guests to his mansión to play a sinsiter game. Keep an eye out for “Enigma”. I am also playing a “Liam Neeson’ type carácter and the lead role in an action thriller that is presently filming here in Toronto.
SKSM: Are you a fan of Stephen King’s work?
Mark Rival: I’m a huge fan of King and have read most of his work and especially his short stories! Writer of “Big Wheels” Devin Garabedian has done a masterful job at his adaptation of Stephen King’s short story by recreating the colourful characters and their surroundings.
SKSM: What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
Mark Rival: My Nick name is “Hollywood” given to me randomly 30 years ago by friends of mine that I played hockey with. I used to come to the hockey rink well dressed I guess for our hockey games and one of the guys just called me Hollywood. LOL. Ironically I’m now doing films and T.V
SKSM: Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions. Is there anything you want to say to the fans that read this interview?
Mark Rival: Thank you for taking the time to interview me on Big Wheels! This short film by Andrew Simpson is truly a wonderful glimpse back to the 70’s creepy, edge of your seat, horror thrillers that we all love! Cheers!
