Who's Who in Beckinfield: Roger Teddy

Roger Teddy (Michael Town) is a tough man to understand. He has flashes of sweetness and light, and he has sudden flashes of darkness too. Is he an innocent farmer just trying to get by, or is he part of the vast conspiracy that hangs over the town? Funny thing is, even when we distrust him: we like him. Farmer Teddy videos are always gorgeously shot, often really funny, generally thought-provoking, and occasionally really, really silly.

After Michael was declared the Grand Prize winner of the Ultimate Online Audition Contest, we thought it was a great time to get to know him a little better — so we decided to interview him.

Beckinfield: What was your inspiration when you created Roger Teddy? How is he like you? How is he unlike you?

Michael Town: I wanted a job that no one else had come up with yet and also something I could shoot in my backyard. If you’ve watched any of my videos you know that I have a number of animals and my neighbors often comment about my “farm” so it seemed natural. (I chose the name “Teddy” from the Beatles’ “Teddy Boy” because I liked the idea of associating myself with them, even if it was just for inspirational purposes.) Teddy is like me in the sense that sometimes he’s serious but most times he’s silly. He dreams big but, ultimately, he just lives on a farm.(which is pretty nice, in its own way)

What is your background? Do you have a “day job” or is acting/filmmaking your main gig now?

I attended the USC school of theatre and thought I would follow a lot of my friends into the business of acting but it didn’t work out that way. I got a few small parts here and there over the years but auditions eventually faded away so I figured that it wasn’t meant to be and stopped pursuing it. I decided to take my experience as an actor and apply it to filmmaking, hoping I could do for others what I wish a filmmaker had done for me — namely, make them a star. But, like with acting, I only get occasional work as a camera-man/editor, so my “day job” is dog-walking. Beckinfield has me rethinking my decision to quit acting; now I can cast myself!

How did you hear about Beckinfield and what drew you to it? What do you like about it?

Kelli Maroney is an actress I knew from a theatre company we were both members of (The Hidden Theatre). I had just directed her in a short when she told me about Beckinfield. (She keeps meaning to join but, like most actors, keeps getting caught up with other projects.) I liked the idea that the stuff I filmed would be part of a bigger show and not just another original of mine that no one would ever see. I especially liked that an actual casting director (Scott David) was looking at the work and critiquing it. That was cool. The first thing that struck me when I joined was how supportive people were. I felt like I was in class again. Ultimately, Beckinfield is whatever you want it to be: comedy, drama, science fiction, suspense…whatever your mood is, really.

What do you like to do when you aren’t shooting Beckinfield videos? Any hobbies or special talents?

I’m always creating something (my superhero “Shark-Man” was published by Image Comics a few years back and it’s the best comic book ever) and you know about my love for animals. But my favorite thing is to shoot and edit. I actually won the Las Vegas Film Festival’s “Best TV Pilot” in 2010 (it starred Beckinfield alums Mrs. Teddy and Debra Defou!) and am currently shooting a new pilot starring another Beckinfield actress, Galyn Görg (aka “Miss Gigi”). It’s just me and my camera and a bunch of talented actors.

 We want to know more about the lovely and hilarious “Mrs. Teddy” — how did she end up as your co-star?

I live with her! Justine Hong is my one-and-only and we’ve worked together on a lot of shorts. When it’s just you and your camera, you need someone you can count on.(You get a lot of cancellations when there’s no money involved.) She’s got great comic timing and I loved the idea of her only speaking her native language of Laos. Only Farmer Teddy would end up with a mail-order bride who he can’t speak to.

Your editing and special effects really stand out. What software do you use?

Thank you! I cut on Final Cut Pro and create my inexpensive effects using the animation software Poser. It’s not perfect but it generally fits in with the no-budget comedy energy. I also use “Soundtrack Pro” for the sound effects that create the “theater of the mind” and Photoshop for my low-budget “matte paintings.” (My goal is to be a one-man film studio, which I can do with the right equipment.)

Is it challenging working with all of those animals?

All my animals get along. We just start shooting and something unexpected usually happens that’s better than whatever it was that we originally planned to do. (I call them “happy accidents”.)

Any ideas what you might do with the big prize you won for the Ultimate Online Audition Contest? (You don’t have to answer this one if you don’t want to! I’m just nosy!)

I had some looming bills that I had no idea how I was going to pay until this happened. I’m going to use the rest to keep the farm afloat a little longer until Mrs. Teddy or I get our “big break.” Thank you, Beckinfield!