David Banks is an actor and a producer. His film ‘5th of July’ will be in theatres Spring 2019. You can see David playing Carruthers, a quirky cop. David can also be seen starring in a new film ‘Preacher Six’ alongside Naomi Grossman, Carmen Argenziano, and Zach Galligan. David has a lot of experience in commercials appearing in over 200 national commercials! We chatted with him about working in commercials, his new films, and more.
upfrontNY: How did you get your start in acting?
David Banks: Growing up with a father in the advertising industry and watching him work on some of the biggest commercials of that time you would think it was the natural thing for me to do. But his exact words were “You would have an easier time being a rock star” But if you are serious, go cut your hair and give it your all. At the time I was sporting some pretty big Bon Jovi hair. [LAUGHS]
I remember hearing someone say you are lucky if you land one in every 200 auditions, and I was determined to beat those odds. The first five years were beyond brutal and I was running all over town with little to no results. But after hearing the first YES I was hooked!
upfrontNY: When did you know that this was something you wanted to do?
David Banks: After failing in the real job world and getting fired from just about every employer. At first I was really bummed about it but then I was just waiting for it to happen. They were all really nice about it and always felt bad about having to let me go, but something in the right side of my brain was telling me to embrace my inner crazy and follow my odd artistic side. [LAUGHS]
upfrontNY: Can you tell us about your upcoming film ‘5thof July’ and your character Carruthers?
David Banks: This was an absolute blast and everyone brought their comedy A game! Jaleel was a true gem to work with. Gary Anthony Williams is seriously an improv genius and each take was a new fresh and funny spin. I have also been a fan of Brent Briscoe for a long time and working with him was incredible. Sadly it was his last film and he passed shortly after. The film was dedicated to him and his beautiful heart. The film just picked up best comedy at the #SDBFF and I feel it was largely because of him and his inredible talent. I think he would be proud.
upfrontNY: What was it like working with Jaleel White?
David Banks: I kept waiting for him to break into his famous Urkel character but it never happened. [INSERT SAD FACE] He had some amazing stories to share about how his character grew on the show and it was really inspiring. It was also really nice to hear how strong his love for his daughter was. We need more dads like that.
upfrontNY: You also have ‘Preacher Six’ coming out in 2019. Can you tell us about this project?
David Banks: I met actor Kyle Hester in an acting class many many years ago, and was always a fan of his work and dedication. When he said he was working on an action film with a quirky character who is over caffeinated and hard to be around I knew he might be referring to me. [LAUGHS]
There are some heavy hitters in this film and was hard not to be inspired with the likes of Carmen Argenziano and Naomi Grossman. Plus being a fan of Gremlins as a child and working alongside of Zach Galligan was a blast! We spent most of our time between takes trying to stump each other with 70’s and 80’s music. Everything from Fleetwood Mac, Boz Scaggs, The Doobie Brothers to DeBarge. There wasn’t a single song he didn’t know the artist and year it came out. I was blown away. The guy is a walking Encyclopedia.
upfrontNY: You have appeared in more than 200 national commercials. How is preparing for a film different from a commercial?
David Banks: The commercial world is sooooooo different from TV/FILM, but in such an incredible way. I sort of pick a character and squeeze in as much of myself and the oddities into a 30 second spot as I can and then go home at the end of the day. Film really requires much more. I have always admired actors who bounce from a dramatic character on film into a zany comedic character in a commercial. I love the chameleon type actors like Sam Rockwell who do both with absolute ease.
upfrontNY: Do you have a favorite commercial you have worked on?
David Banks: I will never forget my first commercial. mostly because it came after 5 years of hearing the word NO so many times and secondly because it was right after my father passed away. It gave me that little voice I needed to hear that told me I was doing the right thing. The best part of it all was when the check came I noticed that it was from Foote, Cone and Belding, which was where my father worked for so many years. I remember calling my mom that very second and telling her. I never knew what people were talking about when they said they would get “happy tears” I just thought that was code for crazy [LAUGHS] Yup, they were rolling down my cheeks.
upfrontNY: If you could make a commercial with anyone who would it be and what would it be for?
David Banks: It would be a dark drama with Ray Liota with a hint of comedy seasoned into the mix. Probably a tequila ad [LAUGHS]
upfrontNY: What advice do you have to others who are interested in commercial work?
David Banks: Show up on time, have as much fun as humanly possible and bring as much of your own personalty as you possibly can…..Oh, and make em laugh!!!!
upfrontNY: Aside from acting you are involved with the Tourette Association and you volunteer at the Van Nuys Humane Society. Can you tell us about the importance of these experiences to you?
David Banks: The older I got the more I wanted to feel good, and watching others smile really did it for me. Living in Los Angeles can be a bit much at times and so many people are looking for things that will just benefit them-self for the moment. But being able to give back is something we are all called to do. Plus I feel a bit closer to God each time I do so.
upfrontNY: What do you like to do when you are not working or volunteering?
David Banks: I am going to totally rip off a quote from Britney Spears. [LAUGHS] I will never forget an interview I read where they asked her what her favorite thing to do was and she said besides being on stage…..SLEEPING!
Damn I love a good nap! I think I’m going to take one right now.
Leave a Reply