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Name: Mike Weinberg
Home Town: Los Angeles, CA
Character: Danny Jacobson
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What attracted you to the Entertainment Industry and what was your first job or big break in the business?
My older brother Matt began acting in films and encouraged me to start acting too. I had roles on "ER," "Judging Amy," "Dark Angel," "Family Law," "Two Guys and A Girl" before landing the role of Adam in Irwin Winkler's feature film "Life As A House" with Kevin Kline, Kristen Scott Thomas and Hayden Cristensen. Right now I have a recurring role on "Seventh Heaven." I've played Billy West, Wilson West's son, so far in 5 episodes. But I think that "Stolen Summer" will be my first really big break.
What is the biggest challenge you faced trying to break into the industry and how did you overcome it?
Being sure that I would remember my lines, say them the way the director wanted me to, and to do it the same way in every take.
What advice can you give those trying to break into the "industry?"
Well, if you're a kid, you should know that working in the industry means there will be lots of times you can't play with your friends or do some stuff that you want to do. But it's worth it, and you make lots of new friends on the set.
Please describe your character in "Stolen Summer" and why you were attracted to the role.
Danny is a 7 year-old kid who has leukemia and may die. He was really nice and polite and really loved his mom and dad. I really like the role because there were a lot of cool things to do: play in the water, do a decathalon and work on a film in Chicago.
Can you share any tricks of the trade that help you work better as an actor?
I prepare by reading over my lines a few times, do something else and then work on the lines some more. After I've been through them five or six times, I'm really ready and I won't forget them.
Are you also a writer and if so, how many screenplays have you written?
I am working on my first screenplay. I started writing it as part of my school time while on the set making "Stolen Summer."
What's the best lesson you've learned in regards to working in Hollywood?
That working in the industry is really hard work but it can be a lot of fun too.
What advice would you give to writers on how to craft a script that can help actors better understand or relate to their character?
Well, if the script includes kids, then the writer really needs to listen to how kids really talk. Sometimes when I get the sides for auditions the things I am supposed to say are things that would never come out of a kid's mouth.
What advice would you give a director on how to make your job as an actor easier on set?
I want directors to give me really good instructions on how they want my lines to sound. I also like directors who know that I'm a kid and like to have fun and candy sometimes too.
List your top SIX favorite films.
- "Stolen Summer" because I know it's going to be the best film ever!
- "Life As A House" because it's my first feature film
- "Spooky House" an independent film in which my brother Matt stars opposite Ben Kingsley
- "Doctor Doolittle" because I've watched it maybe 100 times!
- "Gladiator" because of the cool battle scenes
- "Zoolander" because it was sooooooooooo funny
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