James Madio
In this interview I talk with actor and producer James Madio about his role
as Willie Pep in the new film –
The Featherweight, by director
Robert Kolodny.
Get an insight into the complexities of Willie Pep, the making of this film, and what was learned playing his character.
CAST/CREW
LA BIENNALE
DI VENEZIA
Explain the different functions as
the lead actor and the producer in
The Featherweight. How were you able to function in both?
There are plenty of substantial differences in both role, so to speak.
The Producer trouble shoots many of the day-to-day operations with all the departments that take place during preproduction, physical production and sometimes even post-production.
A “lead” in a film primarily focuses on his or hers role, working alongside the director and writer. When we were “greenlit” to film, I took my producer hat off and threw on the “acting” hat.
All my duties and focus went deeply into character.
Director Robert Kolodny is from a documentary film background.
The Featherweight is his first feature film. How did that influence your creative input and experience as the lead actor making this film?
Robert is an extremely gifted filmmaker, I learned so much from him and his process. We quickly bonded and had an equal tenacity to create a great film.
His influence and experiences as an awarding documentarian only strengthened the project.
And in becoming the character, who is very complex. What did you do in order to prepare for this role that required that level of sensitivity?
Well, instantly you would assume that – I better get in shape, I’m playing a boxer. But Willie was complexed and flawed in so many ways outside the boxing ring. So I made sure to focus on the interior of this man; internally, mentally what his everyday mission was, based on where he was at that time of his life after all he’s been through.
It’s so much to digest.
What type of complexities did you learn about Willie Pep?
I always felt that there was a deeper issue with Willie…his stature, his quick rise to fame, his natural talent. Why was Willie such a “winner” inside the boxing ring – but constantly “losing” outside the ring….bad financial decisions, all the divorces, strained relationship with his kids? There had to be so many reasons for him to make these decisions – but ultimate the biggest complexity that Willie had was – he wanted to be on top, and would sacrifice everything for that. It became an addiction to fight to be on top.
Filmed on location in Willie Pep’s hometown, Connecticut. What was it like filming it there and how did that inform you as an actor playing him?
As an actor, filming in Hartford was one of the keys to the success of The Featherweight. We couldn’t have done it without Hartford. They embraced me, the production, the crew…everything Willie Pep – they were onboard. It was exciting to have a film about their local hero, filming where Willie frequented. Everyone had a Willie Pep story, which helped me as an actor stay truthful throughout filming.
Describe the filming schedule. What sort of things went into making this film?
Eighteen days of physical production…was quick and precise. With all the indie filmmaking nuances, peeks, valleys… you name it. But we had a wonderful crew and talented producers who were able to make the right decisions. We
had to also deal with covid restrictions, which added to the controlled chaos.
Describe your day to day structure during the making of the film?
I would wake up early, gather thoughts, look over the material for the day. Depending on the scenes that day, I may work out. Could be in the wonderful hair and make-up chair for a while as well, running my lines. I’d stay focused and locked in.
And to stay in character throughout, how did you achieve this?
I think filming, living and frequenting Hartford, had me stay really close to the character, as I said, I always felt welcomed in Hartford.
What is your method to memorise your lines?
The memorization method or process is different for each artist. I had the script for a longtime so I was able to really hone in on the material. We rehearsed when we could, and that helped with repetition and memorialization.
Willie Pep was a boxer, so nutrition and food might of been something he gave consideration to? Do we know if he did?
Willie was known for his constant control of his weight and nutrition. He was a gym rat who also did road work every morning. He didn’t drink or smoke. So he was in top shape for an extended period of time. I was always someone who took pride in exercising, so I was in good shape. I could handle the work. I stood very determined and locked in to dieting, rest, limit drinking..etc.
Interview by Joshua Phillip