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DUNKIN'
DEMONS
Having
played in the NCAA for the Wake Forest Demon Deacons, Marc Blucas
knows his way on the basketball court. These days, Marc
is scoring points with Buffy.
TheWB.com:
So, how do you like Hollywood so far? Are you enjoying
L.A., or do you prefer the eastern U.S. where you grew up?
Marc:
I find that I always roll my eyes at the word "Hollywood."
I really like L.A., and love the energy of the business, but
like most places, you have to pick and choose your spots.
I need to get home (Girard, PA) once every 6-8 months to get
my small town fix, but for the most part, I am really happy
here.
TheWB.com:
You played basketball in high school, at Wake Forest University
and professionally. What made you decide to leave the
court in favour of the sound stage?
Marc:
I think all along I have had two passions in life. The
first led me to Wake Forest and then on to Manchester, England
to play at a professional level, which was very exciting.
And by satisfying Dream #1, it allowed me to leave the game
on my terms. However, Dream #2 was still nagging - which
led to my decision to move out here. I'm lucky to have
had two loves in my life - makes getting out of bed very easy.
TheWB.com:
How is playing basketball in front of an arena full of people
like perfoming on stage or for the camera?
Marc:
I always used to say they were alike in that "you are performing
under pressure, under the spotlight." Which is true,
but i find they are more alike for me in how I approach both.
The discipline, the focus, the intensity - and of course, the
criticisms, the accolades, and the search for improvement.
They both give me a rush that can't be faked or replicated -
I am very lucky in that regard.
TheWB.com:
How did you land your first movie role, in Eddie?
Marc:
A friend of mine who worked in the athletic offices at Wake
Forest called me about it. He said they needed a "baby
faced white kid who could play basketball." Needless
to say, I fit the bill.
TheWB.com:
Other than your role in front of the camera, tell us about your
responsibilities on the set of Pleasantville.
Marc:
Well, I was originally cast to only work a few days, as a basketball
player. I seized an opportunity by approaching the director
and asking if he needed technical help with the basketball sequences.
Ultimately, I ended up choreographing the basketball scenes
for the movie, and seizing one opportunity created another,
which led to be asked to work for 8 weeks as an actor.
Again, it's amazing how luck and persistence are related.
TheWB.com:
What would Riley be doing if he wasn't slaying vampires?
Marc:
Going crazy!! No, if I had to guess, I think Riley would
be a career military man. He likes and needs the discipline,
the training, and the challenge. But life without Buffy
would be a killer. Hey, maybe he would be doing the Bond
thing. That'd be cool.
TheWB.com:
What was your first day on the set of Buffy like?
What was going through your head?
Marc:
Ahh, the first day. It was exciting...I must crack the
obvious joke and say that the psychology text books were going
through my head...literally. But as anyone can imagine,
when you're thrown into a situation where you meet over 60 new
people in one hour, and then put so much pressure on yourself
to make it "the perfect first day"...it can be a little
overwhelming. Ultimately it was great.
TheWB.com:
What's is like working with Sarah Michelle Gellar? More
importantly, what was it like to kiss her?
Marc:
It's hard not to skip right to the second part of this question,
but I will try to focus. Sarah is such a talented actress
and has been the perfect combination of friend and pro.
She'd done everything to make it an easy transition for both
of us. Sarah is truly a special person...which leads me
to the kissing. Many actors say that "it is all for
the craft" or "it's just acting"...well the heck
with that. It was great! I mean, come on.
I was wanting to ask her if we could spend a few more hours
rehearsing it, but I figured that was out of line. Instead,
I just missed my mark and messed up a line here or there to
get a few extra takes. I'm pretty sure she saw right through
me and I don't think she's forgiven me since.
TheWB.com:
How are you different from Riley?
Marc:
We differ in that socially, Riley isn't very confident, and
he isn't one to step to the mic very often (unless at work of
course). I, on the other hand, can pretty much talk to
a lamp shade. And I find that I don't wear camouflage
much.
TheWB.com:
You work as a referee for a youth basketball league. Let's
say that one of the kids approaches you and says "I want
to become a professional actor." What would be your
response?
Marc:
"Get lost kid!!" Just kidding. No, I'd
say the same thing to them if they said they wanted to be a
professional pianist, hockey player, cheerleader, newscaster
or teacher: be the best at it. Find that thing that excites
you, inspires you and drives you...and then surrender to it.
You just can't underestimate the power of desire - whatever
it is you want to do, want it more than anyone else, and be
willing to work at becoming the best. What possible better
feeling could there be than doing the thing you love - and doing
it better than anyone else?
Source:
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