Denver local talent Brian Landis Folkins hits the big screen and VOD with a starring role in “Rent-A-Pal.” Widely-known as ‘The BLF,’ the actor of film and stage is known for his work across the country on stage and screen for over two decades. Berkeley, California, and grew up in the south in the small town of High Point, North Carolina, he played the Letter F in a Kindergarten alphabet play and never stopped entertaining. Folkins shares about the psychological thriller that happens to also feature Wil Wheaton, and what has kept him sane during the Pandemic.
Colleen Bement: Thank you very much for taking the time out to chat with Nerd Alert News. Let’s jump right into your upcoming film “Rent-A-Pal.” Congratulations, first of all. What can you share with your fans about this new film?
Brian Landis Folkins: Thank you so much! “Rent-A-Pal” is a psychological thriller Set in 1990, a lonely bachelor named David (played by yours truly) searches for an escape from the day-to-day drudgery of caring for his aging mother. While seeking a partner through a video dating service, he discovers a strange VHS tape called Rent-A-Pal. Hosted by the charming and charismatic Andy (Played by Wil Wheaton), the tape offers him much-needed company, compassion, and friendship. But, Andy’s friendship comes at a cost, and David desperately struggles to afford the price of admission. We shot the film in Denver, CO at the end of 2018-and wrapped in Feb. of 2019. The movie then sold to IFC Midnight in April of 2020 and releases in theaters and VOD September 11th, 2020.
CB: Tell us about any other projects that you have in the works, and how has COVID-19 disrupted your plans?
BLF: Well, I was in the middle of a week-long workshop for a new play as a part of LOCAL LAB in Boulder, CO when the initial Quarantine began. We never got to do the actual reading. I was slated to do a couple of shorts and a feature that all went away with COVID. I was also looking at moving to either Albuquerque or Atlanta to pursue film more aggressively but ended up having to Quarantine here in Denver because it was just easier. Oh, how I miss making art!
CB: What an honor it must be to have won a Henry Award (Colorado’s equivalent to a Tony) for Best Actor in a Play for your performance in “Church and State.” What was that experience like for you?
BLF: What a delightful experience that was. A wonderful script written by Jason Odell Williams about Gun Violence, Religion, and Politics. We also won Best Production of a Play and the cast, crew, designers, and director all were supremely talented and all such a joy to work with at the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center. Since then, I’ve gotten rather close to the playwright who has a short film that I am currently trying to produce and act in. Coincidentally, I also won this year’s Henry Award for Best Production of a Play for “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time” which was also at the FAC.
CB: Can you credit any particular person or event in your life to giving you the “Acting Bug”?
BLF: I feel certain I was born with it. I remember doing an alphabet play in Kindergarten and I was the letter F for “Fancy Feet”. I did a ridiculous little dance, the audience laughed, clapped and cheered, and ever since then, I was hooked! There have been a lot of role models in my life with Acting. Teressa Fowler, my 1st High School Drama teacher, Wally Larson, my 2nd H.S. Drama teacher, and my old boss at the DCPA, Tam Dalrymple-Frye. They all had a part in cultivating the “Acting Bug” in me.
CB: How are you keeping yourself sane during this crazy pandemic? Do you have any hobbies?
BLF: “Red Dead Redemption 2″ largely got me through the initial Quarantine! Great game! I did a bunch of script readings and zoom plays. Lots of great TV like Dark,” “Tales From The Loop,” and “Ozark’ to name a few. Been doing some camping over the summer and I have great friends that check in with me frequently. I’m also an avid Geocacher which gets me outside and keeps me active.
Catch the trailer for “Rent-A-Pal.”
Written by Colleen Bement
