You’re a young actor with much success thus far. What made you decide to get into the business of acting?
When I was three years old, I saw a boy in a commercial and for some crazy reason, I just jumped off the sofa screaming I wanted to do acting. I just knew that’s what I wanted to do. Since then, I’ve been seriously pursuing acting, by attending conservatory acting school for 8 years, training, and countless auditions. It’s been really hard work, and getting to where I am now was not easy.
You’re most notable for your work on Disney’s Dog With a Blog. How did this opportunity come about and what was it about the show that made you want to sign on?
I had been sending in audition tapes from my hometown of Atlanta to the Disney Channel. In 2010, they requested that I send in an audition tape for a lead role in the movie “Lemonade Mouth.” After booking that, my relationship with Disney Channel grew into them trying to put me in my own show and “Dog With a Blog” was a perfect fit. I just loved the character of Tyler and I thought he would be fun to portray.
On the show, you play the role of Tyler James. What do you enjoy most about playing him on screen?
Tyler James is one cool cat. He’s a bit dumb at times which is pretty funny. My favorite thing about playing Tyler is his cool sense of fashion and he’s just the kind of guy that any younger brother would look up to. I like playing a popular kid.
The show is very funny and of course we can thank the writers for that. But, are there challenges when it comes to comedic timing and keeping it funny throughout the season?
Every sitcom has its own style. I feel like, after filming the first few episodes of the show, the whole cast began to evolve and contribute to the show in their own way. It developed into our show having its own unique style. On set, we spend hours discussing scenes in episodes and toss around ideas to contribute to the show. Is it challenging to keep it funny? Not so much when you have a team of amazing writers and a great cast. “Dog With a Blog” is my first sitcom show, unlike Beth Littleford and Regan Burns, who have been doing sitcoms for years. I’ve been lucky to work with 2 seasoned comedic actors and I’ve learned a lot from them.
The chemistry between the actors seems very authentic. Are you guys close off set and how much do you enjoy working with your cast mates?
I’ve learned so much from working with an incredible cast. Our dynamic on and off set is amazing and we really are like a real family.
The season 2 finale for Dog With a Blog is coming up. What can viewers except to see?
Well, viewers may find out that maybe, some secrets won’t stay secret! You’ll have to tune in!
As you continue to grow in your career, which actors work do you admire and which ones would you like to work with in the future?
I admire Johnny Depp, Jim Carrey, and Matthew McConaughey, and of course Daniel Day Lewis is amazing. There are so many great actors out there. I’d love to play a young Johnny Depp someday. I really liked him in “What’s Eating Gilbert Grape?”
Besides acting, you’re also a DJ. When did your love for spinning tunes begin and what have been some of your biggest accomplishments in this arena?
DJing is something I became interested in, while shooting “Lemonade Mouth” in 2010. It started out as a hobby, turned into passion and soon a profession. I started small at friends’ parties, but quickly worked my way up to playing at cool venues like 5 Towers at Universal CityWalk for something like 3,000 people. I’ve opened for Austin Mahone and Icona Pop. While developing my interest for DJing, I also learned how to produce music. Both DJing and producing are things I plan on doing for awhile.
When it comes to fashion, who are some of your favorite fashion designers and styles that we would find in your personal closet?
I like fashion and I’m always looking for something unique. Right now in my closet you can find leather jackets from Boda Skins, shirts and hoodies from UNDRCRWN, jeans from Diesel, and shoes like Prada, Puma, Reebok and Supra. I’m also a big fan of John Varvatos.
Thanks for taking the time to chat with us. Congratulations on picking up season 3 of Disney’s Dog With a Blog. What other projects do you have coming up?
Thanks! Besides working everyday on “Dog With a Blog”, I’m continuing to direct (another passion of mine) music videos and short films. I’m also busy producing music, and playing shows. I’d like to squeeze in a film or two this winter.
Twitter: @BlakeMichael14
Facebook: Blake Michael
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Website: http://imdb.me/blakemichael
Photo Credit: Tony Duran