Che of The Town in Rochester works for actor Che Holloway
You first met Che in Rochester works for actor Che Holloway, an impromptu interview and amble through the Neighborhood of the Arts.
An aspiring and successful actor, Che is deeply immersed in the Rochester cultural scene. So much so, we’ve named him Che of The Town!
Exclusively for Talker, Che has solicited and is conducting interviews from about 50 Rochestarians working in a diversity of creative fields.
For the full series, see Che of The Town: Interviews
Tom Malloy; A Prominent Figure in the Indie Film Scene
Photos courtesy of Tom Malloy
I was fortunate enough to interview Tom Malloy, an actor/director/producer prominent within the local indie film scene. Tom made Hero Of the Underworld, shot in downtown Rochester. Tom can be considered an honorary Rochestarian as he makes his way here quite often.
I first met Tom a while years back at the Pittsford Cinema. I briefly spoke with him about my aspirations and the information I received about following your dreams were invaluable. I was told to take risks and be bold and persistent in my actions. To this day, I still remember our conversation. Here is what we discussed.
Tell us a little about yourself, where you’re from, grew up, what H.S./College you attended etc.
I was born in Redbank, NJ, and grew up in farm country NJ, in Hunterdon county in a little town called Whitehouse Station. I attending Hunterdon Central High School, where my co-star in all the plays and musicals was Very Farmiga. As for college, I went to Montclair State University in NJ and brought the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity to that campus as a founding father.
What inspired you to be an artist/entertainer? Early experiences worth sharing?
When the lights would go down in the movie theater, I’d get goosebumps… it was a rush, and I thought to myself, “I’m going to be up there one day.”
Talk about a time where you have faced adversity/conflict and have triumphed.
It seems anytime you follow your dreams, you’ll get obstacles thrown at you. It’s like climbing Mt. Everest… if it was easy, everyone would do it. I’ve lost out on close roles, I’ve gone through a painful divorce, I’ve had foreign investor money just disappear, but through it all, I just keep motoring ahead, knowing that nothing will stop me.
What do you believe sets you apart from other artists/entertainers?
My persistence is key. I push ahead regardless of effort, fear, or rejection. I also feel my comedy acting is as good as anyone there is, so I am confident in my abilities. And for serious roles, I’ve been winning acting awards, and I know it’s because of my focus and determination, along with a gift of natural ability that I can bring to a role.
Do you have other interests or hobbies?
I love two things, playing poker and jiu-jitsu! I have been on the celebrity poker tour, doing charity events, since 2010. And I love playing poker with friends!
As for Jiu-jitsu, I started training with Royce Gracie before the UFC even existed! But it’s always been an on and off thing depending on my schedule. Thankfully now I’m back at least 3-4 days a week.
Any projects you have out or currently working on?
I currently have a film called FAIR HAVEN in select theatres now, and it premieres on SHOWTIME in June, and it’s also on VOD everywhere. Film Independent called it one of the must-watch Indies of 2017.
I also have a film called #SCREAMERS, a scary movie that I’m really excited about. We’re still finalizing the release details, but the film has twice been called the BEST found footage movie ever.
Where would you like to see yourself in 5 years?
Working in studio films, or on TV in a major role. Though the indie world is great, it would be nice to have the studios behind me!
What advice can you give to aspiring artists/entertainers?
Today it’s so easy to actually film something and make it look good. So my advice would be to make your calling card. Find a talented DP or director, and get a great sound person (that is KEY), and shoot something where it will showcase you. Be careful however, make sure you can bring it on camera, because if you can’t, that showcase video might actually hurt you. But if you’re all real actor, the camera will see it. With the right project, it will garner a lot of buzz.
How can we follow along in your journey? Social media?
On twitter, I’m: TommyMalloy, and on Instagram I’m: tommalloy. I also have a facebook fan page!
You can see clips of my comedy at Tommalloycomedy.com, or check out my official website: Tommalloy.com
SEE ALSO
