Pop Culturalist Chats with David Kaye

David Kaye is no stranger to Hollywood. He made his film debut at the young age of six in Legends of the Fall, and, since then, he’s gone on to be a part of shows and films like Arrow, Supernatural and 3000 Miles Graceland. He also lends his talents as a voice actor to animated shows like X-Men: Evolution, White Ninja, and Nana. He doesn’t stop there: David also has his own production company, Whiskaye Films.

One of David’s current projects is a role on the TV show, Siren (which was recently renewed for a second season!). David shared with us a bit about the show, his career, and projects he’d like to work on in the future.

PC: What attracted you to Siren?
David: After reading the pilot, I was hooked! I was not expecting a show about mermaids to go the way it did. It was fresh; it was surprising; it had room to go in so many directions. As I read on, I found it dealt with more than I had anticipated. Even though there are insanely fantastical elements, Siren touches on environmental issues, gender roles, social norms, and ‘traditional’ relationships–things I haven’t seen much on TV. I was really excited when I found out I was going to have the opportunity to be a part of this project.

PC: How are you most like your character Jerry?
David: I’m generally a silver lining kind of guy–maybe not as much as Jerry, but I always try to look on the bright side of life. One thing I try to bring into my everyday life–and it’s not always easy–is an appreciation for the present moment. Jerry has that in abundance. I like to think of Jerry as the personification of a really friendly dog: loves his people, super loyal, always happy to see you, always excited about life, loves treats and walks. Maybe I’m getting carried away here, but, yeah, I guess what I try to emulate with Jerry is just the best parts about myself… but more dog.

PC: Since Siren is based on mermaid legends, what other legend/classic story would you like to see developed (and/or work on)?
David: I would love to see a series that showcases different legends and folklore from around the world. Every episode could be a different story from a different culture. It could be a global co-production. There are so many amazing stories and so many characters that already have a rich history from all over the place. It would be really interesting to share those stories.

I would also love to work on a comedic buddy-cop show where the protagonists are a pegasus and a cyclops. Think Brooklyn Nine-Nine meets Son of Zorn.

PC: You have spent most of your life acting and working within the entertainment industry. How has that shaped who you are today?
David: I have been fortunate enough to have some pretty incredible experiences as a result of working in entertainment for so long. I have had opportunities to work with sea lions and chimps, to learn to spin and breathe fire, and [to] travel. I am grateful for the privileges of working and learning from so many insanely talented people. It has left me with an appreciation for new experiences, a thirst for knowledge, and a love for collaboration.

PC: Not only do you act, but you also have a production company and produce. What drew you to that side of the business?
David: I took an introductory course in film production as an elective during my undergrad. I thought it would be cool to actually learn what exactly all of these adults I had worked with over the years had been doing on set. I fell in love with the sheer complexity of all the moving parts that comprise a shoot. I got to work with some really creative and innovative people in that course, and, when it was done, I just wanted to make more. So I teamed up with some friends–who I still work with. We would get together and enter commercial contests and shoot music videos for local artists. Then, we started doing shorts. One thing led to another. By the time I started producing my first feature, Prodigals, I had 60 or so productions under my belt.

PC: Is there a type of project that you hope to work on in the future—whether by acting or by producing?
David: Other than my Cyclops-Pegasus buddy-cop show? I would love to act in a murder mystery show, but with a lot of fighting. And no guns! Only unusual weapons! It would be so much fun to learn how to use different weapons. Ultimately, though, all I really want to do is tell good stories and stories that matter.

POPCULTURALIST SPEED ROUND

Guilty Pleasure TV Show
South Park

Favorite Movie
That’s hard! Currently: Youth, directed by Paolo Sorrentino, starring Michael Caine and Harvey Keitel.

Favorite Book
The Girl Who Saved The King of Sweden by Jonas Jonasson

Artist/Musician/Band You Could Have on Repeat
The New Mastersounds, or anything with a beat by Pete Rock

Favorite Place You’ve Been
The Devil’s Pool at Victoria Falls in Zambia

Place You Most Want to Go
Namibia

Person You’d Like to Meet Someday
Andre Braugher or Maggie Smith

Photo Credit: Taseda Knight