Today we’d like to introduce you to Tommy Martin
Hi Tommy, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I started as a multi-sport athlete, competing in baseball, basketball, football, and swimming. It provided me motivation, structure, and an understanding of the importance of teamwork. I really got into playing music, primarily as a drummer, around 4th grade. I learned to play Wipeout (The Surfaris), at my Grandpa Tryon’s request, and kept going; learning to play a lot by ear before I learned to read music. I loved performing music, and I always loved watching SNL, so I jumped at the chance to take the stage in my high school’s production of The Sound of Music. I continued performing in various bands and ensembles, studying music through college, earning my BS of Music Business with a percussion principle. After college, I got an internship at Victory Records in Chicago to finish my degree. I started taking improv and comedy writing classes at Second City, and later got a job as concert security at The Metro, thanks to the late Rick Linus. For a long time, I was bouncing around between temping, promos, and sketch shows at storefront theatres, booking indie films and web series along the way.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I’ve learned to embrace the bumps in the road. They’re necessary to help with problem solving and growth, as I navigate my way through. Surrounding yourself with supportive people is a huge part of that. I wouldn’t be where I am without the experience and knowledge gained from working with others from all walks of life. I’m a big believer in earning your place, and giving credit where credit is due. So, big shoutout to everyone who helped me get where I am today: thank you!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I work in front and behind camera in a variety of roles. Primarily, I am an actor, with the majority of my on-screen work being in indie projects. My most recent film, Haunt Season, is available to stream on major platforms now! In Haunt Season, I play Walt; a charismatic escape room tour guide within the world of the movie, wherein a masked maniac targets cast members at a suburban Halloween haunt attraction, turning their staged injuries into gruesome real-life horrors. I also worked as the assistant director for writer-director Jake Jarvi throughout production.
As a Director and Assistant Director (AD), I have been fortunate to work on a variety of incredible projects including the award-winning short film, The West Virginian Starfish (co-director/ producer), Gaia (AD), My Best Nut (AD), & Ladybug (AD).
I view the collaborative process as a puzzle, utilizing each new thing I learn as another piece to creating the final film the audience sees.
Any big plans?
I just returned from an incredible trip to Los Angeles for the West Coast premiere of Haunt Season, where the film was very well received by audiences. I’m very excited for the Midwest premiere of Haunt Season in Chicago, at The Davis Theater on October 21st. A Q&A with cast and crew to follow.
Coming up: The Music Store (dir. Joe Gillette) recently finished post-production, and should be available for audiences soon. I portrayed an earnest, soft-spoken metalhead turned guitar teacher who is at risk of being fired from the one thing he has left. Early next year, I’ll get to channel Doug Jones to play a creature in a short film titled Tasty Bones, with writer-director Ronald Short. Around the same time, I’ll be playing a lost Viking crew member, in Der Gleymdur, with writer-director Sean Ohlman.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://actortommymartin.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/actortommymartin
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ActorTommyMartin/
- Other: https://linktr.ee/TommyMartin
Image Credits
photos: Joe Mazza
stills courtesy of Haunt Season, Knife Fight
