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David Knell
LAKE OSWEGO REVIEW
NOVEMBER 2012
10
And to switch it up, you’ve done your fair
share of Westerns.
I played Elizabeth Montgomery’s troubled outlaw son
in “Belle Starr.” I had a big crush, of course. When I
auditioned for that they asked if I could ride a horse, and
I said, “of course.” Never. I immediately went out and
learned. (It) turned out the reason they asked was, they
were going to teach me.
I was Robert Preston’s sidekick in another western
called “September Gun.” Love him. “The Music Man,”
ya know. ... I was also a regular on “Bret Maverick” with
James Garner. The show didn’t last long, but we all had
so much fun working and hanging out on the Warner
Brothers backlot. Jim was just great, always trying to
crack (me) up on set.
How are the TV, film and theater gigs up here
in the Portland area?
Ironically, I’ve had more auditions and actual paying act-
ing work since I’ve moved here than (I’ve had) in the last
few years in Los Angeles.
I played a small part on “GRIMM” a couple of weeks
ago in Episode 208. (In it) I’m trying to figure out how
Stan’s dad can recur as an elf or a centaur or something.
Write to NBC, everyone.
(I) also did the D.B. Cooper episode of “Leverage”
this summer playing the airline president and had a nice
scene with Tim Hutton. Actually, one of the other actors in
that episode was Fred Ward who I worked with in “Belle
Starr” a million years ago.
Is it full time work?
I’ve started an internet marketing strategy company,
MobilePDX.com, and have really been excited to bring all
I know to help local business owners. It’s my “day job” as
we say in the industry — and a great one it is.
You’ve said that you love living in Lake Os-
wego. Where do you hang out?
Because we live right downtown, I try to walk every-
where. … It’s been mostly Peet’s ... this month. … (and)
Java Love — Chuck’s. We also love doing the happy
hours around town — Maher’s and Five Spice, particu-
larly. (I’m) looking forward to trying Clarke’s happy hour
burger. I keep hearing good things about them. I may
also be spotted at Pizza Schmizza — my guilty pleasure.
Two dollar slices and dollar beer, hey. And anytime we’re
celebrating anything usually means sushi at Kurata on
Fifth — excellent, excellent sushi.
I hear that your short film “Estatic” was an
award winner. What are some of your other
hobbies when away from a big production set?
I play the guitar and viola around the house. … I really
like making videos. I take the camera with me all the time.
I have a YouTube channel — search for “Knellovision.” I’m
starting to do more of that (video branding) for businesses
and entrepreneurs with MobilePDX.
Who has given you the best advice in your
career? What was that advice?
My friend, longtime TV producer and showrunner Bob
Fraser, once told me that the purpose of an audition isn’t
to get the job. It’s to get the next audition, meaning (that)
even you don’t get cast in the immediate project, you can
get them excited to call you in for the next job if you’re
interesting, professional and fun to be with.
What is it about this creative industry that
fuels you?
There’s something that’s always inspired me about
people coming together to put on a show. The magic that
happens when everyone’s inspired to do their best work
and have something tangible to show for it, whether it’s a
film or a play. It’s different from something you create on
your own. It’s communal. It requires a kind of energetic
agreement that’s wonderful to be a part of. ... I am part Elf,
it seems. I like to be in the workshop.
Tell me about your role in ‘ART’ at the Lake-
wood Center? What can we expect from your
character Serge?
Serge, my character, (is) somewhat arrogant (and) very
opinionated, has just spent $200,000 euros on a white
painting — white — which causes their friendship to
completely unravel. It’s a great, meaty role — so much
fun to play. It’s brilliantly written. Furious. Fast-paced. An
actor’s dream show. A lot of verbal swordplay. Leif and
Allen (who play my two friends) are terrific and really inspir-
ing me to bring my A-game to the show. Allen Shearman
(is) directing — a longtime favorite at the Lakewood. This
is is his best work — ever.
You said you love catching films locally at
Lake Twin Cinema. Who, in this TV and film in-
dustry, do you admire on the big screen, why?
I just watched the PBS documentary on Woody Allen
and thought it was wonderful. No matter what you think
of his work or his personal life, the man (has) made a film
every year for the past 40 years, has no end of ideas,
gets to work with people who inspire him and would pay
him for the opportunity. He has created for himself the
mechanism to do what he loves consistently, and doesn’t
seem to have any intention of slowing down.
And I’m impressed with anyone who manages to con-
tinue doing what they love and make a career of it.
I admire Ron Howard, greatly, as well. … I loved how
he evolved himself from actor to director. I watched him
include his family in his work and continue to become
a huge multi-million dollar brand. Ron has such a great
heart and continually finds ways to put it on the screen.
That’s persistence.
Since moving, you said you’ve observed how
vibrant our film and TV industry is up here?
Yes, I was very impressed with Oregon’s film and televi-
sion incentive program, which gives a cash rebates to
film and TV companies that shoot shoot here. It’s been
hugely successful, bringing in about $60 million a year
in additional spending that would have gone to some
other state if not for the incentives. That’s something more
people should know about, really.
It’s been demonstrably profitable for Oregon, directly
creating jobs for folks in the industry and profits for local
businesses. The only problem is (that there is) a cap on
the amount they allocate to the program. So, even though
there are more production comapanies who’d take ad-
vantage of it, the funds tend to run out pretty quickly. The
OMPA.org website has all the info.
What advice do you have for up-and-coming
actors/actresses, such as myself, who are just
breaking into the industry through TV hosting
and commercials?
(Be) clear about what you want. And (don’t listen) to
anyone who says “you can’t” or “you shouldn’t,” including
yourself — not parents, not friends, not experts in the biz.
That’s the bottom line. If you can’t talk yourself out of it,
you’ll make it.
ABOVE: See David Knell live on stage this month at the Lakewood Center for the Arts. TOP RIGHT: The dialogue in ‘ART’ is funny and fast-paced. BOTTOM RIGHT: Whether it’s in front of the lens, or behind it, Knell said
the creative process of filmmaking fuels him.
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