This photograph taken by Alex Harris, @thesouthinanewlight, shows actor David Worley on set in a battle scene shot in Raymond, Mississippi.

First Time in a Movie: David Worley

I first met David Worley (as he recounts) before the screening of Blood Country in Vicksburg. From the moment I heard him sing I knew there was something special about this young man. You see, it wasn’t just singing… it was the way he moved on stage, the way his voice and body told the story of his character. I asked David to audition in Vicksburg and, though he was unaware of this, all he pretty had to do was show up to prove that he was dependable: I already knew I wanted him for a role in Son of a Gun.

Here is some insight from David about his first film acting experience.

How did you get involved with Son of a Gun and what inspired you to be in a movie?

Well, I had been a longtime stage actor in Vicksburg since I was 11, playing in varying productions at VTG and The Strand theater. Though, at the showing of Blood Country at the Strand, my then producer invited me onstage before the showing to perform one of the major songs of my character, JD from the Heather’s Musical, as an advertisement. It was then I met Travis Mills and Cotton Yancey, two wonderful people who then invited me to audition for their films. And, the rest played out on it’s own.

David Worley at the casting call in Vicksburg at the Strand Theatre.

What was one surprise for you about the moviemaking process?

The almost casual fluidity of the set. Being primarily a stage actor, I was accustomed to a rigorous and very strict routine of things. In a scene, there is a very specific way to walk, talk, be, etc. Which is rehearsed for weeks if not months as the same. In film, however, you’re really thrown in and only your own motions and emotions are what drive everything.

What was your biggest challenge acting in a movie for the first time?

The fluidity, honestly. It was difficult for me to adapt to the scene with only my own freedom to lead me through, with some direction of the director, of course.

Another great photograph by Alex Harris, @thesouthinanewlight, showing the “singing” scene with David Worley.

Describe your favorite moment from the production of Son of a Gun?

My favorite moment would have to be my singing scene. It was an emotive scene which everyone on set could really feel the emotions of the context. Not just the singing, but the tension, conflict, and interaction between the characters. It will forever be stuck in my memory as one of the most surreal moments I have ever experienced in my life.