Contributing writer Mikey Rox, an award-winning freelance journalist and the principal of Paper Rox Scissors, a copywriting and creative consulting company in New York City (www.paperroxscissors.com), chats with three cast members from “Eating Out: All You Can Eat,” in Q-Notes‘ Oct. 31 Print ExQlusive.
Three newcomers — Daniel Skelton, Michael E.R. Walker and Chris Salvatore — make their feature film debut in “Eating Out: All You Can Eat,” the third installment in the raunchy rom-com franchise from creator Q. Allan Brocka.
Like its predecessors, “EO3” finds an unlucky-at-love newbie pining for the affection of the series’ resident hunk who has his sights set on the maybe-gay hottie who gets caught in the middle of a quirky — and often unsanitary — love quadrangle.
Confused yet? So are they.
But while the movie has plenty to offer in the way of cheap laughs (from Leslie Jordan and Mink Stole, no less) and a scantily clad climax, it’s these three homigos — all gay and friends in real life — who take this otherwise unseasoned sequel from dinner to dessert.
In a recent interview, Skelton, Walker and Salvatore open wide about their first time (on screen), love and sex on and off set, disrobing for the camera, and how showing off their soon-to-be-famous nether regions could affect their budding careers — and their parents. Order’s up!
Chris, let’s start with you. This is your second film, the first being the acclaimed short “Misplaced.” Coincidentally, in both “Misplaced” and “Eating Out 3,” you play characters who troll online for sex. How much research went into preparing for these roles?
Chris Salvatore: That is a coincidence, isn’t it. I was never into trolling online for sex, if that’s what you mean by “research,” but I did meet a few of my ex-boyfriends on the internet. I think it’s a lot easier for gays to meet online. I even met Michael on MySpace. It’s very life imitating art, or, in this instance, the other way around.
Daniel and Michael — you’re newcomers as well. “Eating Out 3” is the first film for both of you. What was the audition process like, what intrigued you about the role you accepted and how do you feel about your very first on-screen performance?
Michael E.R. Walker: I was the last actor to audition for “Eating Out.” I know they had a few actors in mind, but it just ended up working out that I got the role. I had always wanted to play a straight guy in a film. Growing up Mormon and gay, I feel like I’ve been researching this role my entire life, as I’ve tried to cover up my homosexuality. I was even engaged twice to girls before coming out. I’m proud of the work I did on this film and I think that I pulled off the whole straight thing.
Daniel Skelton: I was actually approached by a casting director at a restaurant, so it was kind of just a matter of luck being on my side that day. The role initially intrigued me because the character of Casey is so relatable and honest that I think a lot of guys will find they have something in common with him. So, I suppose just the way the character was written was enough to get me excited to flesh him out. I feel good about what we’ve created.
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