Recently I spoke with David Adam Flannery who is breaking out in a big way with two high-profile films. As if “All Eyez On Me” was not enough, David also has “Detroit” on his resume and he was kind enough to talk to us about the films.
What can you tell us about your character in Detroit and how much knowledge of the real event did you have prior to being cast?
The only thing I can really say is I play a Detroit police officer in one of the city’s most turbulent times. That’s why I think this story is so great. I had no prior knowledge of this event leading up to being cast. The powerful untold story of what happened in 1967 is something everyone should be aware of.
How did you prepare for the role?
I’ve played a police officer in another role before this, but we’re talking about the 60’s here. Those were different times filled with unrest and hate. The civil rights movement and the Detroit police department were both topics I spent time researching.
What was working with the cast like? Do you have any special moments from filming you can share?
Every single person I came in contact with was fantastic. The energy surrounding this project was magnetic from the first day I walked on set. Algee Smith and I had this moment in one of our scenes that we knew as soon as soon as we heard cut, that was it. Kathryn came up to us and said she wanted to show us something. It was a powerful scene.
Both Detroit and All Eyes have subject matters that may be controversial to some viewers, did this change any aspects of the production?
I think on both projects we all knew what we were creating. Both films have powerful subject matters that had to be addressed. Sure, there were times we had to be more cognizant of others, but everyone was so professional, that it was never really an issue.
How did you get into acting? Why did you want to pursue it?
I’d always done theatre whenever I could growing up. But it wasn’t till after I graduated high school and enrolled in college that I really took a look at my life and asked myself, “What am I doing?” I dropped out after a semester and moved to LA. It took a lot to do that. After all how many 18 year olds do you know moving to LA from Boise? I think back then I wanted to pursue it cause I just flat out enjoyed it so much. Now it’s more about inspiration. For myself and the people who see the films. I want them to know that no matter what, their dreams matter and it can happen for them too.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I’m a physically active person. I always like to try something new. For the past year it’s all about rock climbing. Before that it was Crossfit. If you don’t see me in the gym then I’m usually outside hiking or camping. It’s the Idaho in me.
What do you look for when you consider a part?
. I usually look at what the character is hiding. What sort of dark almost taboo secret they hold. A role I can really sink my teeth into and bring out the depth in a character. Love and pain are two great emotions I love to see in a role.
What do you have upcoming?
I can’t really talk much about it now, other than the fact that it involves China. Be on the lookout for it in the future.
