Jeff Lewis is known best for his role of Vork in the incredible successful web series “The Guild”. The series is already approaching season five this summer. Movie Mikes had a chance to chat with Jeff about his role in the show and how is it working on the web series.
Mike Gencarelli: How did you get involved with “The Guild”?
Jeff Lewis: I was in an improv group with Felicia Day called the Empty Stage. We had been doing improv for quite some time and had a lot of fun. Felicia called me one day with a part in the show that she thought I would be good for. I had never played that type of character before but Felicia thought I could do it.
MG: What is the best part of playing Vork?
JL: I really enjoy being able to play a character that is different from the other roles that I have played. I often play shy characters however this one is very much the opposite. I just really enjoy being able to act out different emotions.
MG: Do you find it difficult to work on a web series?
JL: I find it much more freeing. I think in other mediums like movies and television I wouldn’t have the chance to just throw out different ideas due to time and money constraints. Working on this web series has allowed me to offer different ideas as well as the directors to take their time and really get the shots that they want. It’s really great to know that once we move onto another scene the directors have exactly what they want and they aren’t just moving on due to certain restrictions. There just seems to be a lot more latitude in the web series medium.
MG: Outside of the show are you really into any MMORPG?
JL: I used to play a lot of World of Warcraft up until my son was born. Felicia and I used to have a Knight of Guild on the World of Warcraft server (Laughs). Lately I have been playing games that have more of an ending like Call of Duty: Black Ops or some sports games.
MG: What is the best part of shooting the music videos?
JL: It was kind of a pain to have eight arms but really funny at the same time. Ten years ago I would have never thought that I would be doing a music video where I had eight arms (Laughs). It was another great experience and again it was just one of those things that I had never done before. I really have no singing ability but to be a part of music videos is great.
MG: What can you tell us about season five?
JL: I know some stuff that they are thinking of doing however I don’t think I can really say anything about it. I do know that there will be a season five. I think we will probably start shooting it here in the next few months.
MG: Tell us about “The Jeff Lewis 5 Minute Comedy Hour”?
JL: I shot that during a break from “The Guild”. Our director came to me and asked if I had anything I wanted to shoot as he had some free time. I had a bunch of older sketches that I presented to him and he thought they were great. I got some of my friends to be in it and it’s really been great. We have two episodes left to shoot for season one and we hope to get some sponsorship so we can start shooting season two.
MG: What other projects do you have in the works?
JL: I have a stage show with a few people from “The Guild” called “Hammer Don’t Hurt’Em” that we do on a monthly basis in Los Angeles which is really great! If people are in the area they should definitely come and check it out.