Ziana Bethune's Official Website

Don was a New York City Golden Glove boxer. He boxed on the NYC/USA amateur boxing team and then turned professional. Not surprisingly, he was spotted by talent scouts and modeling agencies, who prompted him to try his hand at modeling and acting. In addition to the above credits, Don has also worked on several off Broadway plays at La Mama Theaters, Eugene Oneil Theater and Abington Theater on Theater Row.

And now...The Interview.

Ziana: I understand you have a background in boxing. That's amazing! Can you tell me first, how you got into boxing, and anything that stands out in your mind about your boxing career, and then, what inspired you to make the transition from boxing, to acting?

Don: I got into boxing at the tender age of 11. I was fascinated with Muhammad Ali. I began boxing in the amateurs in my home town of NY and competed in many different matches. I fought on the USA boxing team and then turned professional in the mid-90's. Boxing was my passion, but I was approached by several different directors and casting directors and producers that asked me to do various videos, modeling jobs, commercials, etc... At first it was just for fun, but then as I learned more about it and began studying, I became a lot more interested and started taking it seriously. As time went on I got injured in boxing and, unfortunately, had to walk away from the sport that I had a love affair with my whole life. I completely devoted myself to acting and grew an incredibly strong passion as I did for the fight game. After several years doing off-Broadway plays and TV, I embraced my new career and loved it. It's been 14 years and I still love it. :)

Ziana: Of all the roles that you've played, which role challenged you the most, and which was closest to your own personality?

Don: Of all the roles that I've played I would have to say that the one that challenged me the most is the film that I wrote, produced and starred in "Blue". It's a story about a prize fighter who tries to leave his dark past behind him while fighting his way to the top of the Middle Weight Division. During the course of his pursuit, he finds love with a woman who he least expects and is talked into going back to his old roots by his cousin, which leads to a series of events that changes his life forever. I think this was closest to my own personality because it dealt with my boxing and touched on events that I experienced in my personal life.

"Blue"

Ziana: I can see how you'd be walking a fine line when you're writing, producing and acting in a movie that is this close to home. First of all, most people don't want their entire lives on display, so it's a matter of choosing what parts of it you'd feel comfortable disclosing, while still keeping the spin off areas from public scrutiny, not to mention, keeping private the lives of those people in the periphery, who don't necessarily want to be written about, out of the story. Did you bang your head against the wall over what to keep and what to omit, while writing this? And...did a lot of great stuff end up on the cutting room floor, or being omitted?

Don: It was extremely sensitive to a certain degree to write something so close to the heart without exposing or offending someone, but I tried my hardest to be as compassionate and understanding about everyones privacy and identity. I think I did a pretty good job as far as that goes. There were a few things that were also fabricated, of course, because we needed to make the story flow in a direction that also added to the honesty of the film...the actors were so willing and kind to give me their time. But it was very challenging, asking myself questions about what I should leave in or take out. And yes, there were quite a few scenes, which I loved, that were left on the cutting room floor, but I think as an artist and producer you have to learn to let go of what you love for the sake of the film.

Ziana: I can certainly relate. You're also a writer, so you know it works that way with writing, too. In the end it really is about what's best for the story. I have a collection of scenes that I had to cut, hoping I can use them somewhere else, someday. LOL. Now, shifting gears a bit...how do you prepare before shooting a scene?

Don: I normally prepare for a scene by spending most of the day alone and in quiet, allowing myself to delve into the character. I like to find the truth in every role. I always commit every ounce of myself. I break down the character's every layer with a series of emotional exercises, questions and by using emotional tools which enable me to find the true core of the character. Basically I bore the hell out of myself and end up nuts for a few hours:)

Ziana: That actually sounds fascinating because it would require delving into psychology, the human psyche and if I'm not mistaken, adapting a certain body language that would be unique to each character. But while we're on this topic...I would imagine that boxing requires the cultivation of a great deal of self-discipline. Does any of this learned skill in domination over self come in handy when preparing for acting roles?

Don: That's a great question. Actually, I find that my discipline from boxing is the key to my acting. It truly allows me to delve into any character I work on with the same discipline, only in this arena its more emotionally connected rather than strategically and mentally. I think that could definitely help me if I ever went to war. :)

Ziana: :) I'd have to agree. It could! I'd hate to be on the enemy's side when you raise those big fists of yours, too! *laughs.* So...when I watch you in any of the roles you've played, that's what I'm seeing...that undercurrent of steel will, self-control, determination...maybe that's what I'm picking up, that I think makes your acting so intense. Whatever it is, I love it. Now...if you could play a part in any movie in the history of film, which role would that be, and why?

Don: If I could play any role in the history of film, I'm honestly not sure which role I would pick because there are so many beautiful roles and stories that I would love to be a part of. I do want to continue to broaden my horizons as an actor and grow spiritually. The roles on the top of my list would be. Guess Who's Coming to Dinner. Dr. John Wade Prentice, Sidney Poitiers role :) One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest. Jack Nicholson's role. R.P Murphy, Malcolm X just, to name a few.

Ziana: :) I'm noticing some similarities between the roles you've played and these characters you've mentioned. These were very intense parts. The roles you played in Cold Case, CSI and Blue, to name a few, were also very intense. You do the “bad guy” very well. :) Let me ask you now...do you have any role models?

Don: I really don't have any role models in the business but I respect a quite a few, Denzel Washington, Jack Nicholson, Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, Lawrence Fishburn. My true role model is my mother. I don't think any of them come close. lol.

Ziana: I love that answer. I would love to hear more about her, if you wouldn't mind sharing. What makes her your role model?

Don: My mother is an amazing woman that raised six kids by herself, me being the youngest. She was born in Jamaica, West Indies, moved to London, and then to USA. She managed to raise and take care of all of us while working three jobs and never once forgetting a birthday, Christmas or sports event that any of us had. She always instilled love, respect and discipline...probably in that order. She told us we could be whatever we wanted to be in this world as long as we worked hard and smart. She always encouraged me to read when I was a kid, she always said, "If you read, nobody can hide anything from you,” which I always thought was pretty cool. But then again she's a really cool lady...Okay, enough about my mother. I don't want her taking up all the spot light here. She's cute enough. :)

Ziana: :) Thank you for painting such a vivid picture of her. She sounds like an amazing woman. Don...In the trailer for Blue, I have to say that your performance is hypnotic. Was that a difficult role to play?

Don: Thank you for the compliment, Blue was extremely challenging to play because it was so close to home and I had to go to some really dark place, emotionally, to not only prep for the film but during the whole filming, as well as producing and writing at the same time. So, I would definitely say it was the hardest role to date.

Ziana: You also wrote the script. How long did that take from the time you began the initial draft, to the final product?

Don: Blue took me about a year to write and about six months of re-writes. It was God-awful but I loved every bit of it. I am crazy. Don't ask. I just love a challenge and with this film I have truly been challenged. It was like being with a girlfriend that you hated...but you love...but you hated.. but you want to see her tomorrow...you get the picture?

Ziana: LOL. Yes, I definitely hear you. I do umpteen rewrites with every story, hate that I don't get it right the first time, but love the results after I rework it...again and again and again. It's addictive. Did you encounter any obstacles while filming?

Don: Obstacles are an understatement. The first day of screening we lost our location. The damn building was closed by the city because the owner had illegal immigrants living in there. I rushed around town and found another place and we shot there that night. I'm quick like that. :)

Ziana: LOL. Improvisation works behind the scenes, too. How long did it take you to assemble the cast and crew to film Blue, and how long did it take to film?

Don: It took me about three months to get the crew together and we shot in about one month after story board, location etc. It was a big pain in the ass but I loved it. :)

Ziana: Is a month the average time that it takes to shoot a movie, or does that vary greatly from film to film?

Don: It really varies from budget to the type of film you’re shooting. Everything comes into play, cast, location, production, script changes. Anything that can go wrong, will go wrong, when you shoot a film, trust me.

Ziana: So, what's next on the agenda?

Don: I'm finishing a script that I plan on doing next year. Can't really discuss it right now but it will be hot as hell. I promise and you will be among the first to know.

Ziana: I'm honored that I'll be among to first to know. Thanks so much for that! :) Other than Blue, are there any upcoming appearances that we should watch for?

Don: I just finished shooting a guest star appearance on the new Tim Roth show, "Lie To Me." I play and African soccer coach accused of being a terrorist. I'm innocent, which is refreshing for a change. I worked with Tim Roth, Mekhi Phifer and Molly Price. They were all very cool, and Mekhi is a dear friend of mine from back in the day.

Ziana: I will be watching for it! :) Do know when it's expected to be aired?

Don: The "Lie To Me" episode will be on May 13th, 2009, I think. If it changes I'll let you know. I shot the last episode of the season and I'm glad they got picked up for another 12 episodes because it's a really interesting show and an amazing cast.

Ziana: Don, I know that I caught you right in the middle of a very busy period, and I appreciate the time that you gave me for this interview. You're the best. :)

Don: You're very welcome, Zee. It was great talking to you. The fact that you're a dear friend...this interview will only cost you $50,000.00, so make sure you call my lawyer after your done and have the check at my place tomorrow. :) Just kidding. Thank you for the interest and I appreciate all the support.

Ziana: LOL! It's absolutely my pleasure! Thanks again.

It's A Quiet Thing: The Life Of Syn

I've spent the past few months co-authoring a story that has blown my mind. Once in a lifetime--if we're lucky--a writer will have the opportunity to work on a true story that's got all the elements of what qualifies a book as a "good read." Love, hate, betrayal, crime..."It's A Quiet Thing: The Life of Syn" has it all.

I wrote this story with Anthony Bodden, co-scriptwriter of the cult classic film, Belly. Check out his bio at: http://www.quietthing.com/boddenbio

I have to tell you, when you're writing a story that is this deep and complex, it sucks you right into the core of its darkness. I know, it did that to me. But hey, as I always say, if you're not prepared to immerse yourself totally into a scene or story, don't go there at all. If you do choose to go then don't shy away from the pain or nightmares that it brings, or you'll be selling the story short.

"What doesn't kill you will make you stronger...that's poor consolation to the dead."

David Synergy Samuels takes us on a compelling journey through his life as a former gang leader, a husband, a father and a survivor of parental abuse. Hitting the streets hard at thirteen, Syn quickly rises to the top of his game in a black NYC 'hood, where years as a street scrambler draw him deeply into the world of drugs, gang wars and crime. By the time he's eighteen he's married with a child, and most of his friends are dead or behind bars. Two are unknowingly written into a collective fate that would eventually unfurl in the dark, corrupted streets of Baltimore.

At twenty-three, a head-on collision with a truck crushes his world on impact. In a near-death experience, Syn his held accountable for the damages he's done. Woven into the tapestry of his story is the poignant, Cain and Abel relationship that Syn has with his brother and the trials and tribulations of life with his eccentric father--relationships that are ripped with anguish and weighted with unconditional love.

Folks, please go over to the "It's A Quiet Thiing" site and check it out. Take your time, look around, enjoy. It's an amazing story and come summer...you'll get to read it too. The language is a little coarse and this story get a little rough to take sometimes, but it is a true story and we wanted to keep it REAL. You are not gonna believe where this story takes you.

The moral of the story: Y = Self. Anything you wonder why something happened, ask yourself why you didn't do something to stop it.

The second project that I'm very excited about is a really moving biography that I'm in the process of wrapping up, called,

"I Hear With My Heart"

"I Hear With My Heart" is the Authorized Biography of Arnaud Quarré de Champvigy, Swiss/French Model who placed in the 2008 Mr. Swizz Competition, and is an Embassador for Phonak AG. Arnaud is an amazing man who was born deaf, had all the odds working against him, and with the tenacity of a Pitt Bull, dug his teeth in and changed history by becoming the first man ever to place in a Mr. Swiss Competition. He is also a model and as you can see, a very handsome man with a flourishing career ahead of him. This book is scheduled for release in the fall...but I have no exact date as yet. I'll keep you posted. :)

Check out Arnaud's Website.

Still here for you...interviews:

Straight From The Heart

"Down-home style" interview with Michael Buffalo Smith

Recently, I had the absolute pleasure of interviewing Michael Buffalo Smith. Now, Michael is a big guy. You look at him and you think, God, wouldn’t wanna mess with him. He’d have me for breakfast and spit out my bones. But listen up…he’s one of the nicest, most congenial men on the planet. I’m just so proud to call him my friend. Before we get into the interview, here’s the rundown on Michael Buffalo, and it’s truly worth a read:

Ziana: Michael, you’ve had quite a career! You’ve shared a stage with The Charlie Daniels Band, The Marshall Tucker Band, Molly Hatchet, Southern Rock Allstars, Jerry LaCroix, George McCorkle, The Crawlers, John Wyker, Jimmy Hall, Stephen Foster, True Blues, Sonny Edwards, Larry Byrom, The Winters Brothers, Hulk and Brooke Hogan, Montgomery Gentry…the list goes on and on. Can you tell me where it all began…what you considered your first significant gig?
Read more...

Touching Evil--Pedophilia.

Chilling interview with Amy Bowllan.

Two-time Emmy Award recipient, Amy Bowllan, is a true humanitarian whose imprint on our society will indirectly leave its mark for generations. Understanding that knowledge is power, Amy plays an active role in building libraries for low-income families. Amy began her career as a Television Investigative Producer and Reporter for WCBS-TV NY and KNXV in Phoenix, AZ. Currently holding the position of Director of Diversity, Amy teaches Broadcast Journalism and Technology classes at The Hewitt School in NYC, and is accredited for integrating technological resources into staff and students day-to-day programs. Amy has been a teacher (grades K-12) for 12-years and has also hosted “Internet in Action” for PBS. Visit Bowllan’s Blog at SLJ.com, where she spotlights amazing people doing amazing things, and watch for her articles as Guest Writer for the School Library Journal Magazine.. * (1) Recipient of several Associate Press Awards, (2) Emmy Award for exposing abortion scandal, (3) Emmy Award for going undercover into the ten worst schools in NYC. Nominated for 5 Emmys. Author of children’s book: The Land of Crayons*

Ziana: What was going on inside your head while looking into the eyes of someone who could do that?

Amy: At the time - I must say - I was shaking with fear, Ziana! Here was a man, a monster - if you will - who molested his own stepdaughter (on several occasions) ready to tell his story....Read More...