Scott Markus sat down with friend James Duval. The two had worked together on numerous film sets. Scott was always struck on how upbeat and happy James is on sets - even during a rough day through long hours. So, in addition to talking about character and storytelling, the conversation naturally lead to the importance of bringing positivity to work with you while also working to stay positive through life. Hollywood has lots of struggles, even if you've had past successes, so it's good to surround yourself with likeminded, positive creators. James Duval is known for his roles in Independence Day (1996), Go (1999), Donnie Darko (2001), May (2002), and the films of Gregg Araki. Duval has starred in numerous independent films, including the 2009 psychological thriller The Black Waters of Echo's Pond and the mystery crime-thriller film Noirland.

Time Stamps:
0:00 - Loving Storytelling
1:12 - Beginning of career
3:22 - James’ introduction to filmmaking
4:47 - The problem with the system
6:06 - The future of independent films
7:16 - Don’t let anything stop you from making movies
9:25 - Creating different characters
10:09 - Finding character with the director
11:43 - Bringing ideas to characters
12:04 - Doing things differently
12:31 - Gone in 60 second character 
14:17 - The story behind the script
14:49 - The masochistic part of being an actor
15:50 - Harvesting your rewards
16:30 - The Actor’s Directors
17:53 - Unspoken communication between actor and director
20:53 - It’s all in the writing
22:20 - The importance of subtext
23:58 - Communicating with adlibs
26:25 - Positive experience on Bojack Horseman
28:23 - Working with Victoria Chenoweth
29:12 - Bringing positivity On Set
29:39 - Become what you want from the world
30:26 - Working with positive people
31:02 - Acting helped to become a better person
31:29 - Controlling narcissism
32:57 - Staying motivated through difficult times
34:02 - Instability and Loneliness
35:23 - Acting is not for everyone
36:24 - Being prepared for good and bad sets
39:01 - Choosing your battles
40:11 - Playing Frank in Donnie Darko