Talented actor Byron Mann [Interview]

Talented actor Byron Mann [Interview] 

Interviewed and written by Aaron Robinson / photo credit by Diana Ragland

 

Talented actor Byron Mann, known for his railroad mercenary role as Chang in AMC’s “Hell On Wheels” recently appeared in the Paramount Pictures comedy-drama “The Big Short”, directed and co-written by Adam McKay. In the film, Bryon Mann plays the role as Mr. Chau, a CDO fund manager, alongside Brad Pitt, Steve Carell, Christian Bale and Ryan Gosling.

 

As a teenager, Byron Mann was always interested in theatre. Later he would move to Los Angeles from China to earn a philosophy and law degree. While continuing his acting career, he would successfully land roles in films such as “Street Fighter,” “Arrow,” “The Man with the Iron Fists,” and “Rise of the Legend,” just to name several. The gifted actor recently finished filming for the new upcoming CBS television series “Rush Hour.”

 

Consciousness Magazine was granted the opportunity to interview Byron Mann regarding his role in the film “The Big Short”, his acting career and much more. Here is what he has to share with the readers.

 

Aaron Robinson: Can you tell us a little about your role as Mr. Chau in the recent film “The Big Short”?

Byron Mann: He’s based on a real-life bond manager during [the year] 2006-2008, that had the world’s largest portfolio of a certain subprime mortgage product called CDO's (Collateralized Debt Obligations). Some of the characters in the film, particularly the one played by Steve Carell, look me up to find out how these products work and their impact on the economy. 

 

Aaron: You have played many acting roles in your career. What did you like most about playing the role of Mr. Chau?

Byron: [I like] that I got to work with Steve Carell and director Adam McKay. That’s pretty much the truth.

 

Aaron: You worked alongside some of the most talented actors in the film industry such as Brad Pitt, Steve Carell, Christian Bale and Ryan Gosling. What was that experience like?

Byron: I mainly worked with Carell. There was a lot of improvisation and eating involved when we were filming. The real characters were having their interaction over a Japanese teppanyaki dinner, so director McKay wanted to re-enact the whole thing. I ate a lot of Japanese food filming that scene. 

 

Aaron: Was there any positive or informal information, tips, etc., that any of the actors shared with you that may stick with you for the rest of your life and/or career?

Byron: Not on this shoot. Carell and my character were strangers going into the scene so we pretty much kept it that way throughout the shoot.

 

Aaron: What was your influence or inspiration for getting into acting?

Byron: I got into acting because I couldn’t think of anything else to do that was as exciting. In fact, I was running out of ideas and acting seemed like the most interesting option. Now that I’ve been in it for a while, what keeps me going is to be able to tell a really good story every time I act and to play a character that’s interesting and serves that story. Otherwise, it’s too hard to get out of bed for a 5am call. 

 

Aaron: Can your fans and viewers expect any new upcoming projects from you in the future?

Byron: I guest starred in a few episodes of “Rush Hour” that will be coming out on CBS in March. I am also in negotiations on several projects both in the US and in China. 

 

Aaron: When it comes to acting, do you have any advice or words-of-encouragement that you would like to share for aspiring actors and actresses?

Byron: Just act. That’s the only way to get better. And always trust your gut - it never lies.

 

Aaron: Before we close the interview, would you like to add anything that was not mentioned?

Byron: I update my projects on twitter: @byron_mann --- so you can keep track on what I’m doing there.