A while back, here at The Movie Buff, we had the chance to watch the film “90 Feet From Home” directed by Brett Bentman and written by Bentman and Scott Davis. The film was an emotion-filled picture, deep with family trauma, resentment, and ultimate healing.
The film, released in 2019, also introduced us to actor Adam Hampton, who played the protagonist in the film, turning in one of our favorite performances that year (the film would ultimately win an honorable mention in our 2019 Independent Film Awards).
We recently had the chance to sit down with Hampton and talk to him about playing Scott in “90 Feet from Home,” independent films, and staying safe and inspired in the time of Covid.
Hi, can you introduce yourself for our readers?
AH: I’m Adam Hampton, a writer/actor/director from Shawnee, OK. I am a co-owner in a film production company, Outsiders Productions, and I am the host/narrator/writer for the two-time Emmy-winning series, “Play It Loud.”
How have you been keeping busy during these uncertain times?
AH: I’ve kept busy during these crazy times by trying to keep focused on writing and developing projects and working on “Play It Loud.” I just finished a horror script and am in the process of trying to get some other films going.
Can you tell us how you got into acting? Did you always know it was something you wanted to do?
AH: I actually got into acting out of desperation. I was brought in to write and direct a film (for my Outsiders Productions partner, Jason Alexander), “Looking For Hope,” and ended up casting myself in a small supporting role. We were basically begging everybody we knew to come be in the film. No money, no resources. I knew that I’d know the lines, I’d show up on time, and I wouldn’t cause any drama; all of these are especially important on a no-budget set.
After that project, I found myself in love with that aspect of the filmmaking experience and I started trying to write roles for myself in whatever projects we had. The film festival circuit really assisted with that; if you show up to support your film, if the hard work shows, and if you don’t present yourself as a total jerk, I’ve found that networking with other filmmakers is a great way to get cast in projects. The acting is a truly satisfying aspect of the process as a whole. I absolutely love that experience and I’m thankful that I’ve been able to work with and for some really talented folks.
Can you tell us what drew you into independent films? How many have you done?
AH: I’ve been a part of several independent films; they’re listed on IMDB. Many of these have been no-budget or extremely low-budget. Some have been SAG and certainly presenting on that next level of quality and skill. I think many of the same traits carry forth through the different sizes/scopes of the medium. Lessons you learn on indie film—if they’re good and true—absolutely carry forth. I love indie movies because of the blood and tears and sweat of the process. I love to WORK.
Do you have a favorite role that you’ve done? How about the hardest? Can you tell us a bit about this?
AH: I would be lying if I said I had an outright favorite project; each of them have brought me some kind of growth or experience or beauty. There are films I’m maybe not as proud of, or I’m aware of their limitations, or of my limitations at the time they were made, maybe. But I ultimately chose all of them for a reason and I don’t have any regrets.
My advice is to get out now if you don’t love it. If you don’t breathe it, it may not be for you. Because doing it well requires sacrifice and time and soul. And it’s not worth your time if you’re not in love.” adam hampton
I tend to find that my favorite project is the one I’m working on. I just wrapped filming Kyle Kauwika Harris’ crime drama, “Out of Exile,” and I’m extremely proud of that movie. They’re in post now, but from what I saw on set (and on the script), I think it’ll be one of my best projects. Of course, I’m very biased with our Outsiders’ projects (like, “The Unusual Calling of Charlie Christmas” and “Rough Cut”), and I loved working on a fun actioner like “Jurassic Games” as well. I just love movies, man. I love making them and watching them. I wouldn’t say one has been more difficult than the others; if you work hard enough, they’re all a challenge.
We watched your role in the film “90 Feet from Home” in 2019, which we found authentic and real. Can you tell us about how you got drawn to this project? Had you worked with Brett Bentman before?
AH: I had worked with Brett on a short film for B22 called “A Place of Madness.” Went down to Texas, met his crew. He uses a lot of the same people on his sets—they’re kind of a family. We shot it over a couple of days, had a good time. I liked his sensibilities and his team’s approach. He had mentioned “90 Feet” at the time and we discussed it; I was instantly interested. He gave me a very basic rundown and it was immediately clear to me that I wanted to get that damn role. A few months later, I went down to Texas, gave my audition. Was very happy to get the call that I had the part. I love movies that deal with weighty matters like “90 Feet” does and I love the grit of the script and the complexities of the character. They had a great cast, great crew.
Can you tell us a bit about the the character (Scott’s) motivation? He’s dealt with a lot of trauma and pain. Was it difficult to represent that on-screen?
AH: I think Scott is looking for a reckoning. I think he put a lot of blame on his stepfather—and rightly so—but he had also become so broken that he himself was a cause of his later failures. We ultimately have to try and take the steering wheel. And he couldn’t. Not really. He was never able to grow past the pain and the resentment. Was never able to forgive. And so, because of all of this hurt and anger, he was never able to heal, either.
I loved that character. I spent a lot of time in the gym in prep, at the batting cages. Even though I didn’t ever actually swing a bat in the film, I wanted to put in some hours in the mindset of it. And it helped. I think there were days when the weight of the movie kinda took its toll but that comes with the territory. I like that tension and weight. I was actually living with the Bentmans during filming and I was spending most of my time alone. I wanted to stay “in it” as much as I could. Scott’s a pretty stoic guy, pretty inaccessible. At the end of the day, it was a great experience and I’m glad they had me. I wish them all the success.
I loved that character. I spent a lot of time in the gym in prep, at the batting cages. Even though I didn’t ever actually swing a bat in the film, I wanted to put in some hours in the mindset of it.” adam hampton
We see that you have also taken a turn directing and writing. Do you prefer these to acting, or do they all have their own place?
AH: I love all three: the writing, directing, and acting. I’ve been writing the longest for sure. And I think directing—for the most part—is the toughest gig. Especially in indie film. Because you’re the guy or gal who is there from day one and carrying the weight all the way to the end. There are days when writing is soul-crushing and incredibly lonely, there are days when being an actor—having to be “on” at a moment’s notice in a fading light or having to try and still hit those highs in take #38—is extremely draining and difficult.
Listen, they can all be hard. They can all make you wanna quit. But they all feed you in a different way. I love the solitude of writing; there’s no compromise, no limitations save those in your head. I love the responsibility of directing, the creative freedom to mold the movie, to work with actors/actresses and do the dance with crew. And I am IN LOVE with acting. With losing yourself and finding yourself and turning ink and paper into a living person. The whole process is intoxicating, from beginning to end.
The series “Rough Cut” has done really well in the indie community and won a number of awards. What is the show, and how did you get involved?
AH: “Rough Cut” was a series that Outsiders started a few years back. It’s basically a one season series—four one hour long episodes—that we released online. It was essentially a love story about independent filmmaking. It follows some indie filmmakers who are trying to scrape together and make a movie they believe will be amazing. A total underdog story. I love it. Love the team, love the people involved. I wrote it and directed it and act in it. Jason Alexander shot it. We submitted the first few episodes to screen at festivals and had some great success at those showings, but ultimately it was an undertaking that we couldn’t convincingly continue without the money to shoot it. So it is what it is: a poem to the heartache and uplift of no-budget indie filmmakers chasing down a dream. Pretty on the nose, I guess.
Do you have any plans for the future? Are you working on anything currently?
AH: I’m currently awaiting the release of “Out of Exile”—I’m starring in that film, alongside Peter Green, Hayley McFarland, Ryan Merriman, [and]Kyle Henry. I’m very excited about that project. I’m also in pre-production for another film with the very talented Kyle Kauwika Harris, I’ll be starring as “Clive” in “The Warm Season”—filming this summer—and I’m developing a horror film that I wrote called “Strays.” [I’m] mixing in more seasons of “Play It Loud” and I hope to be working pretty steady for a moment or two.
Do you have any advice for those looking to get into independent cinema?
AH: My advice is to get out now if you don’t love it. If you don’t breathe it, it may not be for you. Because doing it well requires sacrifice and time and soul. And it’s not worth your time if you’re not in love. I would also say, if this—filmmaking—is what you want to do, support other filmmakers. When festivals open back up, go to them. Meet filmmakers, watch films. Network. Listen, learn. Keep writing, even when it’s hard. Keep working, even when it hurts. And when it’s good—man—there’s nothing like it.
*You can read more about Adam Hampton on his IMDb page here. “90 Feet from Home” is available to stream on Tubi and Amazon Prime, and is available for purchase at Wal-Mart.
