Actor Frank Aye took a break from his intricate needlepoint to chat about The Collectibles.
Q: How did you get involved in The Collectibles?
I was sitting on my recliner politely debating with what was clearly a prepubescent little snot on how I DID NOT GET PWNED on BlackOps! That’s when I got the call from Mr. Dan Heinrich. He called to ask if I was interested in a project, and I said yes. I jumped at the chance to work with Dan, whom I’ve known for like EVER! We’ve had some real intimate moments at Seattle Acting School for the better part of the ’00s [AKA "the aughts"], it was a mad but manly affair to say the least.
Q: What was your involvement in the project?
I play Aguaman (not to be confused with Aquaman). I am the Latino Lord of Atantis. He would argue King… for hours. Ever since his accident (on the job) he has been taken out of the loop, of practically everything in the office. He’s paranoid that he may get laid off at any moment. He worked hard for the team but that rarely gets acknowledged, so he drinks and drinks and drinks some more. He’s kinda like the fat kid that gets picked last for kickball – his only friend is his warmed smashed twinkie he pulls from his pocket after the game as dirty little tears run down his chubby little cheeks. =(
Q: How much of your own personality went into the character, if any? What is your process for creating the character?
Not too much, although when I described the Aguaman to my family, they said, “oh! so just like when you’re home, huh dad.” I said, “ha ha, you’re all grounded.” Seriously, if anything, I would say sensitivity. I tend to cry a lot. Alone. A lot. As far as process for creating a character goes, I start by reading the script and picking up on the relationships between the characters. Then I add my own personal take to these people. Also experience, I’ve worked in offices before and I really have a feeling about it. ‘Nuff said.
Q: What was your experience of the actual shoot? Any good stories from the set?
The shoot was one of the most professional shoots I’ve ever been on! I didn’t have to walk any dogs. I was surrounded by really talented people. The crew was awesome – I call them the Big C, cuz that’s how we roll! Oh! Here is a good tidbit from the set, they placed every single superhero poster up, except mine. I literary walked the whole set, did not find my poster. But Super Star’s were everywhere! They eventually printed one out after my last scene, to take home. They say it was unintentional, it was definitely more fuel for the unappreciated fire, as far as Aguaman was concerned. Thanks CorpCo!
Q: What would you like to see happen in future episodes? To the series as a whole?
I would like to see Aguaman definitely try to hustle is own sponsorship for product placement. Try to get back in the game by blatantly working out in the office. Team up with Death-Wish and/or Reciever for some reindeer games. Get in Shield Maiden’s bubble or tied up in Ultrafemme’s whip and defoul Super Star’s pudding. maybe. As far as the series as a whole? I would like it to be picked up, not recast and eventually make tons of money, merchandising the whole nine yards! Including a 3% residual of the profit sharing (for me), syndication yadda yadda yadda etc… POWER POSSE HO!
