DOUGLAS "HURRICANE" HALL

MONTANA TALENT SPOTLIGHT

1) Introduce yourself and tell us a few cool things about you.

My name is Douglas “Hurricane” Hall. I was born in 1961 in Kalispell, Montana. As a kid I was painfully shy. I fell in love with the cinema at a very young age and grew up wanting to write and direct my own films—but was afraid to tell anyone. As a teenager, I had dreams of hauling myself off to L.A. to pitch all my incredible ideas to the biggest film studios; however, life, shyness, and my immaturity derailed those dreams.

 2) How long have you worked in the film/television industry in Montana?

I’ve only actually started getting back into it about four or five years ago.

 3) What kind of roles do you usually take for films or television productions?

At my age and look, I felt I needed to carve out a particular niche that directors could just look at my face and think, “Yeah, that’s the guy I want.” I do my best not to disappoint. However, I do tell actors—that are ignorant enough to ask me for advice—to always remain true to themselves when it comes to accepting and preforming a role. I really enjoy being a character actor, but my stints as a principal have been very rewarding too.

 4) How did you get started in this line of work?

I can’t for the life of me remember how, but in 1989 I ended up working as an extra for Steven Spielberg on a movie he was filming in Libby, Montana called “Always.” It stared Richard Dreyfuss, Holly Hunter, John Goodman. It was also the first film that former rodeo cowboy and Marlboro Man, Brad Johnson, did. That experience rekindled the flame that used to burn in me when I was younger, and I knew my passion was to be in this business. But, I was also a husband and father and felt I had to make a choice between being a responsible family man or running off to join this circus. I chose the former. Then, skip ahead about thirty years: My children are grown and moved out, I’m recovering from a number of surgeries, and a friend from church tells my wife, “Some people are making a music video and looking for someone who looks like Doug.” My wife sent them a picture of me, and within 10 minutes I was being contacted about appearing in Rainbow Kitten Surprise’s “Fever Pitch” video. After that, I sat down with my wonderfully supportive bride and discussed whether I should chase after this passion. And here I am.

 5) What do you like most about working in Montana?

Montana? Montana is everything to me. There isn’t anything about Montana I don’t love. I was born here, continue to live here, and plan to die here. I’ve had the privilege to visit most of the states in this great Nation of ours, as well as a couple other countries, but there is no place like Montana. She is my home, my life, and my blood. I am Montana. As an actor working here, it is so satisfying to do what I love with those who share my love of this state and want to tell stories that take place here. Employing all these neighbors of mine, helping the local economy, and showing others what we are, is important to me.

 6) What are your favorite resources for actors?

Well, the Montana Film Office of course. And this isn’t going to sound very impressive but, I’ve had a lot of success networking through Facebook.

 7) List three of your most notable credits.

Oh man, you’re putting me on the spot here. Everything I’ve done, good or not so good, has been productive for me. I try to learn from all my experiences in this business. I don’t know if anyone would agree with me, but for my own reasons I’d have to say: “Nexus of Evil”, “Somewhere in Montana”, and “Cuisine de la ‘Pocalypse”. Of course, that’s today, who knows what tomorrow will bring?

 8) What is the highlight of your career so far?

I think the most I’ve been able to put into a character has been Wallace in “Cuisine de la ‘Pocalypse”. It’s still in post right now.  I’m hoping my performance really comes through on screen. The real highlight to me is all the greats I’ve been blessed to work with in different productions: from directors, to actors, to everyone behind the scenes. And I really mean that.

9)  What is your favorite movie or TV show filmed in Montana?

All the ones I’ve been in. Ha-ha. Truthfully, there are so many that are my favorites for different reasons. I haven’t even seen them all and there’s so many more yet to come.

10) What practical advice would you give others in the industry in Montana?

First, you are blessed to be able to do what you love here. Back in the day a Montanan would have to leave the state to pursue their passion. Now it is coming to us. This is where you are meant to be, and this is what you are meant to do. This business is 90 percent rejection. You need to be able to ride the choppy water to get where you want to be. Believe in yourself, especially when no one else does. Maybe you have talent, maybe you don’t. Don’t be afraid to find out. No matter what, there is a fit for you in this business. You’re not gonna just fall into it. You’re gonna get banged up a bit. You’re gonna learn different things about yourself. You’re gonna grow and expand in your knowledge and experience. Don’t get full of yourself, but don’t give up either. You are more than you know. Always remain true to yourself, keep the faith and be kind to one another.