Manipulated – Written and Directed by Matt Berman, is a taut Drama, Mystery, Whodunnit with an ensemble cast. Diane Conrad (Gail O’Grady), district attorney, is under extreme pressure to resolve a case that has politicians as well as the local community on edge. The clock is ticking and the stakes and emotions are running high. Can anyone trust what they see or hear? Why is Detective Scott Keating taking the biggest gamble of his career? With evidence in short supply, and the personal and professional lives of all concerned unraveling, can you believe anything anyone says? It’s game on!
Karen Jones, Sara Dobson and Casandra King are suspected of either conspiring together or acting alone in murdering their former boyfriend John Davis. With major pressure from the Mayor and the investigation stalling, District Attorney Diane Conrad asks her best interrogator Detective Scott Keating (played by Kelly Perine) who has been on an extended leave of absence for personal reasons.
I was fortunate to speak with Kelly, You will remember him from his early appearances on: E.R., Seinfeld, The Practice, Mad About You; along with playing recurring characters on: The Drew Carey show, Providence, The Parent ‘Hood, Malcolm & Eddie, True Jackson V.P., & For Your Love. Kelly has also been a series regular on U.P.N.’s: Between Brothers where he played Weatherman Dusty Canyon, Under One Roof where he starred opposite Flavor Flav, and possibly most recognizably as a regular on U.P.N.’s hit comedy One On One playing the outrageous Duane Odell Knox. Although he plays a serious character in MANIPULATED, Kelly kept me laughing throughout our interview.
How did you get started in show business?
Kelly Perine: I actually have been acting since I was about four years old. Entertaining people was a natural ability and I was lucky that my Dad, a Pennsylvania State University Professor, and my Chemical engineer Mom, encouraged me to participate in Numerous plays in local community theaters and numerous productions shot in Chicago where I went to high-school at Lake Forest Academy. I went to Pomona College for my B.A. in Film Studies and then I got my M.F.A. in Drama at the University of California-Irvine.
What was it like shooting a whodunnit?
Kelly Perine: It was a fantastic experience for everyone. Matt Berman did a great job writing the script, weaving in clues that create puzzle-type experience that keeps you engaged and intrigued until the very end. Matt also directed the film and he was a delight to work with. With all of the accomplished actors on set (Traci Lords, Heather McComb, Chase Masterson, Judy Landers and Michael Pare), it was smooth sailing, a joy!
You have been acting for over twenty-five years now, how did you navigate the victories and defeats of an actor’s life?
Kelly Perine. I always worked hard and was fortunate to be able to secure fairly ‘steady’ work. There is always a lot of competition but I understood what I was getting into when I started this. I came with a never give-up attitude and a Central Pennsylvania work ethic, and I looked at rejection and praise equally. I have lived the life I wanted to live. I chose this path and I’m glad I did because it’s what I love to do.
Thanks for speaking with me Kelly!
Kelly Perine is also an award-winning writer and director, with numerous features and sit-com projects in development.
Watch Kelly Perine in Manipulated starting tomorrow night April 6 on Amazon Prime!
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