Original Link from Backstage.com

Christina Faison and Chauncey Bellamy’s podcast’s name, “Why Watch That,” is apt. On it, Bellamy, the critic, and Faison, his referee, discuss the merits and faults of a movie or TV show from an actor’s perspective.

How does “Why Watch That” benefit you as actors?
Christina Faison: Our podcast is different; it’s not just criticizing and picking something apart, like most critics do. We look at it from a performer’s perspective. It’s so great to watch these performances and learn from them, even from those that aren’t so great. It helps with my writing and directing. The more we watch and talk about it, the better we become as artists.

Chauncey Bellamy: We are the audience. As an actor, you think of it from your perspective, you consult with directors and writers. But you have to think about how people are going to receive your work. The podcast has gotten me thinking about that even more.

What do you think you bring to the podcast as actors?
CF: We bring energy and an element of entertainment. It’s not just two talking heads yapping about what we think.

CB: If we’re going to give our opinions on something people have put their blood, sweat, and tears into, we need to do the same thing.

READ: “4 Podcasts to Inspire and Entertain You”

Why is it important to have the performer’s perspective?
CF: There are people who don’t know what it’s like to work 15 hours or to dive into character.

CB: If our audience members are actors, we’re respecting what’s going on, not just trying to find what’s wrong. [Film and television are] collaborative arts. For our podcast, we take the title seriously: Why watch that?

What are some great performances you’ve witnessed?
CF: We got to see a screening of “Selma,” and I remember thinking, Wow. [David Oyelowo] was using tricks that I will definitely be using in my work. It’s good to bounce that off with another actor [like Chauncey], and see what he notices and what he takes away from it.

What advice do you have for other actors?
CF: See as much as you can. If you’re really blessed [to be working as an actor in New York], you have access to all sorts of performances. If it’s in a multiplex or a tiny indie theater—watch, watch, watch. And then ask the same question we’re asking: Why is this worth seeing?
CB: “Why Watch That” allows you to figure out what you are as an actor. That’s your currency, and this podcast has allowed me to answer that question. Part of the reason we did the podcast was thinking about what we wanted to be and how we could contribute.