Teddy Haggarty allows the public to ride along with him for a day — his awaking, through a winding series of philosophy, art, interviews and interesting moments — in his film All About Haggarty, set to screen at the Tacoma Film Festival Sunday, Oct. 7, at the Tacoma School of the Arts Theater. Set in his hometown of Tacoma, we see the Gritty City through the eyes of Haggarty, often producing hilarious moments.

We recently spoke with the Tacoma artist/actor about his experience working on the film, his take on Tacoma and his relationship with actor Alec Baldwin.

WEEKLY VOLCANO: Was it easy to play yourself in the film?

TEDDY HAGGARTY: It was very easy. I've had a lot of experience playing me.
 
VOLCANO: Were there many takes or did you just let the camera run? 

HAGGARTY: We had a general idea then let the camera run. It was very spontaneous with things evolving supernaturally.

VOLCANO: Have you acted before?

HAGGARTY: I’ve been in AFTRA since ‘85 and SAG since ‘86. Did a Brecht play in '75 at The Evergreen State College, which is the year I graduated (1st graduating class). First film appearance was ‘69 in the documentary Woodstock — a scene on Sunday evening on the hill at Max Yasgur's Farm in the mud.

VOLCANO: Explain your relationship with Alec Baldwin.

HAGGARTY: I met Alec the fist day of shooting on Beetlejuice as his stand in and double. At the end of filming I told Alec I was available to be his stand in in the future, that was about 20 years ago and I've worked on most of his major projects.

Early on Al liked my art. Talking with Bo Welsh (set designer on Beetlejuice) and Alec on The Cat In The Hat set Alec was saying to Bo, "I can afford about any art I want but my favorite artist in the world is this man right here" (me). Everyone on the set then wanted to see my art.

Alec knows my family. Alec has been a wonderful influence on our lives. Shooting The Edge Alec would use me as a human bar bell "T-bag get over here!" Alec has a dozen nick names for me. Knowing the drill I'd go over as he'd pick me up over his head and do about 20 presses. He'd then do the scene after pumping up. During The Juror I stayed in upper Manhattan about four blocks from Al’s Central Park pad and he would drive us to work. I never had to worry about getting in trouble for being late.

I've known Alec before he was famous not even knowing who he was when I met him on Beetlejuice. We stay in touch. Alec is a person whose always been working on saving the world with his time, influence and energy. How many people can you think that you know who are doing that? Probably about the same amount of people you could call at 3 in the morning if your car broke down.

VOLCANO: If asked to act in an action film, would you rather play a cop or villain?

HAGGARTY: I've done both at the same time on The Shadow. Shadow was a super hero with a dark side. I made all the Shadow's shadows, did some of the gun work with the 50-caliber handgun, and was frequently The Shadow in the cab for stunt driving. In “Maniac Cop” I play New York cop in a prison. A neutral figure. I've played cops because I fit in a size 40 uniform and I'm 6'2".

A villain has more potential for creative acting where as a cop is a built in stereotype the actor must overcome so people aren't just looking at a generic role which becomes a bit of a booby trap for the actor as well if he is unconsciously trying to be seen as an actor. Now if you’re an insecure actor cop is the way to go by letting the stereotype do most of the work.

VOLCANO: All About Haggarty is filled with fellow Tacomans. How did you go about choosing who would be in the film?

HAGGARTY: We asked people we knew had acting ability or looked the part then it was a matter of availability. Fortunately it went well with the right people being there as needed for the story to unfold and we were pretty blown away each day at how this all continued to happen — that’s the miracle of this project.

Part two is 90 percent shot with even more odd circumstances.

VOLCANO: Have you ever thought about leaving Tacoma for Hollywood?

HAGGARTY: My brother Len and I have had and still have our Hollywood apartment for 20 years. I live down there when a project happens so I never think of it that way nor do I have to. It's like I live in both places.

VOLCANO: The Weekly Volcano has caught you singing karaoke at Jazzbones. Should we watch for your debut album?

HAGGARTY: Actually I've about 3 CDs as Blind Boy Teddy produced by Robert Richholt of Musicians Exchange. Blind Boy has performed at Jazzbones, Dawson’s, and The Monsoon Room. I play guitar and original material.

VOLCANO: Where can Tacomans see your paintings?

HAGGARTY: Jazzbones here and in Jazzbones II in Oak Harbor. I start painting Jazzbones III in Bellingham soon. You can also find my art upstairs at Masa, Primo Grill, Rampart on Broadway, exterior and interior of Bob's Java Jive, December at The Swiss, and Toi on Sunset in Los Angeles.