Mike Lowery
Drenched in the skyline of the Big Apple, “Night Sweats” tells the story of a mysterious, sudden death that leads a young skateboarder to investigate the inner workings of the self-help company where his deceased roommate was employed. While going under-cover there, he discovers a scheme to spread a new virus that could devastate the city. At great risk to his own life, including contracting the disease himself, he will not stop until he finds the source of the virus and destroys the company that stands to profit when it becomes an epidemic.
John Wesley Shipp, best known for his work on the small screen (in the likes of “The Flash” and “Dawson’s Creek”), tells Moviehole what appealed to him about playing the mysterious Nick Frankenthaler in the film, as well as touched on his work on The CW’s “The Flash”.
John, I think it’s fair to say your fans are going to be surprised by this latest part. Was it appealing to play something as far removed as “The Flash” or “Dawson’s Creek” as possible?
As early as 1985 I broke the “guy’s guy type” playing a psycho opposite Julianne Moore and Steven Weber on As The World Turns for which I won my first Emmy. The following year I played a woman abuser on Santa Barbara and won my second Emmy. It’s been superheroes and psychopaths ever since, drug addicted cop on NYPD Blue 1st season, psycho-Dad 2nd season of Teen Wolf for MTV, etc. So anyone who’s been following my career won’t be surprised. I do like to shake it up.
How could you relate to Nick? Any similarities there?
I’m not like Nick, except at times can be methodical. That’s the great thing about acting, we are only limited by our imaginations.
How did this part come about?
The production team hired the casting director Donna McKenna who contacted my manager.
How does shooting an indie film compare to working on big studio TV? Is it all down to craft service ?
(laughs) no. It’s a more compressed schedule, and more of an improvisatory feel because you are initially answering to fewer people.
You’ve returned for quite a few episodes of The CW’s take on “The Flash”. Do you have a favourite one?
I’ll always be proud of the relationship Grant and I forged as father/son in the first two seasons. The infirmary scene is one of my favorites, but also the pilot. As Jay Garrick: the first scene in the coffee shop, and taking Wally’s place in the speed force.
There’s been a bit of talk lately about a possible “Dawson’s Creek” revival. Heard anything on solid on that? Think it’s a good time to bring it back?
There has been talk about it over the years, and I think the “kids” are more amenable as the years go by, but nothing solid at the moment that I know of. Dawson’s Creek with cell phone and social media, I dunno, I guess it could work?
“Night Sweats” opens in New York and releases on all major platforms November 14.
