Recently, I had the pleasure of interviewing a creator, writer, executive producer, and actor behind the critically acclaimed web series The Marriage Tour and this talented individual is David Tinsley! For those who do not know, The Marriage Tour web series deals with the highs and lows couples face before, during, and after marriage. The show aims to provide a relatable, yet comical look into the issues that couples face every day. Along with the drama, it also serves to provide some insightful advice from which all viewers can benefit whether they are in a relationship or not.
While he’s also one of the creative forces behind the show, David also plays one of the main characters, Brian. Wow! Is David a modern day jack of all trades or what?! The Marriage Tour is currently in its third season and gaining more & more fans with each new episode. Check out my interview with David where he discusses The Marriage Tour, his favorite scenes to film, what’s next for him, and more below!
-Growing up, did you always know that you wanted to do something in the entertainment field(acting, directing, writing, etc.)?
I was aware of how movies made me feel growing up. They were an escape from the sometimes harsh realities of growing up in a single parent household on the east side of Detroit. In middle school, I would often times tell my mother I was going down the street to a friend’s house when in fact I’d walk a few miles alone to a movie theater to escape. Movies were therapeutic for whatever I was dealing with at the time.
-Who are your inspirations as far as acting is concerned?
Someone once asked me who I would want to meet in the industry if I had to choose one actor. My response was Tyler Perry. Not necessarily for his acting, but for his business acumen and ability to bring the industry to him and not the other way around. He caters to his audience and does what feels right to him irrespective of what critics think. I can respect that. Also, Harry Lennix as an actor. The Marriage Tour co-producer/lead actor, Keir Thirus, told me that people watch movies to see themselves on screen rather than to see the actors/actresses perform. That stuck with me. Harry Lennix gets into the skin of his characters and makes their words his own. You see yourself when watching him on screen; not just someone up there reciting lines. I’m honored to say that he can be seen in Episode 2 of our third season.
-How did you come up with The Marriage Tour?
I got married back in August of 2011 to my beautiful wife and partner, Bridget Tinsley. She’s pretty much the inspiration and support system behind The Marriage Tour. Most of the folks we hang with in LA are married. We’d often times share stories and I realized that there were many similarities give or take a detail or two. That’s when I decided to put it on paper hoping that others would connect to the material.
-Are there any similarities between you and Brian?
Of course. We’re both stubborn and move at our own pace. It takes us a while to do what we know is best for us. My wife would attest to that. We both are head over heels for our woman and will do pretty much anything to keep them happy.
-Why do you think The Marriage Tour has been successful with viewers?
It comes from a real place and acts as a mirror for our audience. We have Brian and Denise, the couple that has been dating for years trying to find their way and hopefully make it to that next phase in their relationship. Andre and Carmen are the newlyweds. They’re still adjusting to the married life and trying to figure out how to become a union while maintaining they’re individuality. Next there’s Laura and Kyle. They’ve been married for several years and things have become mundane and complacent in their relationship. They’re trying to find that spark that got their fire started in the first place. Lastly, there’s Eddie and Jessica. They’re both jaded by past experiences which are inhibiting them from moving to the exclusive phase. Each of these eight characters represents someone out there in the dating world, generally speaking. I believe that’s the story behind the success.
-What can we expect from the remainder of season three?
Closure for each of the four main storylines. This will be the last season entirely funded by my wife and I, TinBridge Productions, so it’s important that we provide closure for our very supportive audience so these characters can live on in their minds.
-What has been your favorite scene to film? Why?
For me personally, I’d have to say Season 2 Episode 5 and Season 3 Episode 6 with all of the leading men. Keir Thirus, Daren Dukes, Jerrel O’Neal, and I have a wonderful rapport on and off camera. I literally forgot that a camera was rolling when filming those episodes.
-Could there be a fourth season of The Marriage Tour? If so, what can fans/viewers possibly expect?
I won’t count it out, but Bridget and I would prefer to have financial backing the fourth go around. We paid for the first three seasons out of pocket and vowed not to do it for the possible fourth. It wouldn’t behoove us creatively or business wise. If we were to get financial assistance to do a fourth season, we’d allow the storylines to progress naturally. We could possibly add children into the characters lives and take a look inside their careers. Forced creativity is one of my biggest pet peeves. I’ve seen it with some of my favorite shows/films and it always left a bad taste in my mouth. I won’t do it if it feels forced or inauthentic no matter how much money is being thrown my way.
-What advice would you give to someone wanting to get into acting/writing/film making business?
Pursue it because your life depends on it; because you can’t live without it and feel you can contribute to an art form that so many before you have given their blood, sweat, and tears to. Do don’t it for fame or any other meaningless, superficial reasons. I hear so many artists say, “If I don’t make it by the time I’m thirty, I’m going to move on to another profession.” Don’t get into this business if that’s how you feel because that means it’s not in your heart. You can breath without it. I made a commitment to myself to create art for as long as I’m here on this earth. Doesn’t mean I won’t dibble and dabble into other areas, but film will always be a part of my life in some way, shape, or form. It’s my duty to society and a big part of who I am.
-What is NEXT for David Tinsley?
A project that deals with the stigmas associated with seeking psychiatric help in the black community, but that could change next week. You know how us artists are.
FOLLOW David Tinsley on Twitter, VISIT The Marriage Tour’s official website, FOLLOW the show on Twitter, and LIKE the show on Facebook.
Photo Credit: The Marriage Tour’s YOUTUBE Account/The Marriage Tour official site/David Tinsley/Twitter(David D. Tinsley account)
