Life at Work with Criminal Minds Actor, Tom Schanley

Actors do more than just show up on set, and it’s clear Tom Schanley leads quite the busy Life at Work. Between working in television, on shows like Criminal Minds, Dexter and the CSI’s and writing his own films, Tom’s got his hands full. He’s pretty lucky though, read on to see why…

Tom on the set of Criminal Minds

Describe your typical workday

When not on set, I’m up around 8 AM. I write (hopefully without procrastination) for a couple hours. Gym. Make sure my agents and managers remember whom the hell I am. Then just go where the day takes me. When on set, it depends on the gig. I may have a 6 AM call, or any other time during the day. Then, I just go where they tell me.

If you could work anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?

Fortunately the nature of the film business allows you to work everywhere. I’ve worked from Rome to Shanghai and loved ‘em all. But if I had to pick one place to “base” out of? It would be right where I am. Santa Monica California, 3 blocks from the sand! Can ya’ blame me?

How would you describe your workspace?

My whole living room…. and some of the kitchen. (I’ve gotta’ eat, right?)

What is one “work item” you can’t live without (could be your planner, laptop, iphone, ipad, etc)?

My monkey…… No, the computer……… But the monkey’s important.

If you could switch careers for a day, what would you do?

I wouldn’t mind checking out Richard Branson’s world…. I might not give it back though.

You have so much going on; can you give us one tip on how you keep it all together?

My publicist…..(slave driver).

What are 3 things fans don’t know about you?

I’m a Saints fan.

I love Shakespeare.

My yodeling skills have been greatly exaggerated.

ABOUT TOM SCHANLEY

Actor Tom Schanley is known mostly for his work in television, on shows like Criminal Minds, Dexter and the CSI’s, but he has also had the privilege of working with some of the cinematic icons of our time: Academy Award winning director Ed Zwick and Denzel Washington in Courage Under Fire, Mel Gibson and Julia Roberts in Conspiracy Theory among others. Along with his writing partner Jon Lindstrom, Tom wrote and executive produced the feature film THE HARD EASY, starring David Boreanaz, Bruce Dern and Vera Farmiga. Watch for Tom in the upcoming NBC series, Outlaw, with Jimmy Smits.