Steve Buscemi Reveals Fun Secrets About Voicing a Pigeon and Working with Jenna Ortega!

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Growing up in New York, Steve Buscemi has had plenty of experience with a specific group of city residents – pigeons. Therefore, he didn’t need extensive research to get ready for voicing his character, Bobby, who is a talkative and witty bird, in the ongoing DirecTV campaign called “For the Birds,” where he plays opposite Winkler’s character Frank, who is calm and optimistic.

To me, he’s quintessentially New York,” Buscemi said to The Hollywood Reporter. “He’s accustomed to life, and while he doesn’t literally reside on the streets, he spends a lot of time up on rooftops. He’s old-fashioned and not particularly fond of change. He sticks to his routines, but I believe he has a kind heart like a pigeon. He values having a companion such as Frank, even though Frank can be irritating at times, but he remains a good friend regardless.

In recent times, it’s been a while since a local offered such a heartfelt compliment to a pigeon. However, Buscemi didn’t hesitate to shower praise in an interview with THR, discussing the latest installment of the DirecTV campaign. This new ad features Bobby and Frank, joined by Tammy the Squirrel, voiced by the talented Kristen Schaal. Her role is to guide the duo through the benefits of streaming DirecTV without satellite, a service that seamlessly integrates various content types, whether a customer prefers traditional TV, streaming services, or a blend of both. The commercial underscores DirecTV’s user interface and content integration capabilities across diverse content options.

How would you describe Bobby, who is known for his bluntness and wit, and how do you go about creating the voice of a pigeon?

To me, he embodies the essence of New York City – a seasoned resident who’s accustomed to urban living, often found perched on rooftops rather than streets. He appears traditional in his ways and may not be overly fond of change. Yet, despite his stubbornness, there’s a warmth within him, reminiscent of a loyal pigeon. Frank may sometimes grate on his nerves, but he remains a cherished friend nonetheless.

I’ve seen the first two spots but not this third installment. What can you tell me?

The new character, a squirrel played by Kristen Schaal, added an unexpected and delightful twist to our conversation. She wasn’t exactly speechless-inducing but caught us off guard in the best way possible. I’ve been a fan of Kristen’s work since working with her on the movie “Delirious” directed by Tom DiCillo many years ago, and I particularly enjoy her performances in shows like “What We Do in the Shadows.” I was thrilled to see her join the cast and hope we get to see more of her character in the future.

She’s amazing, always. And you were both on 30 Rock.  

Oh, yeah. But I never had a scene with her.

Henry Winkler, who appears alongside you in some DirecTV advertisements, mentioned that a downside of filming these spots is that they don’t interact during the recording process. Could you share your thoughts on Mr. Winkler?

It’d be wonderful if we could collaborate in person, as our geographical differences make scheduling tricky. However, I eagerly look forward to the possibility of us being in the same room at the same time. Typically, these tasks are broken down and recorded individually. I’m thrilled it’s Henry, as I’ve admired his work for years and truly appreciate him. When I perform my part, I can envision his response, and if he records first, I get to listen to his contribution. Despite the separate recording process, the team does an impressive job of making it appear as if we’re on the same rooftop.

“The one before that was enjoyable, especially with Deion Sanders. That segment served to publicize DirecTV’s free football streaming service. It piqued my interest about what Steve Buscemi is currently streaming. Are you a sports enthusiast, particularly football?”

Once upon a time, I was all about sports, but lately, I’ve found myself drifting away from that passion. However, working alongside Coach Prime (Sanders) was an absolute joy! Interacting with such a dynamic personality only added fuel to the fire of fun on set. As for sports, not so much these days – I prefer immersing myself in movies and TV shows instead.

The current DirecTV advertisement campaign is one of many notable voiceover projects you’ve worked on throughout your career, as shown in your extensive resume. Voiceovers have played a significant role in your professional journey since the early 2000s, with projects like Final Fantasy and Monsters Inc. being some of the first to utilize your talents. Do you have any strategies when it comes to voiceover work?

To put it simply, I’ve truly enjoyed the experience. If something seems exciting or the people involved are intriguing, count me in! The latest project I’ve been part of was the “Transformers: One” movie, and its stellar cast made it an unforgettable journey. My collaboration with Pixar on “Monsters Inc.” was a dream come true, as who wouldn’t want to embody the antagonist in a Pixar production?

Initially, my son’s decision to leave home was appealing as it allowed me to stay in New York without frequent absences. However, over the years, I’ve discovered that this lifestyle is not only enjoyable and straightforward but also intriguing. The unexpected turn of events has led me to a career I never anticipated – acting, followed by voice acting. This new path has given me the opportunity to portray diverse characters across numerous films, TV series, and commercials.

In my younger days, my parents brought my siblings and me to an event where Mel Blanc was speaking. Although I don’t possess his talent for diverse voices, I was in awe of the variety he showcased. What truly amazed me as a child was discovering that those animated characters had human voices behind them, which was mind-boggling. Fast forward to today, and I am a character actor who has found voice acting to be yet another way for me to broaden my skills in the field I’ve always been passionate about.

I’d like to discuss something related to your voice. Robert Pattinson, who attended the Berlin Film Festival for the premiere of Bong Joon Ho’s Mickey 17, mentioned that he based his accent in the movie on yours from Fargo. Have you heard about this? How does it feel knowing that your portrayal in Fargo continues to influence other actors?

I must admit, I’m quite astonished by that turn of events. To clarify, I haven’t had the chance to learn about it or watch the movie yet. Since my character and Peter Stormare’s were more like outsiders, I didn’t attempt his Minnesotan accent. It could be that he was influenced by my own accent, voice, or how my character spoke, but I can’t definitively say. As I haven’t seen the film, I’m uncertain about what specific scene or detail he might be referencing, but I’m genuinely amazed by it.

Thousands of enthusiastic Wednesday fans worldwide are curious to learn more about your role in the Netflix series. I’m aware that you portray the principal at Nevermore Academy and I understand that a non-disclosure agreement might be in place. However, could you share some insights about the experience of filming this series alongside Jenna Ortega?

Working with Jenna was something I truly enjoyed. We had previously collaborated on the production of “Klara and the Sun” in New Zealand earlier in the year, which gave me a chance to know her a bit before our subsequent project on Wednesday. The set was incredibly lively, and we filmed it in Dublin, even though it wasn’t set in Ireland; instead, it served as our home for several months during production. It was an absolute pleasure to reside and work there. I also had the opportunity to team up with Tim Burton once more. Since our collaboration on “Big Fish” over two decades ago, this was a unique chance for me. As a massive fan of his, I admire both his work and the way he approaches it – his enthusiasm, his perspective on the world. Moreover, I was fortunate enough to collaborate with the rest of the cast as well, as my character shares scenes with all members of the Addams family. Being a long-time admirer of “The Addams Family,” this experience was simply surreal and thrilling. All in all, it was an incredibly enjoyable project.

As a diehard fan, I’m thrilled at the prospect of witnessing more of your magic! I caught a glimpse of you at the SNL50 bash through some pictures, and it’s clear that you’re an integral part of the Saturday Night Live clan as a two-time host. Your collaboration with legends like Adam Sandler, Tina Fey, and Scarlett Johansson on numerous projects is just mind-blowing! Can you share what it felt like to be surrounded by so many friends in that star-studded room?

The experience was utterly fantastic! Simply being part of the audience was awe-inspiring. I found myself constantly craning my neck to see who else was there. I’m a huge fan of countless individuals in that venue, some I’ve collaborated with or have had minimal interactions with, so it was delightful to reconnect. However, at the post-event gathering, I couldn’t seem to locate many familiar faces, including Sandler, despite my search. We exchanged messages the following day, and I’m optimistic about our future collaboration. Working with him is always a pleasure. But let me say, there was an overwhelming sense of affection in that room. The performance was hysterical and clever. They never seem to lose their humor or self-deprecation. One of my favorite moments was when Adam sang a hilarious, heartfelt song.

The place was breathtakingly stunning. There’s a thought: why don’t we continue living in New York? You’re deeply interwoven into the very essence of this city, especially Brooklyn. How has your sentiment towards the city been lately? I’m aware that you experienced a rather unpleasant event not so long ago. Has your perspective on New York shifted following that occurrence?

I’ve never let “the events” influence my feelings about this place. You see, I’ve been a New Yorker for quite some time, moving around different parts of the city. That unfortunate incident doesn’t cross my mind often. The truth is, I’ve always had a soft spot for this vibrant metropolis and that hasn’t changed. It’s dynamic, it’s resilient, and despite occasional turbulence, it manages to bounce back. New Yorkers are remarkable in their unity; we pull together when faced with challenges. It’s a city that draws people from around the globe because of its unique charm.

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2025-02-24 19:26