Q: What have you been up to since we shot Believe Me last summer?

A: I did a film called Hot with Steven Strait and Noah Segan before I shot the second half of Parenthood for NBC. Then I shot the pilot of Weird Loners, which is coming out this January on FOX. Most recently, I shot a movie with Mickey Rourke and Emma Roberts called Ashby.

Q: What can you tell us about  your character in Ashby, Father Ted?

A: I play a priest named Father Ted who befriends the character of Mickey Rourke who is trying to find redemption; he’s led the life of a bad man. It was great to have a few scenes with Mickey who I look up to so much.

Q: What are the principal differences of working on film versus television? Do you prefer one over the other?

A: Film is what I prefer. I enjoy going somewhere, whether LA or a new location and meeting new people and playing a character for a 30-day schedule or so. I like to work on different projects with different actors and filmmakers. There is something to be said about television and developing a character over several years though, which is enjoyable and exciting. Not to mention the money is better in TV.

Q: You knocked your roll out of the park with Gabriel. Everyone who’s seen the film loves what you did with your character. Tell us about what attracted you to the roll?

A: First of all, I thought the script was amazing. I’ve never read a script that tackles issues within faith without a heavy hand. It’s humorous and fun, but yet there is still a moral tale being told, I believed in the script. In terms of my character Gabriel, I just thought it would be fun to play a guy that is so wrapped up in himself along with what he thinks is the right thing. I found his beliefs and love for himself to be really funny. The roll blended a few things I have secretly wanted to be, a rockstar and an actor, even though becoming a rock star didn’t work out; I sort of got to play a rock star in the movie (laughs). It was a fun character and I knew it was something I wanted to respond to.

Q: What age did you know you wanted to act? Is there an individual you draw your inspiration or technique from?

A: I started acting as a freshman in highschool, I went to an acting school and knew I wanted to act from the get-go. In terms of an actor I would compare my style to, I can’t pick anyone, I’m more of a naturalist actor. I love Jeff Bridges; he’s realistic and natural and I always try to come from a realistic and honest place with my work. I really love Jeff and Philip Seymour Hoffman. Those two have been big influences on me.

Q: Do you think the controversy this film brings with Christian filmmakers creating a satirical comedy on modern day church culture will ultimately benefit the success of the project and appeal to those of different beliefs?

A: I don’t see this film as a Christian film, I just see it as a great movie. If people want to call it a Christian movie, they can, and if others want to call it a comedy, that works. I see a movie like this relating to anyone. Believe Me is not limited to certain groups or categories. It’s a really funny movie that anyone can enjoy, whether they are a person of faith or not. I think too many people today get wrapped up in classifying and placing films in a specific box. I don’t think this movie fits into one, which I love.

Q: What have your fans/friends been saying to you about the trailer and content thats been released for Believe Me?

A: A lot of them are really excited to see the film. People have been tweeting and seem to really enjoy the trailer; overall they seem curious. People are going to laugh when they see the film. The great work speaks for itself and I’m excited for the release.

Q: Have you kept up with castmates from Believe Me?

A: I’ve seen Max Adler a few times along with Alex Russell here and there. Fortunately for our careers, everyone has been busy working, which makes it tough to see people.

Q: What did you take away from working on Believe Me last summer?

A: Well, you know, I’m not a Christian, I came into the project with my own preconceptions about Christianity and people of faith. I would say that those preconceptions were ill-conceived. I got to work with a bunch of people my age who are Christians and realized that they are open minded people and realized that maybe I was the one that was being close minded. I had my mind opened to a lot of different things last summer and made a lot of great friends. I enjoyed having our late night discussions on theology and speaking on faith and history. I learned a lot about myself in the last year in terms of what preconceptions I bring to the table and that I shouldn’t be so judgmental I also learned that I need to be more open minded in my life as a whole, whether its religion or anything for that matter. Last summer all blends into a big memory, whether it was Barton Springs or late night beers with everyone after work, I had a great experience working on Believe Me.

To learn more about Zach, you can follow him on Twitter, @ZachKnighton , and to see all the news about his role in Believe Me, follow @believemefilm.