OMC: There has been a concerted effort to attract filmmakers to Wisconsin. What impact do you think it will have?

MM: I think it's going to be big. They passed this great tax incentive law for film companies, where you get a 25 percent rebate on every dollar spent here. The Johnny Depp -- Michael Mann "Dillinger" movie, I think they're going to drop $19 million here. It's going to be big.

It's going to be big for promoting people from Hollywood and New York coming here to make movies, but it's also going to be good for developing the local filmmaking scene.

OMC: How is the local scene?

MM: There are a lot of good filmmakers here. One of the things I do at Milwaukee International Film Festival is help promote the Midwest Filmmaker competition, where we do a cash prize. I funded it the first year; it's for films made by Midwesterners in the Midwest or with people. We're trying to develop Milwaukee as the Fresh Coast, as (mayor) Tom Barrett calls it.

OMC: You're recognized for your roles in "Animal House" and "Seinfeld." What's the typical response you get from people who come in here who don't know that you own the restaurant?

MM: Most people who come here know that I'm around. When people didn't, a lot of times they would come in and see the pictures and they wouldn't believe it. They'd say, "No! You're not him." Once in awhile, people will say, "You know, you look a lot like the guy who played Neidermeyer in "Animal House" and I just say, "I am."

OMC: How many people recognize you from "Animal House" as opposed to "The Maestro?"

MM: It's probably about 50-50, Neidermeyer and "The Maestro."

OMC: Does it bother you?

MM: It doesn't bother me if they call me "Maestro." That's OK. But there is one name ... I can hardly say it. There is a guy who comes in about once a month and he'll come up behind me and say "Hi, Bob Cobb." (The Maestro's name on "Seinfeld). I still flinch. I don't like it.

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3 comments about this article. Post a comment / write a review.

Recent Talkbacks ...

Posted by SunGodXII on Feb. 29, 2008 at 6:56 a.m. (report)

This guy is amazing. He talks real no matter what. A fine actor. Superb! Thank you for hiring Mark Metcalf!

Posted by SunGodXII on Feb. 29, 2008 at 6:55 a.m. (report)

This guy is amazing. He talks real no matter what. A fine actor. Superb!

Posted by brunocarlson on Feb. 22, 2008 at 10:24 a.m. (report)

What about when he was in the Twisted Sister video? Great place to eat. I never knew that he was "okay" with people coming up to him and reciting his lines. Maybe I thought his on screen personality was his true personality. I would have done it sooner.