It was a great honor to work alongside Kurtwood Smith in the film Business Ethics. My name is Theresa Longo and I am a professional actress, musician (keyboard, drums, especially guitar) writer and producer. I had the chance to star in a few exceptional music videos too, one directed by Clifton Collins Jr on the set of 999 in Atlanta. Another story for another time! But today we will talk about what it was like to work with Kurtwood Smith. Many of you also know him as “Red” in “That 70’s Show”, (a show from my high school era) — so let’s dive into the experience…
Toronto: Forever Hollywood North
It’s no secret a ton of productions film in Canada. The Lakeshore or Etobicoke area has several studios, lots, and sets which host a myriad of feature films, TV productions, commercials and more. As a professional working actress, sometimes opportunities arise in the blink of an eye. That is usually how it works in my world. Somehow, some way, the stars align and the timing is right. A series of “yeses’ and availability put me on set of Business Ethics, which filmed in a quaint, albeit multi-million dollar enclave somewhere mid-north of Toronto. As I walked the winding street up to a sprawling manse, I noticed the signs out front for background and checked in at holding. Our scene in Business Ethics was a dramatic outdoor sequence with a fight scene, and a stunt whereby someone gets thrown off a balcony – if I remember correctly (You have to go watch this film!)
Business Ethics – Comedy Film
Business Ethics is a 2019 Canadian dark comedy-tragedy drama film directed by Nick Wernham. It stars Larenz Tate as Zachery Cranston, a sharp but morally bankrupt hedge fund manager whose elaborate Ponzi scheme unravels, costing him his friends, his integrity, and ultimately his life.
The story opens with a flashback to young Zachery in business school, where he begins questioning (and then embracing) unethical practices. Influenced by his shady stepfather Edwin Murk (Gil Bellows), Zachery builds his own fraudulent empire, recruiting a ragtag team and luring in high-stakes investors—including the ruthless Magnus Hardcastle, played by Kurtwood Smith. As the scheme starts to collapse under pressure from dwindling returns and suspicious clients (some of them dangerous criminals), Zachery spirals into deeper deception, fraud, and even murder to keep it afloat. His once-close relationships crumble, and the film builds to a bleak, darkly comedic climax where his loyal secretary Veronica (Sarah Carter) finally turns on him.
The supporting cast also includes Lance Reddick, Julian Richings, Angus Macfadyen, and others. It’s a sharp, satirical look at greed, ambition, and the slippery slope of “business ethics” in the finance world.
My Scene With Kurtwood Smith
Watch for me as one of the party goers in the backyard during the epic fight scene on the balcony. There is some action packed stunt work in the scene. After our time to film the crew enjoyed lunch. We were all treated so well on this set and I remember things were well organized and like clockwork. No time wasting here. The crew were working so hard. Kurtwood himself was very quiet and reserved. He blended in seamlessly with everyone. He was ahead of me in the lunch line. Absolutely no one approached him out of total respect and even though I tremendously loved him in That 70s Show, my professionalism prevented me from making any special mention to him. He was kind, courteous and wholly professional. He is evidently a well prepared actor and has established a name for himself across many genres. Quiet, reserved, professional, and unremarkable are all words to describe the experience of meeting and working with Kurtwood Smith on the set of Business Ethics!
See also: What was it like working with James Franco?
Theresa Longo in film & TV
