After appearing in smaller roles on a number of TV series ('Gossip Girls,' 'Law and Order: SVU'), actor Will Blagrove, who started out doing commercials for products and companies such as Kentucky Fried Chicken, MTV, ESPN, is widening his visibility as his next project is with a big studio film.

The Queens, NY native will be appearing opposite Owen Wilson, Reese Witherspoon, Paul Rudd and Jack Nicholson in the comedy 'How Do You Know,' directed by James Brooks ('As Good As It Gets').

Feeling a bit past her prime at 27, former athlete Lisa Jorgenson (played by Witherspoon) finds herself in the middle of a love triangle, as a corporate guy (played by Rudd) in crisis competes with Lisa's current, baseball-playing beau (played by Wilson).

BlackVoices.com caught up with Blagrove as he spoke about working on a big film with an extraordinary cast.

What role do you play?

Will Blagrove: I play Doug, who is a friend/teammate of Manny (played by Owen Wilson) for the Washington Nationals baseball team. My character is a man of a few words, very philosophical.

How was working with Owen?

WB: Owen is a great guy. He seemed to have a real natural sensibility about comedy. He always had the cast & crew laughing, on/off camera.

Did you get a chance to meet Jack or Reese?

WB: Most of my scenes are with Owen & Reese, since he's pursuing her. As his boy, I'm usually around a lot to have his back, or let him know what I think of the other guy she was interested in named George (played by Paul Rudd).

How good are you at playing baseball?

WB: Funny enough, I'm a little rusty. I used to play for a team when I was a kid, but that was eons ago.

How much did you learn from director James Brooks?

WB: It was definitely an honor to work with Jim on this film because I loved his other films, including 'As Good As it Gets,' 'Terms of Endearment,' 'Broadcast News,' and of course 'The Simpsons.' That was actually my favorite cartoon growing up. I used to tune in all the time, after the 'Tracey Ullman Show,' just so I could see the quick cartoon clip at the end, with Bart & Homer. One thing I learned about the craft from working with Jim was the improvisational factor. There were many occasions where Jim would change a line, on the fly, and before he gave you direction, you saw him deep in thought, and knew whatever he said or was going to say, was straight from the gut, after all that pensive thinking. I love that impromptu style, it's so fresh and nuanced, and you never know what you're going to get. In filmmaking a lot of times, those can turn out to be the funniest moments in a movie.

Does doing commercials prepare you for films?

WB: Commercials are like mini-movie sets. It's a fast-paced, high stakes environment that requires you to bring your A-game. Both sets require flexibility. Some directors want you to stick to the script and some encourage improv. A lot of film directors dabble in commercials too, like Martin Scorcese and Spike Lee. Spike directed me in a UNCF commercial that was a lot like a short film.

How tough is it to get a part on a studio film?

WB: It's really tough to get a part on a big film. I've been acting for over 10 years now, and I've come close to getting parts on many big films, so getting this was a real win for me.

What's next for you?

WB: I have a leading role in a gritty urban drama titled, 'Cost of a Soul.' The film is about two soldiers who return home from Iraq to Philly only to find out a new war has begun. It just premiered at the Hollywood Film Festival & is currently seeking distribution. I'm really proud of my role in it, and hope it gets released to build an awareness to many crime struck areas. Check out the trailer at www.costofasoul.com, the film is a must see.