We went out to L.A. earlier this month to shoot our next cover story with actor Elijah Wood. After some so-so weather on our first few days in town, we were lucky to get the sun out on the day of our shoot, which made for some ideal shooting conditions. Wood arrived promptly at 11am (sans publicist/manager/posse) and, just as we expected, was an absolute ease to work with during the four and a half hour shoot.

Though he’s best known for the Lord of the Rings trilogy, we really preferred Wood in films that may not have been quite as popular: Green Street Hooligans, Everything is Illuminated and Paris, Je T’Aime, to name just a few. He’s played everything from a scientist to a serial killer, and even did the whole vampire thing, pre-Twilight, natch. And yet it’s funny to think that Elijah Wood is just 28 and still reaching his peak. 

These days, Wood’s love for movies is matched only by his love for music, and we spent a lot of time talking about his record label (Simian Records) and his new plans to pick up an instrument or two. By the time our afternoon was over, our admiration for Wood had only grown stronger. We came in expecting an intelligent actor, but we found someone who’s equally passionate and vocal about music, writing and the arts in general. It was less Elijah Wood as “actor,” and more Elijah Wood as a humble, creative, opinionated and all-around good guy. 

Elijah Wood graces the cover of our sixth issue, due out in August.