Danielle Rayne is the star of the short film “Portal: No Escape”. The short film based on the hit video game series and is directed by Dan Trachtenberg. Media Mikes had a chance to chat with Danielle about the short film and it’s overnight success.
Mike Gencarelli: Tell us about how you got involved with “Portal: No Escape”?
Danielle Rayne: The first of our 2 stunt coordinators, Keith Adams, and I had worked at Universal Studios T2:3D together. Keith is a huge “Portal” fan. When Dan Trachtenberg was casting “Portal: No Escape”, Keith introduced him to some actresses and stunt women he thought could do the job. So I owe all this to Keith.
MG: How aware were you of the video game series “Portal” prior to working on the short?
DR: No, I wasn’t. I must live in a bubble…
MG: The short has over 5 million hits already, are you surprised by the response?
DR: I thought it would do well, especially as Dan would send me clips of the VFX in stages and I could see the high production values. The Comic Con debut was another indicator. But nothing really prepares you for 5 million hits and #1 for the week on YouTube. The speed with which “P:NE” went viral floored me.
MG: Tell us about the production, how long did it take to shoot?
DR: We shot for three days in downtown L.A. in some abandoned buildings that have been turned into studios. The cell was shot in a studio that was formerly a meat packing plant. You did not want to go wandering around by yourself! I took a couple wrong turns going to and from set and I’d get a chill up my spine.
MG: Tell us about working with Dan Trachtenberg?
Working with Dan was one of the best experiences in my career. He’s keyed into drawing the best performance out of his actors. Portal:No Escape and More Than You Can Chew really show that. There’s a couple up-and-coming directors who are going to make a huge mark on Hollywood–Dan is one of them.
MG: Do you think there is a chance for this to become a feature film?
DR: A chance, sure. That being said, the movie business is so hard to pin down. Might as well go to Vegas and bet it all on black.
MG: Tell us about the film “Broken Down”?
DR: Trevor White directed it, Miles Warner wrote and stars in it. I have a great part but I can’t say much about Mary without giving away the good stuff! I can tell you I have dialogue this time. Like Dan, Trevor is another soon-to-be-breakout director and this is the second film I’ve done with him.
MG: Do you have anything else planned upcoming?
DR: I’ve recently begun working with 4 Horsemen Films and their management division. Clearly, the character I play in “P:NE” hit home for a lot of viewers–even ones who had never played “Portal”. A lot of reviews appreciated that my character was strong, smart and sexy without being a sex object. We’ve got a few things we’re looking at with all that in mind. So if anyone wants to pitch a badass female driven spec–Zack at 4 Horsemen Films is my go-to guy. 😉