Book Review “Watchmen: The Art of the Film”

Author: Peter Aperlo
Hardcover: 256 pages
Publisher: Titan Books
Released: February 10, 2009

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

“Watchmen” is a very visual film and it is a film that is perfect to have an art book made for it. Especially since the film is already based on a graphic novel, it just had that comic feel to it. Being a fan of the movie and the graphic novel…this is a dream come true. I have looked over this book numerous times and I still do not feel that I have covered everything in it. I think that is the kind of book I would want to own and add to my collection. The book really adds to the visual aspect of the film and its content.

“Watchmen: The Art of the Film” is broken down into seven parts focusing on Concept Art, Sets, Props, the Owlship, Costumes and Posters. The introduction allow is almost over 20 pages with amazing visuals setting the standard high for the rest of the book. The concept art includes over 60 pages of amazing artwork and references the films storyboards, the graphic novel and also dramatizations never before seen from the film itself. The next section focuses on the film’s sets, which was a really highlight for me personally. They created a world within the film which felt like it was right off the page of the graphic novel. You miss all of the little details that went into this film and this book really showcases that well. The props section is just a very colorful and busy section of the cool shit in the film like gadgets, toys and advertisements. The Owlship has a section of its own that is how cool it is. It goes into great detail for the creation of this amazing vehicle. The costumes in the film are so fantastic and should have been won an award for their uniqueness and complex works of art. The section includes various wardrobes and outfits created for each of the films characters. The last section includes various poster designs from the films featuring each character and other visual creations.

Overall if you have seen this movie, it is guaranteed that you are going to want this book to accompany the film. Or visa-versa, if you haven’t seen this film yet and you checked out this book, it is going to guaranteed make to watch this movie immediately. Like I said earlier, this is just the kind of film that you look forward to checking out the art from it. I wish there were more films like this. It is visually daring and is not afraid to be different and this is the person companion.

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Filed Under: Book Reviews Tagged With: art, book, film, review, watchmen

Book Review “Drew Struzan: Oeuvre”

Author: Drew & Dylan Struzan
Hardcover: 314 pages
Publisher: Titan Books
Release Date: October 4, 2011

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

If you aren’t aware of the work Drew Struzan, first I suggest picked last year amazing release “The Art of Drew Struzan”. Drew Struzan has created artwork for over 150 movie posters, including “Star Wars”, Indiana Jones” and “Harry Potter”. This book features an additional 250 pieces of art and doesn’t just keep it to movie posters either. It covers movies, record albums, books, comics, stamps and even trading cards. It includes right up-to-date pieces of Struzan’s work including “Walking Dead” and “Cowboys and Aliens” but also of course some of the classics. What I like most about this release specifically is that it includes quite a bit of material that has never been published prior, including some of his personal work.

I feel that this book is a little more personal than “The Art of Drew Struzan”. This one really delves into the man, Drew Struzan, and his work. The first section deals with “Music” ranging from Alice Cooper to “Beauty and the Beast” and the works of John Williams. Next we comes to movies which is my personally favorite section. What I like most is the Struzan did a lot of variant posters that were never used like “Cowboys and Aliens”, since it shows the alien in the poster (sort of). I think it would have made for much better poster. Being a “Star Wars” geek though, the different drawings from that series are truly my favorite pieces of work. What makes this book unique is the commercial and personal works included ranging from portraits of the late Princess Diane to MAD Magazines to female portraits and abstracts. You can really see his range of work and explores some of the not so well known drawings.  This book covers it all.

The book is co-authored by Drew’s wife Dylan and they have been married for over 40 years, which is huge. Also you have to understand if you are married, a wife has a huge influences on their spouses work and I am sure she had her had in many of his famous works. The foreword is done by Drew’s longtime friend and collaborator George Lucas…that’s right THE George Lucas. He really gives a great send off for Struzan’s work and this book. Overall if you follow Drew’s work and are a fan of REAL posters not today’s photoshopped terrors than this is a no-brainer.

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Book Review “Halo: The Art of Building Worlds – The Great Journey”

Author: Martin Robinson
Hardcover: 192 pages
Publisher: Titan Books
Release Date: October 18, 2011

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

When it comes to “Halo”, it is one of the most beloved franchises by its very expressive fans.  This book right away has a big shoes to fill.  The book is not only visually amazing but it also covers over a decade of “Halo” ranging from “Halo: Combat Evolved” to “Halo: Reach” to even “Halo: Legends”.  It is a great celebration of the art from the franchise. The book covers everything from characters to landscapes to weapons and includes with sketches and concepts art by many acclaimed artists such as Ashley Wood, Alex Chu, and Frank Capezzuto.

The book features seven chapters spawned over almost 200 pages.  The first is about the “Architects of the Past”.  This chapter focuses on a lot of landscape concept art and includes some never before seen art concepts. Since “Halo” takes place in space, the created for this have endless possibilities and it is great to be able to catch some of that in this images. The second is called “We are Their Instrument” and focuses on the baddies in the game ranging from the Elites to the Jackals to the Hunters.  The third is called the “Tools of Conquest”. This chapter focuses on the vehicles and space crafts used throughout the series. It is something that usually doesn’t get to be enjoyed as much in the game itself. The fourth is called “A Monument To All Your Sings” and focuses on the creatures in the series like “The Flood”.  The fifth is a “Welcome to the Corps” and focuses on the soldiers and weapons in the game from UNSC to ODST to Spartans.  This is easily one of my favorites. The sixth is called “Folks Need Heroes” and focuses on the Spartans kicking some ass in different situations.  The seventh is called “Homeworlds” is the “pretty” chapter focusing on various landscapes and locations.

The book features an introduction from “the face of Halo,” Frank O’Connor.  It is short but sweet and definitely reaches out to “Halo” fans and would get them pumped for this book.  The idea of “Halo” itself just screams “give me an art book”.  There is so much amazing design that goes into the characters, landscapes, weapons and just the “Halo” universe itself.  This book is a true must for “Halo” fans awaiting the next addition to this fantastic series.

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Book Review “The Simon and Kirby Library: Crime”

Author: Joe Simon & Jack Kirby
Hardcover: 320 pages
Publisher: Titan Books
Release Date: November 1, 2011

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

When you think about the comic book duo Joe Simon & Jack Kirby, you just think of a match made in heaven. There wasn’t a genre that the two couldn’t conquer. This compilation delves into the Simon & Kirby Library containing thirty-two stories original published from 1947-49, and two from 1954 & 1955. There are over 300 pages of comics included in this book. The republished comics looks very crisp and just flipping the pages just shows the colorful richness of these stories.

Since there are over thirty titles included, they come from various different platform. There are four stories from 1947’s “Clue Comics”, six from 1947’s “Real Clue Crime Stories”, “Headline Comics” dating from 1947-48 contains the most comics with thirteen, dating from 1947-49 “Justice Traps the Guilty” packs nine comics and lastly two comics from “Police Trap” dating back to 1954-1955. If all those comics aren’t enough for you there is also a spectacular full page cover gallery, including 13 covers.  All in all very impressive and great stories included in this set.

Each story last less than 15 pages at most are short like most 40-50’s serials. The color on the comics are just phenomenal Titans Books did an excellent job restoring these comics on this release and really catered to the fans. Wrapping up this great book is a great introduction by “Road to Perdition” author “Max Allan Collins. His introducing is very insightful and interesting. It also gets you pumped to continue to the next page. If you are a fan of Simon and Kirby, this is a must for your collection.

 

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Mark Hamill Joins “New-Gen” Comic Book & Movie Franchise as Creative Consultant

MARK HAMILL JOINS “NEW-GEN” COMIC BOOK & MOVIE FRANCHISE AS CREATIVE CONSULTANT

“NEW-GEN” Names Powerhouse Production Team To Include Mace Neufeld, Kim H. Winther, David Tattersall, Jeffrey A. Okun, John H. Starke, Oliver Scholl and Christopher Young

From New York Comic-Con, “NEW-GEN” Debuts Graphic Novel and Film Sneak Peek, With Book Signings and Panel Featuring Mark Hamill

NEW YORK, NY (Comic-Con) – October 13, 2011 – A.P.N.G. Enterprises, Inc. (Association for the Protection of the New Generation), creators of “NEW-GEN,”® the epic superhero comic book series, today announced Mark Hamill as creative consultant for the franchise, including the upcoming live action feature film production. Originated as a comic book series printed and distributed by Marvel Comics, “NEW-GEN” is a transmedia property with characters and a storyline that reach across platforms, from movies to merchandise, television, mobile, video games and beyond (www.newgenuniverse.com).

Mark Hamill joins J.D. Matonti, Chris Matonti and Julia Coppola, creators of “NEW-GEN”®, as creative consultant, contributing to the multiplatform evolution of the saga of twin brothers with extraordinary abilities seeking to discover their true origins.  During NY Comic-Con this week, A.P.N.G. Enterprises, Inc. will release a special six-issue graphic novel, “NEW-GEN: Volume One,” featuring a “forward” from Hamill who shares his thoughts on this next-generation comic franchise that evolves around the battle over nanotechnology.

“’NEW-GEN’ is a fresh and powerful new story that will surely resonate with audiences across multiple platforms,” says Mark Hamill, legendary actor and voice artist. “I’m honored to join the franchise and upcoming feature film as creative consultant and aim to evolve this compelling universe for fans to enjoy with the A.P.N.G. Enterprises’ team.”

Also joining the “NEW-GEN” team for the upcoming live action feature film are renowned Producer Mace Neufeld (“The Hunt for Red October”), Co-Producer and First Assistant Director Kim H. Winther (“X-Men: First Class”), Director of Photography/Cinematographer David Tattersall (“Star Wars: Episodes I, II, III”), Visual Effects Supervisor Jeffrey A. Okun (“The Day the Earth Stood Still”), Production Manager John H. Starke (“The Punisher”), Production Designer Oliver Scholl (“Jumper”) and Composer Christopher Young (“Spider Man 3”). “NEW-GEN” founder and creator J.D. Matonti will helm the production as the feature’s Director, with the franchise’s Julia Coppola and Chris Matonti rounding off as the film’s Executive Producer and Producer respectively.

“’NEW-GEN’ is making its move into live action feature films with the perfect team, bringing experience from some of the greatest blockbuster films of our time,” said J.D. Matonti, “NEW-GEN” creator and director. “What started as a simple comic book in 2008 has quickly expanded into a full-blown universe that injects a fresh spin into superhero storytelling. We’re thrilled to introduce our characters and world with Mark Hamill and these immensely talented professionals taking the lead.”

Hamill will also support “NEW-GEN” from the convention with two graphic novel signings, on Oct. 14 and 16, and a panel on Oct. 15 alongside franchise creators J.D. & Chris Matonti, comic artist behind the series Abdul H. Rashid, and transmedia expert Jeff Gomez of Starlight Runner Entertainment, who provided support in developing the “NEW-GEN” story world.

Along with the graphic novel which features the first six issues of the comic book, A.P.N.G. Enterprises, Inc. debuts issue number one of a five-issue miniseries, “NEW-GEN: NEW-DAWN,” in addition to a preview of “NEW-GEN: AWAKENING,” an upcoming series for 2012 introducing Carmen, a driving character in the live action feature film.

About “NEW-GEN”
A.P.N.G. Enterprises. Inc. (Association for the Protection of the New Generation) (www.newgenuniverse.com) launched “NEW-GEN” ® as an epic superhero comic book series, printed and distributed by powerhouse Marvel Comics. “NEW-GEN” ® issue #1 debuted at New York Comic-Con 2008 at the Marvel booth, introducing a nanopowered future world. Creators J.D. Matonti, Julia Coppola and Chris Matonti have transformed the “NEW-GEN” ® universe into a global transmedia franchise featuring characters within a storyline made for live action feature films, television series, mobile and video games, toys, merchandising and beyond.

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Filed Under: Art/Theatre Tagged With: book, comic, consultant, creative, franchise, hamill, ...

Interview with Ashley Eckstein

Ashley Eckstein is best known for voicing the role of Ahsoka Tano in the TV series “Star Wars: The Clone Wars”.  The show is hitting warp speed and it enters its fourth season this Fall.  Ashley is also the celebrity host, along with James Arnold Taylor, this year at Walt Disney World’s “Star Wars” Weekend.  Movie Mikes had a chance to chat about “Star Wars: The Clone Wars” with Ashley as well as her hosting for “Star Wars” Weekend and even her own clothing line “Her Universe” which is also inspired by “Star Wars”.

Check back this weekend for an exclusive giveaway of an autographed shirt from Ashley’s ‘Her Universe’ clothing line

Mike Gencarelli: So lets start at the beginning, any idea you will be where you are today when you took the role of Ahsoka Tano in “Star Wars: The Clone Wars”?
Ashley Eckstein: [laughs] No, actually I had no idea. I would have called myself more of a casual “Star Wars” fan before I got the “Clone Wars” job. I watched the movies when I was a little kid but it didn’t really go beyond that. I did understand the power of “Star Wars”. I thought knew just how iconic it was. But when I once I was cast on the show. I guess I didn’t quite comprehend JUST how powerful it was and how popular it was worldwide. So, obviously after working on the show and working with Dave Filoni you just become just a hardcore fan. We really have to understand “Star Wars” to be able to do the show. I think in order really to perform our roles to the best we can. Dave really helps us with that. Dave is such a huge “Star Wars” fan. He really knows it all and we get to learn from him. We have been working on the show now close to six year and have really become much more knowledgeable and passionate fans due to that. So I definitely never imagined the position I would be in today and how “Star Wars” has also affected my life and what it means to me. It really has changed my life.

MG: What do you like most about playing Ahsoka ?
AE: I think my favorite part of playing Ahsoka is how powerful of a character she is and a role model for young girls. That has really been a dream come true for me. I worked a lot of the Disney Channel and Nickelodeon before “Clone Wars”, mostly on-camera work. I really fell in love with children and family programming. First hand I saw the impact you can have on a child’s life by doing a children/family show. So, I really tried to gear my career in that direction. “The Clone Wars” came along and I wasn’t even trying for it. Literally, my agent got a call and I was asked to come in and read. So to get the role of Ahsoka who is such a strong and powerful character for young girls to look up to to and to even be a part of it is just such an honor for me. I am not one of these actresses that say I don’t want to be a role model or I never asked for this. I do feel that a child’s role model should be somebody that is in their life on a daily basis. But I also understand that by default as someone in the public eye you are going to be a role model whether you life it or not. So it is something I take very seriously. I want to be a positive influence and through Ahsoka I can do that. I am very honored to be given the opportunity to do that.

MG: Having this character really opened up the “Star Wars” franchise to a more female audience, can you reflect on that for us?
AE: When I was growing up, I was a bit of a tom-boy. The only girl on the baseball team. I didn’t want to wear a dress. Had my hat on backwards [laughs]. Having a character like Ahsoka, I wish I would have had Ahsoka to look up to. Not every girl wants to be a princess or wear a dress. Some girls want to carry a lightsaber and pretend to be a jedi. I think it is really cool to have her character. “The Clone Wars” has kind of become the watercooler show for kids on the playground. Whether you like “Star Wars” or not, it is the show that everyone talks about. Even the girls are starting to watch it just so they are in the know. Now when the kids play it on the playground, the girls have someone they can be. They do not have to pretend to be Anakin, Captain Rex or Obi-Wan. I have so many little girls coming up to be saying “Yeah I am Ahsoka and my brother is Anakin and we play “Clone Wars” all the time”. I think that is so cool that their is a character that the girls can be. Not even just Ahsoka, there is Asajj Ventress, Padmé Amidala, Sha’ak Ti and just so many powerful females in “The Clone Wars”.

MG: What has been your favorite part of hosting Star Wars Weekend in Walt Disney Resort this year?
AE: I think it is the ability to interact with the fans, especially the kids. “The Clone Wars” sort of introduced “Star Wars” to a new generation. It is funny because “Star Wars” is the “The Clone Wars” to many kids today. Many kids haven’t seen the other movies yet. They have only seen “The Clone Wars. To have that impact on a new generation of kids to me…I can’t even fantom it. To see some of the expressions from their faces and I get a chance to meet them. It has really been an honor [laughs], I really don’t have another word for it.

MG: Tell us about your show you are hosting “Behind the Force”?
AE: Of course, I think it is a fun show. “Behind the Force” takes you on a behind the scenes look at our job as voice over artists and recording the show. The first part of the show we have a special guest, in our upcoming last weekend we have Tom Kane, who is the voice of Yoda, the narrator of the show and many others from the show. So we introduce our audience to him and I ask him a couple of questions and then our audience get a chance to ask him some questions as well. Then we go into a live demonstration of us going into the studio recording an episode. Then we audition people from our audience to be an honorary cast member of “The Clone Wars”. The person that is chosen gets to come up on stage and do a scene live with us on stage. It is really exciting and puts the audience in the studio with us and get a chance to see what it is like.

MG: How many times have you rode the new “Star Tours” this month since its opening?
AE: That is a great question [laughing]. I think I have rode it eight or nine times…I think nine times by now. It is such an amazing ride. They did such a fantastic job on it and it is almost like a completely new ride. They revamped the entire thing. I also got to do a series of videos with Disney showing the behind the scenes look on the making of Star Tours. It just awesome. If you ride with me the chances are you will get Hoth [laughs], that is the one planet I keep getting over and over. I have only gotten Naboo twice and to me that is definitely my favorite. I even got picked as the secret spy one time, which was fun.

MG: Tell us about your “Star Wars” inspired clothing line, Her Universe?
AE: Thanks for asking about that. I created Her Universe and we launched about a year ago this June. It is the first “Star Wars” / sci-fi line JUST for women. We are only for the female fans. Close to half of all sci-fi and “Star Wars” fans are women. “Star Wars” is the story of hope and that transcends gender. I got the idea a little over three year ago. Actually when I first got cast for “Clone Wars”, I did a search for merchandise for women because I wanted to buy stuff. But I really came up empty handed. I was able to find one shirt and the rest was either on backorder or sold out. There was very little for women and NOTHING for little girls. It just didn’t make sense to me. I go to all the events and “Star Wars” weekends and there are women everywhere. I was thinking “Why are you giving us nothing to buy when 85% of the consumer market is women?” I have to give LucasFilm credit because they were the first company to give me a shot. They really want to recognize their female fans. They gave me the license and trusted me [laughs]. I have always been into fashion decision, so they trusted me to design clothes and accessories for the female fans. So I am really excited about that. Disney, again, I have to give them credit that they gave us the opportunity to sell it during “Star Wars” Weekends and we have been selling five different shirts in the merchandise tent, Jabba’s Hut. I have been doing signings there also every day. It has been great. One more thing, I have to thank SyFy because we just closed a deal with them and starting in July we are coming out with SyFy merchandise for the brand and also its properties. We are starting with “Battlestar Galactica” and “Warehouse 13”.

MG: What can we expect from season 4 in “Star Wars: The Clone Wars” this Fall?
AE: Sure, I can definitely tell you it is actually called Season 4: Battle Lines. It is going to take you right into the heart of the battles of the Clone Wars. They have been going on for over two years now. The war is really taking its toll on its characters. There are going to be epic battles that are going to be bigger than anything we have seen to date on the series. There is also the return of some classic characters from the “Star Wars” movies including some bad guys but also some good guys. So also look for that trend to continue and look for some really epic battles. They are really raising the bar.

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Interview with Ahmed Ahmed

Ahmed Ahmed is a standup comedian who has also appeared in several films and television shows. His newest project is titled “Just Like Us” and documents Ahmed and several other comedians’ tour across the Middle East. Ahmed took time out of his busy schedule to talk with Movie Mikes about his new project.

Adam Lawton: Can you tell us about your film “Just Like Us”
Ahmed Ahmed: “Just Like Us” is a documentary film that I came up with after doing comedy shows around the Middle East. Around 2007 I toured the Middle East with a group we put together called “The Axis of Evil Tour” which was filmed and shown on television over there. In 2008 we toured there again but not as a group and we didn’t film anything. In 2009 we had a tour that lined up with the International cast and that’s when we actually decided to shoot it.

AL: So the idea came about after touring over there a few different times?
AA: I had started a company with my business partner called Cross Cultural Entertainment and under that umbrella we created Cross Cultural Productions. This would be the portion that would physically produce and put on projects. After doing this my partner asked me what my next plan was. I told him I was going to go to the Middle East and he said I had to shoot it. The timing was great and the topic was relevant so that was part of it. A couple years prior I had done a comedy tour with Vince Vaughn called “The Wild West Comedy Show” which was also turned into a documentary film. From that I sort of had an idea of how to make a documentary. Another thing that kind of brought me to making this project was when I would come back from the Middle East a lot of my friends would ask what I was doing over there. I would tell them comedy shows and they would ask which military base. I would tell them we played theaters for Arabs in English and they get it. The film came out really great and I think people will enjoy it.

AL: What was it like touring and filming at the same time?
AA: I kind of bit off more than I could chew! At first I was going to just be the host for the shows however the promoters started asking me to bring comedians. I in a way started to become a talent booker as well as being relied on to do press. I didn’t have to set up the shows but I did a lot of the grass roots work in setting everything else up and promoting. When we started to shoot that’s where I started to turn into the producer/director (Laughs) It was literally 4 days prior to leaving for the tour that my partner said we should shoot it. I didn’t think we had enough time but he was very adamant about finding camera operators which we did. Once we got back to New York we started almost immediately in post production. We set up an office, purchased the editing equipment, hired two editors and began transcribing everything. We had about 200 hours of footage that we cut down to about 72 minutes. I didn’t really know what I was getting into at the beginning but the film has unfolded into this beautiful project that has taken on a life of its own.

AL: When is the film going to be released?
AA: We did a deal with Lion’s Gate Entertainment and the film is going to be available as a digital download through places like Netflix. My company is also going to release the film independently in select theaters. We hope to get the film into about 10 cities. If it catches wind in its sails we will add more cities. We want as many people as possible to see the film.

AL: Do you have any funny stories from working with Vince Vaughn?
AA: Everyday on that tour was a funny day. It went by so fast that we didn’t have a lot of time in each city but just being a part of that tour was really inspirational and eye opening. That tour really prodded me to make my own film. There were just so many funny things that happened. I can’t think of one that really sticks out.

AL: Had you known Vince previously?
AA: I have been friends with Vince for over 20 years. He had come to a lot of the comedy shows I was involved in which exposed him to the other comedians. He then just had this idea to take it on the road and film it. It was great to be a part of that and we are actually doing some follow up shows in June.

AL: Do you have any other upcoming projects you can tell us about?
AA: The film has opened up a lot of doors. I was actually invited to attend a dinner at the White House last year because of this film and that opened up some doors for us which took us to Palestine, Syria and a few other places to do some shows. During this time we accidentally shot a sequel and we will probably start going through that material in the fall. Releases for “Just Like Us” are going to be spaced out from city to city and that will probably take us through July. I travel quite regular and have had a lot of inquiries to go to a lot of different countries that have recently opened up.

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Interview with Danielle Nicolet

Danielle Nicolet co-stars in Syfy’s latest film “Red Faction: Origins”, playing the character Tess DeLaVega.  She is also co-starring with Cuba Gooding Jr. in the upcoming film, “Ticking Clock”.  Movie Mikes had a chance to chat with Danielle about her roles in both her films recent films.

Mike Gencarelli: Tell us about your role in “Red Faction: Origins”, playing Tess DeLaVega.
Danielle Nicolet: Tess is a very special combination of Princess Lea and C-3P0 [laughs].  She is Jack Mason’s unintentional side-kick.  She believes herself to be the smartest person in the room all the time, better much because she is. Jake, our hero, kind of can’t save the day without Tess, but Tess goes along kicking and screaming at absolutely every moment.  She doesn’t do so good out of the office.

MG: Where you familiar with the video game franchise?
DN: I have to say I am a HUGE gamer.  I am a big first person shooter player.  I have even voiced a couple of characters in different video games.  So, I am pretty involved with video games.  I have not played “Red Faction”.  I have not played “Guerilla” until after we started shooting the movie, which was kind of good for me.  When I got the script, I read it and I didn’t have any preconceived notions.  Also Tess, my character, is the only one in the movie that doesn’t have any previous connection to the past games.  My character is though connected to “Armageddon”.  It was really confirming not to have all that in my head before I got the job.  Once I got it I went out and played the games.

MG: How was it working with Robert Patrick and Brian J. Smith?
DN: [laughs] Ok, number one: Brian Smith is the nicest person I have ever known in my life.  I love him.  Number two: Robert Patrick is the funniest person I have ever known in my life and I love him.  Robert is hysterical.  He is from two towns over from where I live in Ohio. We spent pretty much the entire time in Europe together fighting over who was better: the Steelers or the Browns.  He thinks I am terrible person because I am a Steelers fan and I think he is sad and sorely mistaken to care about the Browns [laughs].  Robert is just a blast.  We have breakfast together every morning.  He is just the most salt of the earth completely grounded superstar that you will ever known.  It is like he has no idea he is ridiculously famous.  With Brian, I can say he has no idea he is ridiculously cute and that every girl checks him out no matter where we go.  He is incredibly humble and just really loves being an actor.  It was incredible for me to work with him since we are in every scene together.  We were both so committed to our characters and to this job that we were able to be real supportive of each other.  He will forever be family.

MG: What was the most difficult part of working on the film?
DN: I am sure every single actor from this movie would have the same answer.  The most difficult part was shooting this shooting this movie in Eastern Europe in the dead of winter.  The physical conditions of this movie was the hardest I have ever been in my life.  They were also though the most necessary.  The movie takes place on Mars.  Mars is not a comfortable place to live in “Red Faction”.  It has been terraformed, so you can breath the air but just because it is breathable doesn’t mean it is warmer. We shot in a place that was like the temperature that Mars is.  Our day average about 3 degrees fahrenheit.  At nighttime, it was between 10-14 below.  So we did a lot of huddling up together to try and keep warm.  All of the exterior we did in the movie were not shot in front of a green screen.  We shot all of the exteriors in this incredible cave system just outside of the Romanian boarder.  It is totally remote and a 2 1/2 drive from the nearest hotel.  It literally looks like Mars.  It has red ground, rocky and exactly like the Martian landscape.  The cave system is totally protected from nature.  So when you watch the movie, the only thing that isn’t real is if we are ever outside the sky.  The digitally took out the ceiling of the cave and put in the Martian sky.  But that is why we were freezing the whole time because our director really wanted the exteriors to be real.  He didn’t want it to seem like an entirely CGI generated film.

MG: Tell us about working with Cuba Gooding, Jr. in the sci-fi thriller, “Ticking Clock”?
DN: Working with Cuba was a dream come true.  How many times in your life to you get to ask somebody where do they keep their Oscar [laughs]. “Ticking Clock” is like a psychological thriller but once you get 10 minutes into the film you see it is science fiction.  Cuba’s character is a writer and the murder mystery he is solving in his book starts coming to life.  I play his wife, who has a real problem with what is going on with him.  I believe that he is having the issues he is having because he is drinking too much.  He can’t quite tell the difference between his reality.  I won’t give away the ending but we will find out what is real and what isn’t.  It is a really fun movie and I love my science fiction.  So I was really excited to do that.

MG: You are both equally skilled with drama and comedy, do you have a preference?
DN: I don’t want to sound like a fence-walker but seriously the thing I love to do the most of all is like the character I played in “The Starter Wife” and “Red Faction”, which is a funny character that is in the middle of a serious situation.  That is the most fun for me.  I enjoy playing that character that brings a little of levity to a very serious scenario.  So playing Tess was like being a kid in a candy store for me as an actor.  I got to spend five weeks delivering fantastic one liners and screaming when guns come around [laughs].

MG: What other projects do you have upcoming?
DN: Right now, “Ticking Clock” is obviously coming up. “Marry Me”, the mini series I did with Lucy Lu comes out on DVD in a few weeks.  I know they are also going to air it again in it entirety really soon.  So I got that coming up.  Also just also keeping my fingers crossed that there will be more “Red Faction” movies.

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Interview with Tinsel Korey

Tinsel Korey continues her portrayal of Emily Young in the upcoming release of “The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn”. Tinsel also recently released her first single currently available on ITunes. Tinsel took time out of her busy schedule to talk with Movie Mikes to discuss “Breaking Dawn” and her venture into music.

Adam Lawton: What made you decide to get into acting?
Tinsel Korey: Growing up I was one of those kids that was always putting on sketches. I was also very artistic so it was my way of expressing myself. It all just became very natural for me. I don’t think there was ever a moment where I didn’t want to be an actor or entertainer. I was just something I knew I wanted to do since I was very young. I actually just performed live with the Acme Comedy Troop and it brought me back to my child hood when I was doing a lot of the same type of funny characters and such.

AL: Can you tell us about the process of becoming involved with the “Twilight” series?
TK: The process was fairly easy I guess from what I was told. I guess some of the other cast members had to do a bunch of call backs and auditions but mine was fairly quick. Rene Haynes the casting director for “New Moon” was familiar with me from my previous work so I only ended up having one audition in front of Chris Weitz. A couple days later I was short listed for the project. I got really lucky that it went so fast.

AL: I had read you were selected for the role out of 800 other actresses. Correct?
TK: The casting directors had told me that over 800 girls had auditioned for that role. I had no idea that so many people had tried out for the part. I think if I had known that prior to the audition it may have thrown me off a little. I just went into the audition taking it seriously.

AL: Were you familiar with the previous film and the book series prior to reading for the part?
TK: I actually didn’t know anything about “Twilight”. My younger sister is a fan of the series but I had no idea what so ever. Rene Haynes had kept me in mind for that role so she was the one who brought it to my attention. Knowing my sister was a fan I really wanted to get the movie more for her than for myself. I actually took her to the premier which was really exciting.

TK: What was your first experience like on the “New Moon” set?
AL: It was interesting because I didn’t really know the guys. I had known Bronson Pelletier from his work on “Renegadepress.com”. We had to find chemistry together which we were able to do after spending a little more time with each other. I think we really captured that family element which is present in the movie and it actually carried over off screen as well. I knew the film was a big production but at the time we were shooting “Twilight” wasn’t yet really at the caliber it’s at today. It was big just not as big. After the premier of “New Moon” the series just took off!

AL: What can we expect in the next film “Breaking Dawn”?
TK: I am probably most excited for the wedding scene and getting to see the wedding dress. I am still getting asked if I am for Team Edward or Team Jacob. It’s pretty much over! (Laughs) She picks Edward. There is a lot more action in this next film and the director was fantastic. I really hope to get to work with him again. His vision for the film was really great.

AL: Any great behind the scenes stories you can tell us?
TK: During the past shoots we had a little bit more time to Joke around but I do remember a prank we played on Kiowa Gordon. He had ordered a hot chocolate one day and then left it unattended with Bronson and I. The two of us are probably the biggest prankster on set. So Kiowa comes back and gets ready to drink his hot chocolate and I ask him if he was sure he really wanted to do that? (Laughs) He kept asking what we did to his drink so Bronson and I really milked it. After he had finished we started asking him if he was feeling anything. It was pretty funny. To this day we still haven’t told him that we really didn’t do anything to his drink.

AL: You also are a musician. Can you tell us about your first single?
TK: I just released my first single titled “Letter” which is available on ITunes and Amazon. It has kind of a bluesy Jazz Rock sound to it. People have compared my voice to Nora Jones and Jewel. Music is really my focus right now. Acting has always been in the foreground of my life and I really want music to have that chance as well. If a great acting role comes along I am totally up for it but I am not actively search for film roles as my music is the main focus for me right now. Music allows me to use my own words and music compared to when I am acting and performing someone else’s work. I think music is way more personal for me.

AL: Is there a release date for the full album?
TK: I am doing the album independently so I am currently focused on the single and finding time to shoot a video for it. I am hoping by the end of the year. The process of doing a record on your own is very different than when you have the help of a record label. I have a producer who I want to work with and I have some really great musicians involved also. On “Letter” I had help from Marcos Curiel of P.O.D. and Mark Schulman who is the drummer for Pink. Right now it comes down to finding the time to get everything done.

AL: Do you have any other upcoming projects you can tell us about?
TK: I have been doing a lot of live musical performances lately trying to fine tune my craft. I have a film called “Avarice” coming out which stars Kevin Sorbo and Jason London. The film is a Sci-Fi thriller which should be released this year. The director Matt Schilling is a visual effects genius. What we shot and how the end product looked were completely different. It was amazing. The film is getting some good buzz. I also have a movie called “Black Forest” which will be appearing on the Sci-Fi channel as well around the fall of this year.

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Interview with John Diehl

John Diehl’s career in the movie business has spanned over 30 years. He has appeared in such classic films as “Stripes” and played the Hawaiian shirt clad Larry Zito on the hit television series “Miami Vice”. Movie Mikes caught up with John to talk about some of his classic roles as well as some of his current projects.

Adam Lawton: Can you tell us about how you got involved with “Stripes”? and what it was like being a part of such a great cast?
John Diehl: I was just starting out in the business and at the time I was working on a  Sam Sheppard play which called for me to have a shaved head. I went to the audition with my head being shaved already and I remember nodding back and forth with Ivan Reitman. A short time later I was delivering furniture when I got a message from my agent telling me that I got the part. As far as the cast goes I never really watched TV so I no idea who anyone was. I think this helped because I didn’t have any trepidation about anything. It wasn’t until afterwards that I found out how great everyone was. My scenes with John Candy were all improv. They really liked mine and John’s characters together. It was great because I got to take that character and make him my own. I understood that character. Ivan was too busy arguing with Bill to worry about me (Laughs) so it was a great experience.

AL: You also had a part in “National Lampoon’s Vacation” can you tell us about that and what it was like working with Chevy Chase?
JD: I still lament the fact that sometime after we finished shooting I was having dinner with Harold Ramis and I asked him if we could add in one tiny part. I wanted the part of my scene with Mickey Jones where Mickey shows Clark his badge and states “I am the Sheriff” I wish I had just said “And I’m the Deputy”. I felt so bad that I didn’t come up with that sooner. I kept asking to get that put in but it never happened. Chevy is a very reserved guy and I remember we had a picture taken of us along with
some American Indians on set. For some reason he thought that I wanted a picture taken with him. Sadly the picture got left on top of an old soda machine and I always think about that. Years later I’m walking through LAX and there is all of this commotion going on. All I see is this big guy with grey hair and a bunch of reporters. It was Chevy and he recognized me right away which was really cool that he remembered me.

AL: What was it like working with Harold Ramis both as an actor and a director?
JD: Harold was really easy going. When he was directing he had a lot more stuff going on than when he was just acting. I don’t think he was smiling as much when he was directing. (Laughs) Overall both experiences were good.

AL: Can you tell us about your work on “Miami Vice”?
JD: There are a few stories that I guess kind of come together as to how I got that part. I remember going on an audition for the show which I think Michael Mann was at. I was wearing this long leather coat because I had to leave my play rehearsal to make it to the audition which really annoyed me. I just went into the audition kind of pissed off which I thought could be a good thing. One other thing that I think was part of me getting the role was I had done a small short called “Leon’s Case”. There was an article about the film that stated Brandon Tartikoff who was the head of NBC at the time saw me in that film and wanted me for “Miami Vice”. That show turned into something we never expected. It had created a lot of buzz but then slowed a little after the first few episodes but after that it really took off. Even though I got myself out of the show after about 3 seasons a move I don’t regret. Working on that show was a great experience and I got some great work from that show.

AL: What made you want to leave the show?
JD: I was miserable. I lived in New York at the time but spent 9 months of the year shooting in Miami. I didn’t mind going back and forth as I was single at the time. We weren’t making a ton of money on the show but it was more than I had ever made. I think it was just really depression that got the best of me. After the first season we were told that they were going to include more of us in the show but, I would show up to work and spend at times 12 hours in my 5 by 5 Honey Wagon just waiting to be called for my scene. There were times where I would show up and the scene would never end up even being shot. There was just a lot of stuff like that going on.

AL: Do you have a project that sticks out for you as a favorite?
JD: Right now I would have to say “Land of Plenty”. I played the male lead role with Michelle Williams. The film never really came out distribution wise but I still really enjoyed the process. I also enjoyed my theater work with Sam Sheppard where I got to work with some really amazing people. “End Game” which I did with John Larroquette was another great experience.

AL: Do you have any upcoming projects you can tell us about?
JD: I like doing independent movies lately. The money usually isn’t as good but the parts are really great! I did one called “Natural Selection” which won everything at this year’s South by South West Festival. The film is going on to some other festivals so I have some reserved hopes for that. I also am in talks to do a horror film in Montreal. One other thing I just finished up was with Bruce Campbell for a “Burn Notice” TV movie which aired recently.

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Interview with Kim Roberts

Kim Roberts is known for her role in “Saw III & IV” playing Nurse Deborah.  She also was in Zack Snyder’s remake of “Dawn of the Dead” and just finishing appearing in the TV series “Being Erica”, which was just renewed for season four.  Movie Mikes had a chance to chat with Kim about her roles and what she has planned upcoming.

Mike Gencarelli: Tell us about how you got involved with playing Deborah in “Saw III & IV”?
Kim Roberts: I auditioned just like anyone else. At the time it wasn’t a huge role. When we started filming Darren Bousman, who was directing, told me he really loved my character. He told me he was going to have all this development for my character, so he brought me back in “Saw IV”. He said “Just wait “Saw V & VI” I am going to write all this stuff for you”. As you know [laughing], in Saw V & VI”, Darren was known longer around. Deborah just kind of disappeared. So I myself cannot tell you where she went but it would have been nice.

MG: Are you a fan of the films and horror genre?
KR: Oh yeah, absolutely.

MG: Tell us about your experience working on the film “Dawn of the Dead”?
KR: It was wonderful, it really was. I think part of the reason why “Dawn of the Dead” was so beautiful was that there was a lot of love on the project. Zack Snyder, who directed it, and I actually shot a commercial with him about a year or two before this. It was a really huge project for him. He had all these wonderful ideas and passions for it. Since I worked with him before, I was happy to get the opportunity again and was rooting for him. Sarah Polley just rocks and she is amazing. Working with her is just a dream. She is one of Canada’s greatest gifts. I was really touched to do that scene with her. We keep saying [laughing] “We want more scenes together”. Even watching the film, there is a wealth of Toronto talent and also great LA talent. He just got so many great actors that are actually so are passionate about there craft and their work. Everyone wanted to do a great homage to such a classic film. I think that when you have real good artists caring about what they are doing, it just works.

MG: You have played a nurse in various TV and film projects, how do you always find yourself in this role?
KR: [laughs] It came to a point when I said to my agent, I am not doing any more nurses. I said unless it is the nurses life story I am not doing any more nurses. I think every actor has a typecast. I remember reading a quote from Jennifer Aniston that before “Friends” she was typecast as playing a waitress. The nurse just became mine. The irony about it was that when I was a kid, I said I wanted to be a doctor. My very first on camera role, I actually played a doctor. So a lot of people actually thought I was a doctor [laughs] for a really long time. But I keep saying “No, I am an actor [laughs]”, so I keep finding myself in this doctor/nurse roles. I think karma is a funny thing.

MG: With “Being Erica” renewed for Season four, can you tell us about your character and are you going to be returning in next season?
KR: Camilla was introduced in season three, as part of this whole journey that Erica was on. I don’t want to spoil it for your readers if they haven’t finished up but we find out it was quite the journey. So I am a part of a group therapy unit that is in a sense are people that all lived like Erica. At the end of the season, I am the only person from the group who graduates with her. So there is a hope that the character will come back and maybe go one to beautiful things and it will great to play her colleague. We have to see what the writers have in store for the new season. It was a blast and an honor to work on the show. My character Camilla was really fortuitous. When I auditioned it was only for one episode, then when I came on initially it was for the first six episodes but they liked the character and kept her. Again I haven’t been killed off yet so who knows?

MG: What else do you have planned for the future?
KR: The project I have coming up next is “The Vow” with Rachel McAdams, should be out next year. It was a great experience, she was so sweet to work with. I also just shot a Christmas movie, it is untitled right now but I loved it. The producers Steve Solomos and Joel Rice are so great. I love them. I think this is the fifth project that I have worked with them on for Lifetime and every time they are in town they put me in them. They do really go work and are really good guys. Right now it is called “The Untitled Santa Project” and will be on ABC Family next Christmas.

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Interview with Aleks Paunovic

Aleks Paunovic is currently appearing the “Mortal Kombat: Legacy” playing the character Shao Kahn. Aleks is also appearing in this fall’s “This Means War” and “In the Name of the King 2”.  Movie Mikes had a chance to chat with Aleks about his roles in both projects and also what he  has planned next.

Mike Gencarelli: Tell us how you became involved with “Mortal Kombat: Legacy”?
Aleks Paunovic: I was fortunate enough because I went out for a casting and I had a really good relationship with the casting director. Probably about a month after I got a call that I got the role.

MG: Where you familiar with character of Shao Kahn before this project?
AP: I was and I was apprehensive about doing that role.  I didn’t quite understand how I would fit in the mold. It was so great the route that Kevin took “Rebirth” and with “Legacy” opened where this project can go with his fresh vision. I was scared at first if the fans of “Mortal Kombat” would jump on board with me being Shao Kahn.   Once I understood the vision Kevin had I was very comfortable and confident playing him.

MG: What do you like most about the character?
AP: Kevin was one a shoe string budget and we were just trying to understand it. For me, just knowing the immense popularity of that role and basically the baddest bad guy.   In this we find in Kevin’s vision how bad Shao Kahn can be and how involved the character can do.  That to me was excited knowing that from the ground floor you can get some really good character development.

MG: You have worked with fellow “MK: Legacy” co-star, Tahmoh Penikett, a few times now with “Battlestar Gallactica” and “Riverworld”, tell us about that?
AP: I am pretty sure it was a coincidence but Tahmoh and I have been best friends for years, off screen.  We were just in Toronto to watch the biggest UFC in history.  We grapple around and hang out often.  Our biggest connection as friends is the fight games.  He is a phenomenal fighter.  So we train a lot together. He is one of my best friends.

MG: You have worked on a bunch of projects with SyFy, do you enjoy working in that genre?
AP: Oh man, I love the sci-fi genre!  It is an interesting world to be apart of because the fans are so dedicating and loving and they just want you to succeed.  When you get involved with the fan view of a project, I think that is the best thing as an actor to connect with fans.  They want these films to be good and they want to help your growth.  It has been awesome. I love that genre.

MG: What would you consider your most challenging project to date?
AP: Well there are two projects and they happened back to back. The first was a film called “Personal Effects” directed by David Hollander. Ashton Kutcher, Michelle Pfeiffer and Kathy Bates were in it. I played a mental challenged man, who ends up killer Ashton Kutcher’s sister.  In the film, I had to develop this different character.  I felt that the character I was playing was not suppose to work out, so I stopped. I didn’t even do a push up for a few months and ate as much as I could.  So I wanted to look really out of shape.  Besides that though the role was very dark and for me that was the hardest but it was also very rewarding. It was great getting to work with those actors and I was really proud of my role.  After that I did a project called “Fireball” and I had to switch it up and loose the weight and put on as much muscle as I could.  I was playing a steroid freak football player, who likes to set things on fire.  So both of those projects back to back were tough.  I find though that the most challenging projects I do are also the most rewarding.

MG: Tell us about your involvement with “In the Name of the King 2”?
AP: I got cast as the right hand man to the King played by Dolph Lundgren. I played a guy named Allard and I go on this mission with the King.  It was really cool experience.

MG: You appear with fellow “MK: Legacy” co-star Kevan Ohtsji in “This Means War” directed McG, tell us about working on this?
AP: That was so great. McG is quite a character with such immense energy. Tom Hardy, I am a huge fan of him.  I had a quick little cameo with him.  I want to get more involved with doing comedy.  I am 6’5 and 250lbs, so I get a lot of jobs kicking the crap out of people but I really love comedy.

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Interview with Susan Sullivan

Susan Sullivan is known for her role of Martha Rogers on ABC’s hit show “Castle”. With the show approach its end of season three and is hotter than ever, Movie Mikes had a chance to chat with Susan about her role and what we can expect for season four.

Mike Gencarelli: What do you like most about playing Martha Rogers on “Castle”?
Susan Sullivan: I think when you are cast well in something, the character sort of mirrors and crystallizes your own dynamics. It really brings out where you are in your life and also certain things you are experiencing. The whole aspect of aging, feeling a little marginalized, trying to stay alive and in the game and youthful.  All of those aspects are fun for me to explore because [laughs], I am exploring them in my own life.

MG: What has been your inspiration for her character?
SS: My real inspiration for this character is my own mother, who is 94 and still with us, God bless her.  She is someone that is always offering advise to people and who is very helpful.  She is like this wise old soul, plus she has a lot of energy and incite…that she readily shares. I think I try to incorporate parts of my mother into the character.  In fact Martha being a life coach was my mother’s idea.  We even put one of my mothers lines in the show, “You is who you is and if you ain’t who you is, who is you?”, which she says on a daily basis [laughs].  So that is my personal inspiration and of course as we grow older we sort of become our mothers, so there you go.

MG: The family dynamic that you have on the show is just great, how was it been working with Nathan Fillion and Molly Quinn?
SS: It is just great. Of course even if it wasn’t I would tell you it is but in this case it actually is [laughs].  I think it would be really hard to fake that.  We have this really connectedness.  I look at Nathan now and I said “Wow we are starting to even look a like, when did that happen?”  Of course Molly is completely delightful.  In relationships, it is always wonderful when you have something to learn from the person you are with.  I learn a lot from both of them in very different ways.  We have a really profound connection.

MG: Do you have a favorite episode from the series to date?
SS: Well on a personal level, yes.  I don’t know if it was necessarily one of the better episodes. When I find out that Chet has died and dealing with that loss and how one comes to terms with that.  That was really interesting for me as an actor and as a woman.

MG: You have worked on various TV series, how do you find this show differs from them?
SS: Each show has its own personality and style.  Of course “Dharma and Greg” was a sitcom, so that was completely different and also she was sort of an abrasive character.  Each character you play, you tend to bring the character home with you.  For Martha, I would have to say is that she has so much life force about her and she is wonderful to encounter.  I would have to say that she is probably one of my favorite characters, even though you don’t see a lot of her.  But that is sort of good too.

MG: Any sneak as to what we can expect for the end of this season?
SS: Well [laughs], I must tell you it is one of these shows where so much happens in one episode.  I read the script and said this should be a two-parter.  I think they even shot enough for a two-parter, so I know a lot of that episode will be left on the cutting room floor.  Well, it is going to be a complete surprise, with all the turns and angles. This is a show about turns that surprise and if the turns don’t surprise you in the storyline then it isn’t much fun. Hang on to your hat kid, because this is a whirlwind.  I can tell you that.

MG: Not sure what you can tell about next season but will Martha have new love interest?
SS: Oh, I am sure several [laughs].  I insist in fact, it is in my contact.

MG: What else are you currently working on?
SS: For the month of June, I will be doing a play called “Love, Loss and What I Wore”.  It is at the West Side Theater in New York.  It is with a rotating cast of actresses, five women. So if anyone is in New York and is a “Castle” fan…look it up!

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Interview with Derrick Denicola

Derrick Denicola stars in the upcoming independent film “Go For It” which opens in theaters Friday May 13th. Derrick took time out of his busy schedule to talk with Movie Mikes about his career and his new film.

Adam Lawton: Can you tell us how you first got into acting?
Derrick Denicola: I started acting in college. When I was going through the book of classes I really didn’t know what I wanted to do. There were some improvisational classes that sounded fun however you had to be a theater major to take them. I decided I would declare myself a theater major so I could take those classes and until I figured out what I wanted to do. Once I got started I really fell in love with it and never looked back.

AL: Was there something in particular that sparked that love?
DD: Yes. At LSU where I went they had a peer mentoring group where a senior would take around a freshman and show them the campus as well as some classes. While I was doing this I got to see a rehearsal for a play. I saw all the great work that the actors were putting into this play and I left with such a creative high that I knew from that moment that acting was what I wanted to do.

AL: Can you tell us what it was like working with Michael Ironsides in “Mutants”?
DD: I didn’t have any scenes with Michael but I did get to see him work as we were on set at the same time. He is extremely professional and very intimidating! He is a very big guy who knows exactly what he’s doing. You can really learn from him by just watching how he gives himself to the creative process. It was a joy to watch him work.

AL: What was it like showing up on set for your first film role?
DD: I had more anxiety sitting in a trailer or at home reading the script hoping that I would do a good job more than anything.  A strange thing happens when you walk on set though and you see everything lit up and the cameras ready. The nervousness starts to go away and your acting instincts start to kick in. You start to see the set as what it’s meant to be rather than a movie set.

AL: Can you tell us about your role as Sebastian in “Ben and Jakes Big Deal”?
DD: That was a small independent film that was in a way experimental. The actors had a chance to write the script for the film. We were each given four pages of guidelines for where the story was supposed to go. How we got there was up to us. I was surrounded by some really funny people during that project. Currently I don’t know what is happening with that film but I imagine the end result is going to be something completely disastrous or unique and genius.

AL: From all your projects do you have one that sticks out as a favorite?
DD: They all are special in their own ways. “Go For It” which comes out May 13th has really stuck with me. Both the film and the people I have met along the way have been really great! Meeting Carmen Marron has been one of the most inspiring things that has ever happened to me. Just getting to hear how the movie got made is just as good as the movie itself. Carmen was a guidance counselor with no film experience and her and her husband saved up all the money themselves to make this film!

AL: Can you tell us a little more about “Go For It”
DD: “Go For It” is an inspirational dramedy which features a really great cast and I think the film will have something for everyone. Aimee Garcia from the George Lopez show is in the film as well as Gina Rodriguez. It’s really just a wonderful cast and we are all hoping to make some really positive role models for young people. I play Jared in the film that’s the love interest of the main character Carmen. During the film the character of Carmen has to make a choice as to what she loves more be it Jared or dancing.

AL: Do you have any other upcoming projects?
DD: You actually caught me on the best day! I just finished a meeting with a production company to shoot a pilot I wrote. I will also have a role in the project as well as being the director. The project is called “Unreal Estate Agents”. This will be my first time directing and production is scheduled to start in about a month. I am really excited for this project!

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Interview with Beatrice King

Beatrice King is currently appearing the “Mortal Kombat: Legacy” playing the character Queen Sindel. Peter is also appearing in the Seth Rogan lead film titled, “50/50″ this Fall.  Movie Mikes had a chance to chat with Beatrice about his roles in both projects and also whatshe  has planned next.

Mike Gencarelli: How did you get involved with the “Mortal Kombat: Legacy” web series?
Beatrice King: I originally auditioned for the role of Meleena in Vancouver and they really liked my audition. From there I was considered for the role of Queen Sindel. A short time later I was notified by the casting director that I got the role.

MG: Were you familiar with the Sindel character prior to your audition?
BK: I had been because my brother grew up playing “Mortal Kombat”. However I would have to say that some of the research I did on the character came into the role but, a large portion of it came from the script. I wanted to make sure everything was right because Kevin’s vision of the series is different from the video game.

MG: How was it working with Kevin?
BK: He is fantastic! I loved working with him. He’s a young guy with an incredible vision. He took the time to work with each actor one on one for each scene which is something he wanted. Personally I like a director who really communicates what they want. I think when a director does this it brings the project to a whole new level creatively.

MG: How was your experience working on a web series compared to television or a film?
BK: I thought that this project really felt like a feature film. I didn’t feel like a web series at all. Having such a great cast as well as Kevin and Warner Bros. involved really helped. Every person involved I think looked at this project as a labor of love and put everything they had into each of their parts.

MG: Can you tell us about the film you did recently with Seth Rogan titled “50/50”
BK: That film is scheduled to come out later this fall and is kind of a darker comedy. It was really interesting and I am very excited for it. I think when the audience thinks of Seth Rogan they think more about the projects he has done. This film is really different and I think it’s going to offer something really new in the way of Hollywood comedy.

MG: How was it working with “Glee” star Cory Monteith on “Sisters and Brothers”?
BK: It was great! I had actually worked with Cory before on the television series “Kaya”. I also am friends with Alie Liebert so it felt just like working with friends and really great people who are all incredibly talented. Everyone was really welcoming and making sure each other was comfortable on set and with the director.

MG: You also worked on “Strange Magic” by J.K. Rowling. Can you tell us about that?
BK: That was filmed in Victoria and I had to really work on my British accent for that which was an incredible process. I always have enjoyed working on new characters and accents. I find that very rewarding as an actor to be able to portray someone totally different. I feel really fortunate because this was another project that everyone was really supportive of one another. You really were made to feel part of the team. I played the secretary of a literary agency in that film and it felt very natural to work in that environment because I was an English major in school.

MG: Did you get the chance to meet J.K. Rowling during the filming process?
BK: No not during filming. But we were at the table read and the person who played J.K. in the film looked so much like her it was incredible. I think viewers are really going to find similarities to the real J.K. Rowling.

MG: If you could choose one actor to work with who would it be?
BK: I would have to say off hand probably Natalie Portman when I was studying acting at a young age her role in “Beautiful Girls” really inspired me. However before I did “50/50” I would have said Joseph Gordon-Levitt because I had followed his career and how he has branched out but it seems to be changing from time to time but for now it’s Natalie Portman.

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Filed Under: Film Interviews Tagged With: book, dark, keepers, kingdom, passage, review, ...
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