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Interview with David R. Ellis

David R. Ellis is the director of the upcoming 3D thriller “Shark Night 3D”. He is no stranger to action as he directed the films “Snakes on a Plane” and “The Final Destination”. Media Mikes had a chance to chat with David about working on “Shark Night 3D” and what we can expect from him next.

Mike Gencarelli: How did you originally become attached to “Shark Night 3D”?
David R. Ellis: I had done “The Final Destination” in 3D which ended up doing really good. Those attached to the “Shark Night” project wanted to make this film in 3D as well. I had been attached to the project for some time prior to the film being made. I was the only person out there that had done a full live action 3D movie. They brought me in to meet with the producers and I pitched to them what my vision for the film was. They immediately attached me to the film and from there they started to pitch the film for funding with my name attached to it.

MG: What can we expect from the film?
DRE: There is a lot of comedy and fun in this film. It’s not a horror but it is a scary. The film is rated PG-13 however we really pushed the envelope with what we could get away with. The film plays like an R rated movie but we just don’t cuss or have boobs in it. We don’t really need that to make a scary movie. I don’t think boobs are that scary. Maybe some are. (Laughs) During our test screenings we made people jump and scared them but they also had a lot of fun with the movie. We spent time developing the characters and we have a great young cast. I like finding young actors and giving them a shot such as Chris Evans who I had in “Cellular”. I think everyone in this film are going to be big stars in their own right and I was very lucky to get them before they broke out.

MG: There has been rumors, can you tell us if Ving Rhames will be in this film reprising his role from “Piranha 3D”?
DRE: Ving Rhames is not in the movie. There have been a lot of rumors that he was going to be in the film but those are all not true.

MG: We have spoke to the whole cast and they have been telling us that you are one of the best directors to work with and you have this unique approach to directing; can you tell us about that approach?
DRE: Well I pay them to say that [laughs]. No seriously, when I cast actors I cast people who have the ability to adopt the part and who can get into the role. I like to then give them free reign in designing that character from what they want to wear and what props they may want to use. Making a movie is not brain surgery so my sets are a lot of fun to work on. I come very prepared and we have fun while getting our work done. At the end of a movie it’s sad because we made a new family and you have to leave that. Keeping everything light is key. Appreciating everyone working on the film for what they contribute and not yelling and or screaming is important as well because at times we were shooting in miserable conditions but by keeping it fun everyone stepped up to the plate and did a great job.

MG: How much of the film features animatronic sharks and how much was CGI?
DRE: It’s probably 40% animatronics and 60% CGI. We used the animatronic sharks when they had to interact with people. When a scene was really difficult we used the CGI sharks. The CGI has really come a long way and looked great, especially since I was directed the second unit on “Deep Blue Sea”. The technology from then to now is amazing. The sharks look great!

MG: How do you “Shark Night 3D” differs from your other 3D film “The Final Destination”?
DRE: This one was more difficult because we were shooting on the water. When you are using 3D cameras you have one camera for the left eye and one for the right. They are very bulky and underwater they are very big so it’s technically tough for the crews. I think 3D films need to be shot in 3D nd not converted in post production, as I feel you don’t get the depth. I call that ‘2 and a half D’. What they have now that we didn’t have for “The Final Destination” are 3D monitors. You get to watch everything in 3D as its being shot. Before you had to shoot then put it into a computer and watch it in a trailer later on.

MG: Can you tell us the story behind the issues with the film’s title?
DRE: The working title of the film was “Shark Night 3D”. We were always hoping that we would come up with something that was catchier. On a weekly basis we had production meetings where I would try and get the crew to suggest different titles. Ultimately when the film was bought after we were done there was some research to change the title but in the end the film is what it is and the title was fitting.

MG: Do you prefer shooting in 3D or do you find it more difficult?
DRE: I love 3D and its depth. I think a lot of films use the really gimmicky type 3D that throws stuff into the audience. We didn’t do that. We used the 3D to put the audience inside the world of the shark and to have the sharks in the audience. The gimmicks work for some movies as 3D is an interactive experience. I think 3D is a great application and it’s going to be around for a long time. It may not be for every film but for the right film if it’s used correctly it’s an awesome experience.

MG: You just cast Milla Jovovich in “Bad Luck”. Is this going to be your next project?
DRE: I don’t think that is going to be my next project. We had Milla on board at one point and she really loved the part however her schedule and my schedule didn’t line up so she doing some other things right now. I really like her and want to work with her in the future. I have several projects that I am attached to that are in various stages so I am waiting and taking a break for things to develop more. I have taken on a Universal film titled “R.I.P.D” which stands for Rest in Peace Department. I am going to direct all the action on that film and we are in Boston prepping for that film that starts shooting Sept. 9. I like going back and working on second unit because you don’t have all the headaches or pressure but you get to shoot all the fun stuff.

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Interview with David Koechner

David Koechner is known best for his role of Champ in “Anchorman”. David is starring in two different films this year, both in the horror genre, “Final Destination 5″ and Piranha 3DD”. Media Mikes had a chance to chat with David about his new films as well as his film career and his stand up shows.

Mike Gencarelli: Can you give us some back ground on your character Dennis in “Final Destination 5”?
David Koechner: Dennis is the a-hole boss of the company that doesn’t ever respond to anything very emotionally. I liked to add that he has been divorced twice and that he is desperately trying to hang on to his third wife. He really just is a guy who doesn’t know how to relate or talk to people.

MG: Tell us about working with the young newcomer cast?
DK: The whole experience was really tremendous. I didn’t know anyone prior to starting the film but I got to know them all during shooting and just fell in love with everyone. They all are very bright, talented, intellectually curious as well as emotionally available [laughs]. I was very impressed with everyone and I thought the story was really good as well. I had not seen any of the other “Final Destination” films but I thought this one was really well written. I remember reading it and finished through with it before I even knew it. It was a really good read and it drew me in. From my perspective everything was aces.

MG: Did shooting in 3D pose any problems for you?
DK: It really doesn’t change anything. When you are acting it’s all a make believe world. Sometimes nothing is there at all and you have to pretend it is there. If anything the aspect of 3D just allows you to stretch your imagination even more.

MG: Since working on this picture did you go back and watch any of the others in the series?
DK: Someone showed me all the kill shots one day on set and I was just laughing my ass off! These films are a real thrill ride more so than a horror film. The films have great tension.

MG: What can you tell us about working on “Piranha 3DD”?
DK: That was really interesting [laughs]. That film pushes boundaries into a couple different areas and was something new for me. I seem to go from one 3D film to another and from one thriller/horror film to another. Maybe I am a scream queen now? [Laughs]

MG: Can you tell us about your character Chet?
DK: Chet is the guy that’s in charge and he is an a-hole. Maybe I am getting type cast as an a-hole? I have certainly played my share of those guys. I don’t know why I do it well? Maybe it’s ironic?

MG: Did you enjoy working in those genres on two films back to back?
DK: I enjoy working. My wife and I have been blessed with 5 children and they want to eat. In order for them to do that daddy has to work.

MG: Did you notice any comparison’s while working on the films that stood out?
DK: Yes. The budgets! [Laughs] “Final Destination 5” was a big movie and it felt that way. Steve Quale was a master at putting that big ship together as there was a lot to deal with. I don’t know what the budget was for “Piranha 3DD” but it was a more modestly budgeted that’s for sure.

MG: Moving on to “The Office” will we be seeing more of Todd Packer this season?
DK: I hope so. They never let me know prior to the season starting. I did three episodes last year and average about that each season. I’m guessing it will stay the same but I have no way of knowing.

MG: Any chance of you becoming a regular?
DK: Not that they have told me. I think if I was going to be a regular they would have let me know by now. I hear arguments both ways with some people saying they would love to see Todd Packer every week and others that say they wouldn’t watch the show if he was on every week.

MG: There have been rumors floating around about a possible “Anchorman” sequel. Do you think Champ will come back for another film?
DK: I would love it and I know everyone involved with the film would love it and people have been trying to get it made but apparently there is some resistance with the studio. I heard a rumor where some people at the studio said yes to making it and one person in marketing said no. It seems incredible to me and all the people I talk to when I am out doing stand-up that they all want an “Anchorman 2”. I am always getting asked to do lines from the film. The appetite for that film is as ravenous as any sequel that has ever been produced. The other side of the coin is that when those sequels are made it’s a lot of money. I don’t know if they can’t make the figures work or what. I am sure it’s not out of meanness but it’s a business. Everyone I have talked to thinks “Anchorman 2” is a no brainer though for sure!

MG: How do you feel your stand-up gigs differ from your film or television roles?
DK: Live is a lot of fun and its immediate. The only other live that’s immediate like stand-up is if you’re shooting a four camera sitcom. Doing live entertainment is rewarding for everyone involved and it certainly is for me. It also gives me some economic freedom as well as a chance to meet people from around the country that I generally wouldn’t meet. I get to introduce them to other aspects of my performance that they may not have seen before on television or in the movies that are different. My show is pretty personal and the audience gets to know me pretty well.

MG: What other projects do you have in the works?
DK: I have a film coming out in September called “A Good Old Fashioned Orgy”. I have a part in “This Means War” with Reese Witherspoon and Chris Pine. Those are the bigger ones I have coming out. I also am developing some shows for television and you just never know where those might wind up. I continue to write with about seven writers in an effort to get some things off the ground starring David Koechner. My ultimate goal would be to get on a sitcom and be able to stay at home with my family. That would be the best. As much as traveling around selling your work is great, I feel conflicted when I have to leave my family.

Interview with David Chackler

David Chackler has worked on so many great films over the years. Some of his most notable are “Child’s Play” and “Fright Night”. Due to working on those films David had become longtime friend with writer/director Tom Holland. They recently created a production company, Dead Rabbit Films together. Movie Mikes had a chance to chat with David about the films he has worked on and his process for working on the music.

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Mike Gencarelli: You’ve worked on so many great films i.e. “Child’s Play” and “Fright Night”, Tell us about your process for working on the music?
David Chackler: Whenever I was brought in to do the music, I first thing I start with is the script. My inspiration starts with the content. We work with the director and go through the music cues. We work with them and Where they would like it to be and where I feel that they should be. This helps tones the overall tone. It also helps us pick a composer and helps us pick the source music as well. Everything starts with a piece of content from a scene.

MG: How much freedom did you have to work on the music on each project?
DC: Every project is totally different. Most of the young directors working on their first or second picture, they have been dreaming of this picture their whole life. They have a very specific idea of what music they would like and where they would like it. The first question and main issue for me is, what is the studio’s budget? There is always the little dance that goes on between what they want and what they can afford. At point I have to bridge the gap by giving them something that they would like and that also fits in the budget. If it is veteran director, they would usually let us come in with two or three cues for each area. They will sit with the composer and give you much more freedom.

MG: How did you get involved with the “Nightmare on Elm Street” series?
DC: In the early days, I was a musical consultant for New Line Cinema. I did a lot of their earlier pictures. I was lucky enough to work on on the “Nightmare” films. It definitely introduce me into the horror world. When we did these films we tried to do everything fresh, come up a new sound and not look back at the other music from the series.

MG: What is your favorite type of music in general?
DC: I came out of the music business. I can be listening to Bob Dylan anytime of the day or night. I love rock, Queen is one of my favorite band. Now I listen more to classic rock.

MG: Of all the films you’ve worked on, what has been your favorite to date?
DC: I gotta go with “Fright Night”. It was a classic film and the music is as well. The soundtrack really stands out. It just one of those things, it is timeless. People still to today always ask me about the music.

MG: Tell us about reuniting with Tom Holland to create Dead Rabbit Films?
DC: We have been friends for many years. We decided about a year ago to start this. It was a great opporunity in the independent industry. Tom is one of the best writers I have ever known and due to that we have no shortage of content. We decided to create a series called “Twisted Tales” which will be kind of like “Twilight Zone” meets “Amazing Stories”. It will appeal to a more older demog not the usual 12-24 years old. It is a little more like “MST3k”. We thought it would be a great thing for us to do and so far it has been fantastic. We have finished three tales already and are planning on closing our distribution deal any day now.

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Interview with David Deluise

David Deluise is the son of legendary comedian Dom Deluise. He is currently starring in Disney Channel’s “Wizards of Waverly Place”. The show is currently finishing its third season and already has a TV movie in the bag. Movie Mikes had the chance to talk to David about growing up in the business, how he likes working on “Wizards” and what’s coming up next for this talented actor.

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Mike Gencarelli: How was it growing up surrounded by family members in the movie business, did you always want to go into that career?
David Deluise: I was around the business a lot. We would go to the sets and visit my dad on “The Cannonball Run”. There was a lot of watching what my parents did and what my dad did was fun and great. I did do a TV movie with my dad when I was in sixth grade. What my dad always said to me and my brothers was you can always be in this business but you can only have a childhood once. He encouraged us to be kids before we entered the business. Evenings around my house, my dad would always have people over like Mel Brooks, Carl Reiner and Anne Bancroft. They were always hanging out and I always made it a point to make these people laugh. When you make Mel Brooks laugh you are doing something good. There was one time [laughs] when Mel came over and my dad said “I will give you a dollar if you can fart on cue”. He counted…1…2…and I farted and Mel laughed so hard. I was in training at a young age if I knew it or not.

Mike Gencarelli: What has it been like working with your family on many projects, such as the film “Happy” and the “CSI” franchise?
David Deluise: We all did “Seaquest” together. We all did a movie that my brother Michael produced and directed and my brother Peter starred in and wrote called “Between the Sheets”. We also did an episode of “3rd Rock from the Sun”. It is always great and fun [laughs]. It is funny because you say “My brother got a job, maybe I will get a job”. Michael was on “Gilmore Girls” and I played his brother on that for two episodes. My brother Peter writes, produces and directs “Stargate” TV series and I was able to do four or five episodes of that. You are never guaranteed a job if your brother gets a job, but it doesn’t hurt.

Mike Gencarelli: You currently play the dad, Jerry Russo, in “Wizards of Waverly Place”, do you enjoying working on the show?
David Deluise: I love it. It is a dream job. Everyone is really fun to work with and great. I actually directed three episodes, so I had to make friends with all the technicians and technical aspects of the show. There are not a lot of vehicle places rather than Disney that you are given that kind of opportunity. Prior to this, I have never directed before, but thanks to the show I was able to. That was great. Bottom-line is, I have never said this to anybody I was debating whether I was doing the show or not. I was unsure. I called my brother Peter and he said “Ok all of that aside do you like the part” and I said “Yeah, it was written for me, a crazy kooky dad that teaches his kids how to properly use magic, it’s perfect”. He said “I think you just answered your question”. It was the beginning of the pilot season and I didn’t know if I wanted to do a Disney Channel show but I am very very glad that I ended up doing the show!

MG: You mentioned you directed three episodes of “Wizards”, how did you enjoy acting and directing?
DD: I found it fun and challenging. What was hard is to be the actor. You have three or four scenes while you are rehearsing other scenes. I would go and watch while they were rehearsing other stuff. As the director you are in charge, you make decisions and sometimes it is a little overwhelming but you are in every aspect of what is going on. What color do you want this? What size do you want that? When should people come in? You can add some jokes and try and make it better. It’s fun. I really had a good time and I hope I can do more.

MG: What is it like working with such a great cast?
DD: Everyone is so fun. The kids are very professional. Selena (Gomez) I have no idea how, at 14 when we started, she had such impeccable timing as a comedian. That just happens you can’t teach that. She did admit to me that she has watched every episode of “Friends”. She has a lot of lines and she learns her lines quickly. She is always on her game. We do a thing at the end of every episode with the audience. They come down and we all take pictures with everyone and sign autographs. In the beginning I was like [laughs] there is no way this is going to last but every single episode with the exception of two we have done that.

MG: How was it working on the “Wizards” movie versus the TV series?
DD: There were new people that we were working with. We have been doing our characters for sometime now and we kind of know how we are going to act. We want to keep it through-line. There was a lot of “Yeah David, that’s the TV show and this is the movie” and I was like “How is it different”? I think there was a little bit of us fighting for the integrity of the characters. I really think the movie ended up being great. In the movie, Selena makes a wish that comes true, “I wish my parents had never met” and then I never had given up my powers. I was a single man and I had magic. So I got to do magic in the movie which was great.

MG: Do you have a favorite episode?
DD: There are so many that I like. If I would have to pick out one it would be the quinceañera episode. Selena and I have this moment where it is the father/daughter dance. It was just really sweet. A lot of times on sitcoms you don’t get those sweet moments.

MG: What is in store for the future of the show? Is there a Season 4 planned?
DD: I think we are going to do a fourth season and we are going to do another TV movie. It is being discussed, there is nothing set in stone but I think that would wrap it up. Selena is in Europe doing a movie right now. David Henrie and everyone else is ready to go on and do their other projects. The fourth season and the movie would mean I have a job for the next year so I am happy about that.

MG: What do you have planned in the future besides “Wizards”?
DD: Well I am toying with and working with a friend of mine on writing a book. We did a signing in NY and all these kids came up to me and said “I wish you were my dad”. I was like maybe I kind of talk to the kids and the tweens and in a fun anecdotal way, I can explain to them where their parents are coming from. I am working on that. I just did a spoof movie but I can not talk about it at all so I can’t give anymore details. I might also be doing another movie before we start shooting “Wizards” again. Got a lot of great things coming up.

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Tag: david

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