interview Archives - Page 15 of 35

Interview with Carmen & Dolores Chaplin

In the long history of Hollywood there is probably no bigger name than that of Charlie Chaplin. A brilliant comedian in his native England, Chaplin came to America and introduced the world to perhaps the most beloved character of his era, the Little Tramp. He also made the successful jump from silent films to talkies, a subject that is explored in the new film “The Artist.”

To highlight the opening of “The Artist,” MediaMikes had the great opportunity to speak with two of Charlie Chaplin’s granddaughters, Carmen and Dolores. Named for two popular actresses of their era (Dolores del Rio and Carmen Miranda), the two have worked steadily both in Europe and in the States. They collaborated on a short film entitled “Tryst in Paname,” which is about to begin making the film festival rounds.

Mike Smith: You both grew up around show business and are obviously aware of your grandfather’s legacy. Did you see “The Artist” as a homage to your grandfather’s work?
Carmen Chaplin: We see it as a film that stands on its own. Obviously the fact that it’s in black and white and silent and has a lot of historical references you could see it as some sort of homage. But it stands on its own. As a film it’s a great film.

MS: Had this film been released during your grandfather’s era do you think he would have enjoyed the film?
CC: Oh yes. He also had to deal with the transition to “talkies.” It would have been a story very much of its time then. Actors didn’t think about transitioning to talking films until later. So yes, I think he would have enjoyed it.

MS: You’re both named after popular actresses from the Golden Age of Hollywood. Do you have a strong appreciation for that time?
CC: Yes. I think when you’re involved with films and you honestly love film you have to remember those times. Everything that they did then was revolutionary. It was a very exciting time and it’s exciting to look back.
Dolores Chaplin: Definitely. I love looking back at the history of films. The industry was literally built from nothing. They had to create it. Everything was new. It must have been an extremely exciting time to be in the movies back then.

MS: You both are working actresses. Do you think the “Chaplin” name helped or hurt you at the beginning of your careers.
DC: I still haven’t worked that one out. It depends on the day (laughs).
CC: It really depends on who you talk to. I really have no idea. It does come with some preconceptions, obviously, but it is a lovely name to carry.
DC: People have a lot of love and admiration for our grandfather so it’s rather nice when the connection is made. We try to make it rub off on us. (both laugh)

MS: Carmen, you recently followed in your grandfather’s footsteps by writing and directing the short film “Tryst in Paname” which co-starred your Dolores. How has that project been received?
CC: In the past few weeks I recently finished post-production. We’re getting ready to do the festival circuit now.

MS: Do you have any plans to tackle a feature film?
CC: Yes. That’s the idea. We did this short film which we’ll be showing about. I’ve written a feature film which I want to direct. My sister will be starring in it. But we need something to show that we are good at what we are doing.

MS: Dolores, do you have any plans to go behind the camera one day as a writer or director?
DC: Well, I’m never going to say never. But at the moment, no.

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Interview with Marcia Gay Harden

Marcia Gay Harden is an Academy Award winner from her amazing performance in “Pollock” with Ed Harris. She also stole the show with her performance in Clint Eastwood’s “Mystic River”. She is currently co-starring in TNT’s Saturday Mystery Night’s movie called “Scott Turow’s Innocent” airing on November 29th. Media Mikes had a chance to chat with Marcia Gay Harden about her role as well as what she has planned next.

Mike Gencarelli: I was wondering, were you familiar or had you read any of Scott Turow’s books beforehand?
Marcia Gay Harden: I had read “Innocent” previously and another one. I always try to read the literature first before I see the piece, so I have my own ideas. I get really excited by his writing and also by the rhythm of his writing and mystery. The more information you have…it deals like pick-up sticks where you try to carefully extract one stick without unbalancing the others. That’s what the characters seem to be doing, but the audience is involved in the ascension. So to pick up with this one in part two, it was very exciting to see where they had come because now each pick up stick is bent and twisted and full of the file they’ve lived for 20 years and another crime is committed.

MG: How do you connect with the character? Is there something about her that you felt a familiarity to or something that really touched on you with this character?
MGH: Well, I felt that his writing. Scott Turow’s writing allowed for a great exploration into the mental illness that she suffered and the repression that she lived through and also Rusty, her husband, lived through. He had repressed her crime from “Innocent”, part one for now 20 years and her behavior doesn’t become erratic again until she’s revisited by the same event. Once he commits another infidelity and then the lack of a distorted reality is created by his lies and cheating. She responds with the typical behaviors of her bipolar mess which was really interesting study for me that was. I found that a fascinating journey of discovery to understand what effect that has on people, on women, on people who live with betrayal. Whether it’s in a business or in a home, to expect sanity is a very tall order I think. It doesn’t forgive it, but it’s an odd expectation to expect someone to behave in a certain way when they’re actually experiencing some of the most devastating moments of their life.

MG: There’s kind of a lot of mystery surrounding your character. She seems kind of unpredictable. How did you kind of prepare for the role?
MGH: I studied. I did research. She’s unpredictable in that she has a mental illness and there’s a lot written about borderline and bipolar and post-traumatic stress and all of those so she’s unpredictable in that way. In fact, with her medication, she’s very predictable. No judgment on whether the life or the marriage is what it should be, but she seems to be contained and this event throws her off balance. I think in the telling of the story, you jump back and forth in flashbacks and Mike has put the anger of the night of the death at the very beginning. So I hope that people were able to understand that that is what she had come to, but that the other behaviors, having dinner parties, making lunches, sending her kid off on the bicycle, hovering yes, overbearing possibly, but not crazy.

MG: You said that you were familiar with the novel prior to working on the film, how do you feel that Mike Robe’s screenplay kind of works off the novel?
MGH: I feel like he did it very well given that there are certain ways of telling the story that can’t mimic the book. You get Rusty’s perspective much more than where the book gives you the mistress’ perspective and Callard, the son’s perspective. I thought it was super interesting that you don’t get Barbara’s perspective because if you think that Barbara killed herself, the only way you would know for sure is if you get her perspective. So in the book, I thought that’s interesting Scott Turow didn’t give you the one. She’s the only one who can tell you if she did it or not. So I thought that was interesting and at the end of the day, I was not necessarily convinced and I didn’t need to be convinced that the story ended as both Scott and the director tell you it did because you don’t know unless she tells you that it did.

MG: Bonnie Bedelia played the same character in the movie “Presumed Innocent”, did you avoid it so as not to influence your take on it?
MGH: I had seen it years and years ago when it first came out. So I didn’t feel the need to revisit that beautiful performance, but what I did was revisit the book and revisit the character’s behavior. That way I could remind myself of 20 years ago, what were her desires, what were her needs, what was her jealousy and her rage. What did that look like?

MG: When you get a script like this or any other script, is writing the only thing that you look for when you decide whether you’re going to accept it or not?
MGH: I think it’s as random as what clothing do I put on in the morning. Really it is. It’s based on what my needs are for the week, for the month, for the year, what I’m feeling like on the day. What is the story trying to say? What does the character say? What does it pay? Where does it shoot? Can I still make the kids’ Christmas play if I do this and how can I work it out? It is very random.

MG: What do you have planned next?
MGH: I just did a week on Body of Proof with Dana Delaney. I also just shot on a beautiful little independent film called “The Summer of Wine and Roses”, playing an acting teacher. It was so much fun. I believe there’s a film called “If I Were You” that’s coming out that I did and another one, there’s just a couple of films coming out, but it’s been a period of some change. We’ve moved out to California and there’s some family needs I’m taking care of so it’s, I can’t give you laundry list of big films, but soon enough.

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Interview with Sonny Chiba

Sonny Chiba is the legendary Japanese actor, producer, director and martial artist. Sonny recently appeared as Hattori Hanzo in “Kill Bill: Vol. 1” and is appearing in the new film “Sushi Girl”. Media Mikes had the chance to ask Sonny a few questions, with the help of “Sushi Girl” producer Neal Fischer, about his new film and his amazing career.

Mike Gencarelli: Tell us about your character, the Mysterious Sushi Chef, and his role in the film “Sushi Girl”?
Sonny Chiba: If I told you that, it would not be a mystery any longer… Where’s the fun in that?

MG: How did you become involved with this project?
SC: I am a close personal friend with Neal Fischer and the other producers of Sushi Girl (Destin Pfaff, Kern Saxton and Suren Seron). Neal asked me if I would like to be in Sushi Girl and I asked him if I got to kill anyone on screen. His answer to me is top secret, but I told him if they got me a ticket, I’d be in their movie. And here we are.

MG: How was it working with Mark Hamill and Tony Todd, as well as the rest of the cast in this film?
SC: They are wonderful people and talented actors and I wish I got to work with them more. Unfortunately we were mostly on set at different times. Then my stay was cut short when we had the big Tsunami disaster in Japan, so we finished my final scenes and I caught the first flight home.

MG: How do you compare working on “Sushi Girl” to your role of Hattori Hanzo in “Kill Bill, Vol.1”
SC: I love acting, love martial arts and love marrying the two on film. I am always grateful to be on set and working with amazing people. Both were wonderful experiences.

MG: Which do you enjoy more working behind the camera or in front of the camera?
SC: Both! They are two sides of the same blade. Everything is connected. There is a right time for everything and I enjoy it all. Recently I have really been enjoying writing. I can go have dinner and suddenly get the urge to write and just stay there all night. I write on whatever I can get a hold of (paper, napkin, etc.) and then forget to eat the meal I ordered.

MG: How do you feel that character Takuma Tsurugi from “The Street Fighter” holds up in terms of toughness in today’s films?
SC: Oh “toughness” is very different these days. And I am very happy that fans today are still as excited about The Street Fighter series and Tsurugi (my character) as ever. So I think he holds up perfectly.

MG: If they ever remade “The Street Fighter” in the US, who would you want to see in the lead role?
SC: Hmmm… I think more about the films that haven’t been made yet. I have several film projects of my own that need to be made and they will have a good amount of that “toughness” you asked about before. Look for news about them in the near future

MG: How do you feel about “Golgo 13” in talks to be remade into another live-action film?
SC: Words cannot express my joy! “Golgo 13” is one of my all time favorites and is filled with amazing and edgy stories, all written and illustrated by Takao Saito. As you know, I played Golgo, the top international assassin of the world in the 1977 version, so it is very close to my heart. Golgo is not a simple two-dimensional character. And he is mysterious too! I was so overwhelmed and excited to hear from Neal that his boss, Samuel Hadida (Davis Films) obtained the rights recently. Since I know “Golgo” is in good hands, it is time for another live-action film.

MG: Are you looking forward to seeing “Samurai Reincarnation” on the big screen again at Singafest awards event?
SC: I am! I haven’t seen the film in a long time and it was directed by my good friend Kinji Fukasaku. Singafest is also presenting me with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the event. My sons (Makenyu & Gordon) will demonstrate karate then my daughter (Juri Manase) and I will do a demonstration with swords.

MG: Do you have any future plans to direct or act as fight choreographer in the near future?
SC: Yes. As I said, I have several project that I’m excited about. I have just signed a four-picture deal with Assembly Line. The first I will be co-starring with Tony Todd in the action drama “Bushido”. All of them are based on my original stories and I will be very active both behind and in front of the camera. So I am very excited for that and then following that we will have three more action projects. So keep an eye out!

“Sushi Girl” Interview Series

Fish has spent six years in jail. Six years alone. Six years keeping his mouth shut about the robbery, about the other men involved. The night he is released, the four men he protected with silence celebrate his freedom with a congratulatory dinner. The meal is a lavish array of sushi, served off the naked body of a beautiful young woman. The sushi girl seems catatonic, trained to ignore everything in the room, even if things become dangerous. Sure enough, the four unwieldy thieves can’t help but open old wounds in an attempt to find their missing loot.

SUSHI GIRL INTERVIEWS:

Andy Mackenzie & James Duval

Cortney Palm

David Dastmalchian

Destin Pfaff

Destin Pfaff, Kern Saxton, Neal Fischer & Suren Seron

Sonny Chiba

Tony Todd

Directed by: Kern Saxton
Written by: Kern Saxton and Destin Pfaff
Produced by: Neal Fischer, Destin Pfaff, Kern Saxton, and Suren M. Seron
Cast: Tony Todd, James Duval, Noah Hathaway, Andy Mackenzie and Mark Hamill, Cyrus Alexander, Michael Biehn, Sonny Chiba, David Dastmalchian, Jeff Fahey, David Reynolds, Ted Stryker, Danny Trejo, introducing Cortney Palm

Find out more at our official site: http://www.sushigirlmovie.com/
Follow us on Twitter @ http://twitter.com/SushiGirlMovie
Exclusive Facebook Content: http://www.facebook.com/SushiGirlMovie
Check out our IMDB at http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1606339/

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Filed Under: Interviews Tagged With: girl, interview, series, sushi

Interview with John Fang

John Fang works with Cartoon Network and is the Supervising Producer for it’s hit show “Generator Rex”. He is recently the supervising producer on the new crossover “Ben 10/Generator Rex: Heroes United” which aired on Cartoon Network on November 25th. Mefia Mikes had a chance to chat with John about working on “Generator Rex” and its new crossover with “Ben 10”.

Mike Gencarelli: What can you tell us about “Ben 10/Generator Rex: Heroes United”?
John Fang: Ben enters the Rex universe and teams up to fight an evil force so powerful, only their combined efforts has a chance for victory. Fans of both properties, and fans of action, should eat this special up!

MG: You are no stranger to either series, having directed episodes of both Ben 10: Alien Force” and “Generator Rex”, how did the mash-up come about?
JF: Not much to say here since everyone involved knew this would happen at some point. Not really a question of “how” but “when” are we going to do the cross over. Working so closely on both properties, I was also a huge fan of both, so getting a chance to have Rex and Ben fight side by side was way too much fun.

MG: How does working on both shows compare?
JF: Loved working on both, but being the show runner for Generator Rex, I’m obviously more attached to Rex. Our goal for “GenRex” has always been about bringing a stylized point of view to action. We stylize the storytelling, push designs, stylize music, SFX, and so on. Stories are always interesting and the acting is amazing.

MG: Can we expect Ben 10 and Generator Rex to meet up again?
JF: Definitely left that door open. Another team-up in our universe or in Ben’s universe? We’ll have to wait and see.

MG: Season three of “Generator Rex” just started, what can we expect this season?
JF: We just had our series game changers in episodes 40 and 41 with the big shake up at Providence . Season 3 will have bigger reveals about the nanite event and the original group behind it. Besides the encompassing epic storyline, we’ll still have plenty of episodes of Rex just having fun.

MG: What else are you currently working on?
JF: “Rex” keeps me plenty busy.

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Filed Under: Interviews, TV Interviews Tagged With: fang, interview, john

Interview with Robert Kenner

Robert Kenner is known for directing the following documentaries the Oscar Nominated “Food Inc.” and the recent “When Strangers Click”. Media Mikes had a chance to chat with Robert about working on his new documentary “When Strangers Click” as well as “Food Inc.” and also what he has planned next.

Mike Gencarelli: Can you give us some background on your newest film?
Robert Kenner: After doing “Food Inc.” which was a very serious topic I was sort of hijacked by the food world. It’s a great world and I think “Food Inc.” is about a lot more than just food. The film is more so about how the world of food has been industrialized. In a way “Food Inc.” taught you about how the world of food has changed and “When Strangers Click” is teaching about how the world of love has been changed. On one hand the film is about how we fall in love and on the other it’s about how the world has become a different place. For me some of the stories in the film are jaw dropping.

MG: How did you find the five people in the film?
RK: Marc Weiss had found a lot of these stories and he brought them to me. Marc was the guy who started “P.O.V.”. I initially wasn’t interested in the stories until I started to see how powerful they were. We had kept talking to people but the ones in the series really jumped out at us. They are amazing stories and characters that you could never write.

MG: How long did it take to complete the project?
RK: It was all pretty quick. We did the first pieces on spec and we added the last interview which we thought was the most unbelievable towards the end of the project. That interview was a whole new way of looking at the world.

MG: Production wise how do you feel this project differs from that on “Food Inc.”?
RK: These were much more self contained stories. Technically we broke some new ground and went to some different places. Shooting on second life was a brand new experience for me. I was amazed at how beautiful it. I was thrilled by this experience.

MG: What is the first thing you do when you decide to do a project?
RK: This project sort of snuck up on me. I went out and shot a few stories that were handed to me. We shot them all relatively quick. In the midst of shooting I thought the stories were just so great. I never really committed to making the film. We brought the stories to HBO and they fell in love with them the same way we had. The next thing I know we were making a movie. I thought I was just out there having some fun.

MG: Did you have to cut a lot of footage to get the movie to its final run time?
RK: No. That’s just where we were. I actually had one story that wasn’t going to be included but it was so well liked in ended up in the film. This was a film I never committed to making I just got sucked in. We shot for a few days and then we had a movie. It all happened so quick and easy. The film turned into so much more than I was anticipating.

MG: Do you have any upcoming projects you can tell us about?
RK: I have two projects. One is titled “Fixfood.org”. I will be small little videos about how we can change the food system combined with some very active political campaigns. The other film is about how doubt is created by tobacco companies telling you that cigarettes aren’t really bad for you. That film is titled “Merchants of Doubt”.

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Filed Under: Film Interviews, Interviews Tagged With: interview, kenner, robert

Interview with Kate Mara

Kate Mara has appeared in several television series and films. Most recently she plays the role of Hayden McClane in the FX series “American Horror Story”. Media Mikes had a chance to talk with Kate about her work on the series and her role in the upcoming film “Kin”.

Adam Lawton: Can you tell us about your character Hayden?
Kate Mara: Hayden is the student that Ben had an affair with. She is the reason Ben and his family move from Boston out to Los Angeles. Ben goes back to Boston after finding out Hayden is pregnant and they plan to have Hayden get an abortion. After Ben leaves Hayden goes out to Los Angeles to tell Ben that she didn’t have an abortion like they had planned. While Hayden is at the house she ends up getting killed. Hayden is a very vengeful ghost and is taking it upon herself to haunt Vivian and cause other problems in the house.

AL: What was it that drew you to the script?
KM: I had worked with Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk on “Nip Tuck”. I think I was 19 at the time and that was one of my first jobs after moving out to Los Angeles. I have known Ryan ever since. One day he called and asked if I would be interested in doing a couple episodes of this and Brad’s new show. My agent sent me the script and I really didn’t know what to expect. I am not normally a fan of the horror genre but I love Ryan’s work and I was pleasantly surprised after reading the script. Ryan then gave me an over view of what my character would be doing but, he really didn’t tell me what all was going to happen. I was just under the impression that I was going to be on a few episodes to cause some mischief. I didn’t know I was going to die and end up haunting the house. I was lucky to know a little bit about the role prior to shooting. Generally we only have the first act of a script and we have no clue what else we will be doing. The writers on the show are really great and I trust Ryan and Brad. Normally this type of situation would make me very anxious. This is really exciting!

AL: What do you think has been your favorite part of working on the show?
KM: I have done so many different things with my character emotionally. She starts out as being a little on the innocent side and appears to be somewhat taken advantage of. Hayden then turns into a very unpredictable and emotional type character. When we see Hayden as a ghost you can tell there is a lot of evil there but with some vulnerability. To be able to portray all those things is definitely a challenge but it is so much fun. Typically it’s hard to find roles like this even in movies. It’s so out there with some of the things we get to say. It’s a really great role to be able to play with on such a great show.

AL: how does working on “American Horror Story” compare to other television shows you have worked on?
KM: Each show tends to have a little different feel from one another. “American Horror Story” tends to shoot more like a movie. It is just as much work if not more. We cram so much screen time into one week that it can be pretty intense. I don’t generally like to do a lot of television because it can be unpredictable and you don’t have a lot of control over what’s going to happen with your character. I generally only ever do arcs or reoccurring roles because then I know I am only going to be on for 5 or so episodes. You can kind of get a sense of what’s going to happen then. I love films because you get to see the script and have some control over your character. With television you really don’t get that. Being this show is done by Ryan and Brad I didn’t have to really worry. I was excited about the script especially after seeing the first episode. It’s really about who is in control of where the story lines are going.

AL: Do you have a favorite episode from this season?
KM: I have to say that I am obsessed with Jessica Lange’s character. Her role is just so well written. Jessica’s entire acting career has been brilliant. The more of her character we can see the more I like the episode. It’s hard to choose just one episode but the more Jessica the better. (Laughs)

AL:Have you been told anything about being a part of Season 2?
KM: I don’t know yet. I don’t think anyone really knows what’s going on. I like to think that if you’re a ghost there is always a possibility of coming back.

AL: What can you tell us about your upcoming film “Kin”?
KM: I wish I knew more of what was going on with that film. I think there was mention of taking it to some festivals but we will have to see. The film was directed by Stefan Ruzowitzky who won an Oscar a few years back for his film “The Counterfeiters”. Eric Bana, Olivia Wilde and Charlie Hunnam had already been cast so I was excited to be a part of the film. The character was also something that I hadn’t done before. I play a cop in a small town. The film centers around Eric Bana and Olivia Wilde who play siblings that have just robbed a casino. There was a lot of action involved and we got to do a lot of ski-do riding. We also went to a shooting range which I was terrified of at first. It’s always fun to do new and different stuff.

AL: Do you have any other upcoming projects you can tell us about?
KM: I am finishing up “American Horror Story” as we speak. I have an idea of what I am going to be doing next however I can’t really say anything about that just yet. I do know that I will probably start working on that in January.

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Filed Under: TV Interviews Tagged With: interview, kate, mara

Interview with Shelby Young

Shelby Young has appeared in several movies and television series. Most recently she plays the character of Leah on the FX series “American Horror Story”. Shelby was nice enough to take time out of her schedule to talk with Media Mikes about the show and some of her other work.

Adam Lawton: What initially prompted you to get into acting?
SY: When I was younger I did this pageant with my mom. There happened to be a modeling agent there who was interested in me. I started doing modeling and commercials around Florida which is where I am from originally. I must have at some point gone to my Mom and told her I wasn’t getting enough dialogue in the commercials. When we moved out to New York I started doing some theater and indie films. We moved out to Los Angeles when I was 13 and things have gone from there.

AL: Can you tell us about your character on “American Horror Story”?
SY: When you first see my character Leah she is the leader of the mean girls at Violet’s school. She and Violet have a run in and Leah automatically doesn’t like her. The two end up fighting one another and to get Leah back Violet lures her back to her house where she is attacked by a demon type character. After the attack Leah becomes a completely different person. Leah is a little freaked out and not as mean. She has also noticed her hair has begun to turn white.

AL: What was it about the role that appealed to you?
SY: I love dark and gritty projects. When I read the script for the show I had to be a part of it! When I found out I got the role I completely freaked out. The show is just so well written and there is nothing else on television like it.

AL: What was your impression from reading the first script?
SY: I love Ryan Murphy’s other work. I am a huge “Glee” fan which is completely different from “American Horror Story”. I knew in Ryan’s hands this show was going to be amazing. The script just really jumped out at me and I didn’t want to put it down.

AL: Were you a fan of the horror genre prior to working on the show?
SY: Yes definitely! Even though I say this I generally end up watching them with my eyes closed for half the movie. (Laughs) I love the feeling of being scared.

AL: How has it been working with the rest of the cast?
SY: Everyone is amazing. I have work mostly with Evan Peters and Taissa Farmiga who are both really talented. Working with them has been fantastic and I am glad I have got to know them.

AL: Will we be seeing more of your character in the coming episodes?
SY: I can’t say anything about that as I don’t want to give anything away.

AL: You also have done some film work as well as voice over work. Is there that stands out as a favorite for you?
SY: I love film a lot and I would like for my career to go in that direction but, then you have something come along like “American Horror Story” that is so fantastic. Each episode is like a mini movie. I would be very content being a lead on a show like “American Horror Story”. Voice work is something fun for me to do on the side. For me the work is a little easier. I enjoy doing the funny voices.

AL: Do you have any other upcoming projects you can tell us about?
SY: I don’t have anything I can tell you about just yet. I have a few interesting projects I am waiting to hear back on but I don’t want to jinx it by giving too much away.

Interview with Jamie Brewer

Jamie Brewer plays the role of Adelaide on the hit FX series “American Horror Story”. Media Mikes had a chance to speak with Jamie recently to discuss the show.

Adam Lawton: What made you want to get into acting?
Jamie Brewer: I grew up loving all forms of the arts, especially movies and theatre productions. I love watching this type of entertainment. I started acting in a theatre group when I was in junior high school and I really loved it. I have been in theatre groups and theatre productions ever since then and I am studying Theatre Arts in college. I just love to act!

AL: How did you become involved with “American Horror Story”?
JB: I first got word of the audition for the show from a friend of mine. They where looking for a young lady with Down syndrome who could act. My headshot and resume were submitted and I was called for an audition and, to my surprise I got the part. I was so excited!!

AL: What do you like most being on the show?
JB: I love playing the part of Adelaide. It is a great challenge, because the character is very different from who I am. I’m actually enjoying learning all the fundamentals of being part of a thrilling TV show. It’s just fun to be part of it ALL!

AL: What is it like working with such a great cast?
JB: It’s AMAZING! I am so thankful for the opportunity to be a part of this amazing cast. I am learning so much from everyone I’m working with on set. They are all wonderful actors, this is a great experience. I feel so lucky to be part of this show. We are becoming a “BIG” family!

AL: What is the most difficult part of your role?
JB: Adelaide is a complex character, but the most difficult part of playing Adelaide is learning how to portray someone who isn’t always viewed acceptable to her mother and society. This is a new challenge for me.

AL: Do you have a favorite episode thus far?
JB: For sure, it was the “Halloween, Part 1” Episode. It has a lot of great intense scenes. Plus, It was especially exciting because I got to do my first stunts in that episode.

AL: Do you have any other upcoming projects?
JB: My agents are always looking for new material, but for right now my top priority is with “American Horror Story”. I hope to work in this exciting industry for a very long time. I really enjoy acting!

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Filed Under: TV Interviews Tagged With: brewer, interview, jamie

Evan Peters talks about his role in FX series “American Horror Story”

Evan Peters plays the role of Tate on the FX series “American Horror Story”. Evan has also appeared in several other television series and film. Media Mikes had a chance to speak with Evan recently about his role on the show.

Adam Lawton: Can you tell us about your character Tate on the show?
Evan Peters: Tate is a little psychotic and he has started seeing Ben played by Dylan McDermott’s for psycho analysis in an effort to cure the demons inside him. At the same time Ben’s daughter catches his eye and Tate takes a liking to her.

AL: How did you become involved with “American Horror Story”?
EP: I was lucky enough to be able to go in a read for the role after sending a tape in. I went through the whole casting process and am very grateful for how it turned out.

AL: Overall how have things been going on the show?
EP: Really good! I have been able to work with such an amazing cast. The subject matter of the show is very heavy and to be able to work with great people like Dylan and Taissa Farminga who has been fantastic.

AL: Were you a fan of the horror genre prior to taking the role?
EP: I always liked horror movies but they did scare the hell out of me. I was a little stressed out at the begging of shooting but it has turned out to be really fun. To be behind the whole process of staging the scares and how they are set up has been really cool.

AL: Do you have a favorite episode that has been shot so far?
EP: I think it was the one where you find out Tate’s back story. There was a lot of technical stuff in that episode. Our director was great and the shoot was really fun.

AL: How soon do you receive the scripts prior to shooting?
EP: They like to keep everything a mystery. At this point we get the scripts the night before we start shooting. I’m sure they have everything all planned but for some reason they keep us in the dark. (Laughs)

AL: Are you currently still shooting?
EP: Yes. We are going to be shooting till about December 4th. We have been working Saturday’s as time has been cut pretty close to finish each episode. The work is worth it and each director has taken their time and put their mark on the episodes.

AL: Has it been hard working with so many different directors?
EP: Yes. Every episode has a new director and by the end of shooting I really like working with that director. Then we start a new episode with a different director and I have to start all over again building a relationship.

AL: Do you have any other upcoming projects?
EP: Working on this series has opened a few doors for me. I think I want to branch off and do something a little less dark. I would love to do something funny and light.

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Filed Under: TV Interviews Tagged With: evan, interview, peters

Interview with Jeremy DePoyster

Jeremy DePoyster is the rhythm guitarist for the metal-core group The Devil Wears Prada. The band recently released a new full length album titled “Dead Throne” via Ferret Records and is currently on tour supporting the album. Media Mikes caught up with Jeremy to talk about the new album as well as about the bands new iPhone app.

Adam Lawton: What can you tell us about the band’s new album “Dead Throne”?
Jeremy DePoyster: The album is not so much a reinvention of the band but more so a rediscovery. The album still fits in the mold of our previous releases while at the same time being a progression. There are some slower songs on this album which is a different sound for the band. I think the album is fun and heavy.

AL: Did you guys try any different approaches during the recording process of the album?
JDP: Yes. We pretty much did everything differently than we have in the past. A majority of the songs are written by our other guitarist on his lap top and we take them from there and re-work them. However we on occasion do write material together and jam on it as a group. That was what we did more so on the new record. All of the song structure was done ahead of time and by the time we were ready to go into the studio we had demo tracks for every song to use as reference.

AL: How many tracks did you guys go into the studio with?
JDP: The 13 songs that are on the record are what we took in with us. We had one song that wasn’t quite done yet but that was scrapped prior to pre-production. We knew going in that all the songs we brought were going to make it onto the album.

AL: How do you think the band has evolved since your first recordings?
JDP: I think it’s natural for everybody to progress as musicians. When we first started the band I was 18 and I am 24 now. I think we all have become more proficient at our instruments but also at how we approach songs and textures. For me I play a lot differently than I used to.

AL: How do you think this album stands out above those that have been released recently who are in the same genre?
JDP: I think you can see passion and reality over imitation. It is flattering to see a group of bands that have almost carbon copied what we have done as a band but, at the same time it’s not offering anything new to the musical world. I think that’s really the difference. We aren’t writing to sell records or make a career. When we started this band there was none of those things. We started the band to have fun and the other stuff just came along. I think that makes us stand out as well as the maturity of our material.

AL: Do you have a favorite track off the new album?
JDP: It depends on the day. Playing the songs live has also altered things a bit as well. I really like “Born to Lose”. I think that song is a good representation of who we are as a band. I also like “Chicago” because I wrote a majority of the guitar heard on that track. It’s a really personal song and is something we don’t normally have on our albums.

AL: Can you tell us about the “Zombie Slay” app?
JDP: We just released that a few months ago prior to us leaving for Australia. We have talked about doing something like this for a long time. Dan our drummer was really into the idea of having an app and having that communication with other I device users. All the other stuff out there we felt was just dull and boring. We wanted to make a game that would be super rad and could stand alone outside of the band. Over the past few years we have really taken control of what comes out of the band. We really try and have quality control over our products. We didn’t want this to be something a manager got on and tried to sell our fans tickets. We wanted this to be awesome! The guys did a really great job with it and the band was really involved with the testing process. (Laughs)

AL: What are the plans for the band the rest of this year and into 2012?
JDP: This tour that we are on now is really what is left for this year. This is our first big U.S. North American headliner in quite some time. We will be finishing this up soon as we have a lot going on planned for next year. Nothing has really been announced yet but everyone can be looking for those announcements soon.

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Filed Under: Interviews, Music Interviews Tagged With: depoyster, interview, jeremy

Interview with Peter Facinelli

Born in Queens, New York, Peter Facinelli made his television debut at the age of 22 in an episode of “Law and Order.” Three years later he played big man on campus Mike Dexter in the iconic high school comedy “Can’t Hardly Wait.” He spent the next decade working steadily on both television (“Fastlane,” “Six Feet Under”) and film (“The Scorpion King,” “The Big Kahuna,” “Riding in Cars With Boys”). Convinced by his agent to read the script of an upcoming “vampire” movie, he embraced the role of Dr. Carlisle Cullen. He returns to that role for a fourth time this week with the release of the film “Twilight: Breaking Dawn – Part 1.” He will also be seen on screen next month in the film “Loosies,” which he wrote and produced. When he’s not working Mr. Facinelli spends time with his family: wife Jennie Garth and daughters Luca, Lola and Fiona.

Mr. Facinelli was in Kansas City recently and took time out to sit down with MediaMikes.

Mike Smith: How was your visit to Kansas City?
Peter Facinelli: Best barbecue I ever had!

MS: It seemed for months that the only “Law and Order” episode that was on TNT was the one that featured you and the “Mack Rangers!” Even though it was one of your first acting jobs did you have a sense that you were working on a quality show?
PF: Wow. I forgot the name of the club…the “Mack Rangers.” (laughs) At the time “Law and Order” was pretty popular so I was happy to be a part of it. I was just excited to be working with Chris Noth and Jerry Orbach. It was one of my favorite shows so it was surreal that I was on it.

MS: What inspired you to become an actor?
PF: A movie called “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.” I watched that movie when I was in the 3rd grade and I said, “those guys are having fun…that’s what I want to do.”

MS: Maybe it was just me but I thought early in your career you bore a striking resemblance to Tom Cruise. Did you hear that from casting agents and do you think that may have hurt you job wise?
PF: Yeah, I definitely heard that early in my career. I don’t get that much anymore. I did definitely hear that. I don’t think it helped any (laughs). Nobody wants ANOTHER Tom Cruise. And of course you want to have your own identity. Your own career. You don’t want to be the kid that looks like Tom Cruise. I didn’t think about it much. I took it as a compliment…he’s a good looking man (laughs). I just did the work and tried to forge out a career for myself.

MS: “Can’t Hardly Wait” is still regarded as one of the best films about high school life. How much of yourself is in the character of Mike Dexter?
PF: Not that much, actually. I based that character on three people I went to high school with. It’s fun for me that the film has stood the test of time. I’ll have people see me from across the street and shout out lines from the movie. “Mike Dexter is a god!” It’s fun for me that this movie has such a shelf life. It’s affected a couple of generations now. People my age…people a little older than me…people younger. A lot of “Twilight” fans…thirteen year old girls that have seen the film. They all like it. At the time we didn’t know we were making a teen classic. We were all young and upcoming. It was a fun movie.

MS: When you were first approached for the first “Twilight” film were you aware of the books’ popularity? And did you expect the film to be as successful as it was?
PF: When my agent originally asked me if I wanted to be in a vampire movie I said “no.” I thought it was going to be a “D” movie…lots of bats. But he told me to read the book…that it had a large underground following. At that time the books weren’t as big as they are now. I read it and I fell in love with it. It reminded me of the old Bela Lugosi movies. And it looked at vampires in different ways. It was kind of exciting. Again, the books weren’t as popular…this was just right before they exploded.

MS: Has the success of the “Twilight” films given you more freedom as an actor?
PF: It’s given me more time. Now I don’t have to try and work on everything. I can just work on what I want. It’s allowed me to get some of the stuff that I’ve written out there. I recently formed a production company called Fancinelli Films. So we’re making movies now. I’ve written three scripts. I’ve produced two of them. Two of them have been made. We’ve also acquired a bunch of material. It’s allowed me to be in a place where I can generate my own work. It lets me do the things I want to do while looking for other projects.

MS: You’ve had recurring roles in several television series, including “Fastlane,” “Six Feet Under” and, currently, “Nurse Jackie.” Do you have a preference between film and television?
PF: I like both for different reasons. I try to go where the good writing is. “Fastlane” was fun because I grew up on “Starsky and Hutch.” There was really nothing like it on television. Same with “Damages,” “Six Feet Under” and “Nurse Jackie.” It’s just good writing. I gravitate towards that. The medium was different then it was in the past. There is some really great T.V. out there. Wherever that property is…that has good writing…that’s where I go to. What I love about film is that…with a film there’s the premiere…it’s up on the big screen and it’s kind of an event. With television there’s an immediacy there. You’re shooting quicker. During the day there’s more pages that you’re doing. And a couple months after you shoot it’s on television.

MS: You recently wrote and starred in the film “Loosies.” What inspired you to try your hand at writing?
PF: I think I started writing because I was constantly reading scripts that I didn’t like. It’s like you’re sitting there as an actor waiting for someone to give you something and being disappointed. It’s kind of like looking for a needle in a hay stack. And the things I did like the competition is really high for because they’re really few and far between…scripts that are really powerful. And I started thinking, “what kind of stories do I want to tell?” If this stuff that I don’t like over here is getting made then maybe I can make something better. So I started writing. Telling stories that I thought were interesting and that people would like.

MS: Twenty-five roles in the film and you couldn’t find a part for Jennie?
PF: (laughs) Jen and I have always tried to keep our stuff separate. We met on a T.V. movie set. We’ve pretty much kept our careers separate. She does her thing and I do my thing. But the briefcase get’s dropped at the door and we have our life together.

MS: Now that you’ve had three screenplays produced do you see yourself in the director’s chair anytime soon?
PF: Yes. I would love to. That’s the progression…where I’d like to be. Film is a director’s medium. It’s frustrating for me as an actor sometimes. I go in. I play my role. And I go away. Whether the movies turns out good or not is out of my control. Sometimes my performance is out of my control. Being able to produce and write gives me some of that control. I can see the movie all the way through…from beginning to end. The next step for me would be to direct. To be able to create the whole world. That’s exciting to me. That’s something that I definitely want to do and look forward to doing.

MS: Besides the upcoming “Twilight” films what else are you working on?
PF: “Loosies” is in the can and in post production. I have another film I wrote called “El Chico Blanco” that I wanted to squeeze into this past summer but since I had to be on “Nurse Jackie” in September I just wasn’t able to do it. So I’ll hopefully do that early next year. And then I’m going to take the next summer off. I’ve been working since last June (2009) almost non-stop. The kids miss me. So I think we’re going to travel in the summer and then I’ll go back to “Nurse Jackie.” I definitely have “El Chico Blanco” on my mind. There are also a couple of properties I’ve acquired that I’m trying to get financing for as a producer. And as far as acting, I’ll keep on looking. And if I don’t find it I’ll write it.

Interview with Tory Kittles

Media Mikes first talked with Tory Kittles a few months back in preparation for his film “The Kill Hole”. Since then Tory has been extremely busy shooting a film titled “The Sapphires” as well as reprising his role as Laroy Wayne on the hit series “Sons of Anarchy”. Tory took a few minutes out of his busy schedule to get us to speed with all of his projects.

Adam Lawton: Can you tell us about working on “Sapphires”?
Tory Kittles: I actually just got back from shooting that film. We were working in Sydney, Australia as well as Vietnam. The story is a true story about 4 aboriginal sisters who were like the Supreme’s of Australia. They were hired to perform for the U.S. soldiers during the Vietnam War. The film also features Chris O’Dowd and Deborah Mailman. It was directed by Wayne Blair and shot by Warwick Thorton who won the Cannes film festival a year or two ago with his film “Samson and Delilah”

AL: How did you role in the film come about?
TK: It was cast by Randi Hiller out in Los Angeles. I had known Randi for some time as she had cast me in an Oliver Stone film that ended up not happening. We have been friends for awhile and she had sent me the script. It was such a heartfelt story and you get to see Vietnam from a different perspective. The story is really told through the eyes of these 4 sisters. The writer of the script is actually the son of one of the Sapphire’s. There was a lot of heart and soul in the script. Randi had brought me in to meet Wayne and we just kind of hit it off. I had worked in Australia previously with a guy by the name of David Field who I found out during my audition is friends with Wayne.

AL: How long did the shooting of the film take?
TK: I was in Sydney for 5 weeks and then we changed location to Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam. We stayed at the Rex Hotel which is the same hotel where Walter Cronkite used to brief the White House from while the war was going on.

AL: What was it like shooting in Vietnam?
TK: It was very weird playing an American soldier from the Vietnam era and being in the actual place where everything happened. It was definitely a weird vibe while we were doing it. The people who live there are very proud and have moved on from the war. It was more of a mind thing for me. Everyone there was really great. I think shooting in the actual locations that these events took place grounds the film in a much heavier way.

AL: Do you have any updates on your film “Kill Hole”?
TK: I can’t wait for people to see this movie! I actually just saw it myself the other night. It has been a long process for the makers of the film to get it the way they want. We had missed some of the festivals that we had originally wanted to get into early this year but, I think the time they spent was well worth it. I can’t believe they were able to make a film of this caliber on the budget they had. The film rings very true.

AL: Were there any surprises when you watched the film?
TK: I think my character is a little creepier than I thought he would be. (Laughs) That really stood out for me. The sequences in the film move really well. The score for the film really informs the picture as well. Everything with this film ties in perfectly with each other. I was really moved by the film and pleasantly surprised. I am very proud.

AL: What are the release plans for the film?
TK: We missed this year’s festival deadlines so we are going to be looking at getting into some upcoming festivals and then go from there.

AL: What the latest on your project “Harmony”?
TK: “Harmony” is now in the hands of a very big producer. Moves are being made with the project but I have been told not to talk about it just yet.

AL: Any inside scoops for this season of “Sons of Anarchy”?
TK: That’s another one of those things where you go Wow! But you just can’t say anything. I am going to be in a few upcoming episodes as I am not dead yet. My character is back and it’s going to be very exciting! I am amazed at how Kurt Sutter is able to one up himself with each episode. I am a fan of the show and I can’t believe he is getting away with some of the things on that show on network television. There is just some really great story telling with the show and I am excited with what they have given my character Laroy. Everyone will need to keep watching!

Interview with The Great Commission’s Justin Singh

Justin Singh is the lead vocalist for The Great Commission a faith based metal-core band hailing from Redlands, California. The band released its second album in July of this year titled “Heavy Worship”. The album was produced by Andrew P. Glover and is being released via Century Media/ANGR Records. Media Mikes had a chance to talk with Justin prior to the bands performance in Syracuse, NY about the new album and the bands upcoming plans.

Adam Lawton: Can you tell us about the band’s latest release “Heavy Worship”?
Justin Singh: “Heavy Worship” was released in July on Century Media/ANGR records. It took us 2 years to write this album. We had received a lot of labels offers after our contract had run out with Strike First/ Face Down records but, we were really waiting on god to pick the right label for us. During that time we were just writing music and lyrics that we felt would represent the band. We took time and sat down with every song to figure out what it was saying. We wanted to make sure that the music on the album was just as heavy as the message. That’s the reason we titled it “Heavy Worship”

AL: How do you think this album compares to the bands previous release?
JS: I feel like this album is more of us. The first album was written with the idea of what would we want to mosh to in heaven. It was of just a fun album that had lyrics that glorified god and was just heavy. With “Worship Music” we took the same concept as with the first album but we upped everything. The lyrics on this album are not just lyrics. We wanted the album to be catchy but we also wanted the songs to have meaning and to show that we live the lyrics that we are writing.

AL: What led you guys to sample lines from “The Boondock Saints” and “Dawn of the Dead”?
JS: It will probably sound weird but I feel god speaks to me through movies no matter what the films beliefs. I get so into movies that I start to put myself into the situations. I loved the line in “The Boondock Saints” where Norman Reedus’s character explains why they do what they do. Instead of taking it in the literal sense I took it as there are a lot of evils in our life that need to be killed in order to better ourselves. The other clip was from George Romero’s film “Dawn of the Dead” and I feel that sometimes as people we become dead inside. The first line of that song is “wake up” and it’s about waking up this generation from its mundane life. It’s almost like going from being dead to alive.

AL: Do you have a favorite track off the album?
JS: That’s a hard one. It’s a tossup between “Don’t Go To Church, Be The Church” and “Draw The Line”. Both of those songs mean a lot to me for different reasons. “Don’t Go To Church, Be The Church” is awesome because I feel like from a Christian point of view in this culture were involved in it’s easy to say “We are waiting for revival”. We as people are revivals so the song is about breaking down the walls and the mentality that a church is a building. We can have church really anywhere from a venue parking lot to riding in a car. We can really talk about things anywhere. We don’t have to go to a particular building or place. “Draw The Line” is awesome because even if you are not a Christian you can still relate to the songs message. We all have our own person struggles and sometimes we have to realize that we are the cause of our own problems. Unless we change ourselves our current status isn’t going to change. It could be anything from addiction to being in a bad relationship. It’s on us to bring the better out.

AL: This band has a unique stand on Christianity as compared to other bands in the genre. Can you tell us about that?
JS: I personally only speak from experience. As we have started to branch out and not only do Christian tours but secular tours fans have come up to me and telling me about how they have been told they are going to hell for having tattoos and piercings or listening to heavy music. I was drawn to this music because of its aggressiveness. Growing up I was just captivated by the music. I always wondered why we couldn’t do this for god? When we partnered the two together we saw what happened. There are a lot of people out there especially in the south and across the states that say if you have or do any of these things you are going to hell. It’s not true! Even though we love Jesus we are a very anti-religion band.

AL: Can you tell the fans one thing they might not know about The Great Commission?
JS: (Laughs) I am going to go through them one by one. Angela is the biggest “Star Wars” nerd! She and her brother actually go to “Star Wars” conventions. Victor is a huge Nickelback fan as well as Backstreet Boys and Nsync. Me personally I am the biggest comic book geek. I am really into Marvel comics. Our drummer Alonzo is from Costa Rica and he is really into samba music. He incorporates a lot of that stuff into our albums. Solomon our bass player isn’t touring with us right now because he is at home preparing to get married. As soon as we get back from this tour a few of us are going to be in his wedding.

AL: What are the bands plans for the rest of 2011 and into 2012?
JS: We have been on the road so much lately that our friends back home in California have been kind of neglected. We are going to take December off from touring but we will be doing a few festivals in California and possibly Arizona. In January we are going start pre-production of the new album and start recording in February. From there we will hopefully be back out touring.

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Filed Under: Music Interviews Tagged With: commissions, great, interview, justin, singh