Interview with Chaske Spencer

Chaske Spencer plays wolf pack leader Sam Uley in the blockbuster “Twilight” series films. Media Mikes recently caught up with Chaske to talk about his role in the films as well as some of the other projects he is involved with.

Adam Lawton: How did your role in the “Twilight” series come about?
Chaske Spencer: I auditioned for it through Rene Haynes who had cast me a bunch of other films. Everything really happened through her. They had the audition for all of the wolf pack members and I read initially for Sam and that was the role I ended up being cast for.
AL: Were you familiar with the story line for “New Moon”?
CS: I knew a little bit but not really that much. I had seen “Twilight” advertised around New York but I didn’t know too much about it other than it was about a vampire. After auditioning and getting the part I realized how big of a deal it was.

AL: “The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn” will be your third time playing the role of Sam. Do you feel your portrayal of the character has evolved with each film?
CS: In “Breaking Dawn” you’re going to see a lot more of Sam as he is a very pivotal character in the series and he really comes out in “Breaking Dawn”. The previous films were kind of a build up for the Sam character. My favorite book that I went to for ideas about the character was “Eclipse” as it had a lot more of the back story.

AL: Have you been allowed to make the character more your own since “New Moon”?
CS: Not really. I came in after reading the books and doing my research and I had an idea as to how I wanted to portray the character. I just went at it and waited for the director to tell me if I was doing something wrong. According to him I was doing ok because unless they tell me I’m doing it wrong then I just keep going with what I got.

AL: What has been your reaction to the fans of the film and did you think the series was going to be as big as it has become?
CS: I kind of knew it was going to be huge especially after our first experience with the paparazzi. The U.S.A. Today article where they announced who was going to be playing the wolf pack along with me researching the first film I knew it was going to be big. I was expecting the reactions of it and the fans are great as they have pretty much given us a career. If it wasn’t for the fans of the books the studios would have never made them. The fans really give us a job and it’s been a snowballing effect through each movie. “Breaking Dawn” is going to be huge and it just keeps getting bigger and bigger. It’s a fun wild ride but I am ready to move on.

AL: What was it like shooting the last two films back to back?
CS: To me it seemed like we filmed “New Moon” and “Eclipse” back to back as there wasn’t much of a break between films. With “Breaking Dawn” it didn’t really seem too different. I enjoyed it and it made me work harder.

AL: Outside of films you do a lot of speaking and activism. Can you tell us what sparked your interest in that?
CS: I do a thing called “Be the Shift” which promotes youth to shift the systems that we have in place today. Most of those systems don’t work and we are trying to get youth to try and make a substantial change in those be it the actual environment or with their community. Any system designed to help people that isn’t working we encourage youth to help make it better and work for the people the way it was intended. I like to occupy my time and to give back plus I get a little uncomfortable with the spotlight so I use it to bring light to the charities I am associated with.

AL: Can you tell us about “Let’s Move”?
CS: “Let’s Move” is a great organization. I worked with the Obama Administration on this program and it’s informing people especially youth about the importance of exercising and to get up and move around. Childhood obesity is huge here in American and this program emphasizes the importance of exercising along with nutrition.  My part in the program is to help out in Indian country with the Native American population. There is a lot of malnutrition in these places so I am helping to inform those people about eating healthy and exercising.

AL: How did you get involved with the Obama Administration?
CS: They kind of came to me knowing I was very involved in my activism and me being in “Twilight” helped out a bit so it was really a no brainer. I guess we both found each other. (Laughs)

AL: Can you tell us about any other projects you having coming up?
CS: I start work on a film titled “Winter in the Blood” in a few weeks and I have another project that I am looking at as well. I can’t really say too much about it just yet but it’s a big one! I am really looking forward to it but we just have to finish dotting the I’s and crossing the T’s. Since “Twilight” has happened it has opened a lot of doors for my career and I am really happy that I can be working as an actor.

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Filed Under: Film Interviews Tagged With: chaske, interview, spencer

Interview with Bronson Pelletier

Bronson Pelletier plays Jared in the “The Twilight Saga” series. Bronson also stars alongside fellow “Twilight” cast member Tinsel Kory in the upcoming film “Fishing Naked”. Media Mikes caught up with Bronson fresh off his return from this year’s Comic-Con convention.

Adam Lawton: What drew you to audition for the role of Jared in the “Twilight” series?
Bronson Pelletier: At first when I wanted to audition they didn’t give us a lot of information about the roles and were very secretive. I auditioned for the role of Embry at first and didn’t really have an idea what “New Moon” was. I had thought it was just some sort of aboriginal movie. After the audition I started to do my homework and realized it was part of “The Twilight Saga”. I went back for another audition and they had me read for Quil which was an entirely different character. I went to that audition a little nervous as the producer and director were there. When the audition was over they didn’t really give me any other information until about 3 weeks later when they told me I got the part. About three weeks before we started shooting I received the script and was told then that I would playing the character of Jared. I auditioned for two different characters and ended up getting something different. Jared’s great though because he’s part of the wolf pack right of the bat!

AL: So were your familiar with the book series prior to filming?
BP: I had no idea. I was totally oblivious to the whole “Twilight” thing.

AL: Did you take anything from your character in the books and apply that to your onscreen portrayal of Jared?
BP: Definitely! I always try to put a little bit of my actual self in each character I play so with this particular character I chose to make him a bit of a jokester.

AL: What has been your favorite part about working on the films so far?
BP:  There are probably two different things. The fans are just amazing! I love them and they are really diehards about the films. I also really enjoy the camaraderie amongst the wolf pack. We often end up hanging out outside of shooting which is great.

AL: What has been your experience with being recognized by the fans when you are out in public?
BP: It still seems very surreal. Here in Los Angeles not a lot of people will come up to you and say hello but, when you’re in the Midwest for instance you get recognized a lot more and people will come right up to you. It is just very surreal.

AL: Any good fan encounter stories for us?
BP: (Laughs) I was in Toronto doing Much Music with Kellen Lutz and the people at Much Music had put our faces on these underwear and girls were almost rioting to get them. On top of that I don’t know how the fans found out which room I was in but I was in my room at the hotel and there was a knock on my door. I looked out my peep hole and there was like 20 girls lined up outside my room. I think it was the bell girls because every time I would order food like 4 girls would come up to deliver one meal. I figured it had to be them but I have no idea.

AL: I was told you just returned from Comic-Con. What was that experience like?
BP:  This was my first Comic-Con experience ever and it was crazy! I didn’t expect it to be that big. The way I explained it to my friends because I am a big dork and love comic books and video games as it was a Mardi Gras/Halloween for nerds.

AL: Did you get to check out the convention at all?
BP: They tried to tell me I couldn’t go down to the lower floor and check stuff out but I told them it was something I really wanted to do. They finally said ok but told me I would have to wear a mask while I was down there. I ended up wearing an Optimus Prime mask which was a lot of fun. I had a total fan boy moment when I got to meet the guys from “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia”.

AL: Can you tell us about “Fishing Naked” which both you and fellow “Twilight” cast member Tinsel Kory are in?
BP: It’s going to be a lot of fun to film. The film does involve a little bit of fishing but the film is going to be somewhat of a cross between “American Pie” and say “Supernatural”. The film also stars Elyse Levesque from “Stargate Universe”. We start shooting in September in Colorado. I am actually going up there soon to learn how to fly fish so I know what I am doing during the movie.(Laughs)

AL: Can you tell us about any other projects you have in the works?
BP:  Right now and friend and I have some other projects that we are trying to get up off the ground but other than those nothing else just yet.

 

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Interview with Charlie Saxton

Charlie Saxton is known best for his role of Damon in HBO’s hit show “Hung”, along side Thomas Jane.  Media Mikes had a chance to chat with Charlie about the shows new season and what we can expect.

Mike Gencarelli: Can you give us some background about playing the role of Damon on “Hung”?
Charlie Saxton: It’s been a lot of fun. Like a lot of teenager around American Damon is going through this awkward faze where he is constantly changing himself and his image. He really is just trying to find out who he is. This season Damon has started a band with his sister which is really cool I think. They play a wide genre of music ranging from punk to ballads.

MG: How do you feel your preparation for the character has changed since starting with the show in 2009?
CS: There isn’t too much preparation as I see a little bit of Damon in myself. There are things that I find hard to express much like the character. For the most part I get to throw on some similar clothing from the previous seasons and just be the nice loving son.

MG: What has it been like working with Thomas Jane?
CS: Thomas is unpredictable, intense and fun. There is never a dull moment on set. You can always count on Thomas to bring the energy back up if we are having a slow or dull day.

MG: What else can you tell us about this season of “Hung”?
CS: The theme for this season is the two businesses colliding. There are now two pairs of ho’s and pimps. Basically it’s all about the battle between the two.

MG: Can you tell us about the film “I Am Ben” which you are producing?
CS: That was a film some friends and I shot last year. We are in post production right now and the film has been completely DIY. We raised all the money on our own. It’s come along really well. The film is about a writer trying to come up with a master piece but he just can’t come up with anything which is driving him crazy. I play his roommate who is trying to get him out and meet people. Eventually the guy starts seeing imaginary people which kicks off a love triangle between him an imaginary girl and a real girl. It’s kind of an indie comedy. We hope to have if finished pretty soon.

 

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Interview with Brooklyn Sudano

Brooklyn Sudano is co-starring as Yvette Montgomery in the new film “5 Star Day”. Media Mikes had a chance to chat with Brooklyn about working on the film, her character and what she has planned next.

Mike Gencarelli: Can you tell us how you got involved with “5 Star Day”
Brooklyn Sudano: I had read the script after my manager brought it to me. I really liked it and thought it was an interested story. The film poses questions that I think a lot of us ask ourselves. I like to do films that make you think and question.

MG: The film has a lot to do with horoscopes. What are your personal thoughts on them?
BS: I don’t prescribe to them. I think we all have a purpose in the world. I also think there are certain characteristics that people born at a certain time of the year have. I am not looking at the horoscope everyday of the week looking to find out what’s going to happen to me. It’s not my cup of tea however a lot of people do pay attention to them.

MG: How did you prepare for such an emotional role of Yvette Montgomery?
BS: I think my character in the film is struggling. She is afraid to cause anyone harm. I think that is something everyone goes through. I drew from that depth to help me with the role.

MG: How was it working with director Danny Buday?
BS: Danny is full of enthusiasm and very dedicated to the project. I think we all jumped onto that. We all wanted to make the vision come true. We had a great time despite some really cold moments. Everyone was great to work with.

MG: Can you tell us about the really deep scene between you and Cam Giganbet?
BS: I think the film depicts that people can have connections with people that they may not expect to have connections with. Life sometimes takes a bad situation and turns it into a good one. We all played different characters with different issues however we all got something out of our unexpected connection with each other. I think this brings a lot of hope and it’s something that we try to bring to this world.

MG: What other upcoming projects do you have going on?
BS: I have another film that is in the process of being edited called “Five Hours South”. We shot the film in Italy which was awesome. Hopefully we will be hitting the festivals and getting the film distributed.

 

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Interview with Danny Glover

Danny Glover is diverse well known actor who has ranged from work like “Lethal Weapon” series to “Saw”. Last year he took the hilarious role “Death at a Funeral”.  Danny is co-starring in the new film “Infected” along with a great cast Vinnie Jones and Beverly Mitchell. Media Mikes had a chance to briefly ask Danny a few questions about that film and his other films.

Mike Gencarelli: Tell us a little bit about “Infected” and your role in the film?
Danny Glover: I play the character Locke. He is a sort of mad scientist who will do anything to advance his own experiments and at the same time profit off his diabolical conspiracy.

MG: What did you enjoy most about working on the film?
DG: This was a different type of role which involved a lot of action and I enjoyed playing the villain.

MG: Tell us what do you look for in a character when you approach a project?
DG: I like to see if the role challenging, does it give light to a person in the world or a character that is unexplored and unique.

MG: From having done horror like “Saw” to comedy/action like “Lethal Weapon”, do you have a genre that you enjoy to work in most?
DG: No, i don’t have one specific genre that i like better than another. What is most important is that I feel I can portray the character.

MG: You were absolutely hysterical in “Death at a Funeral”, any plans for more comedies?
DG: Of course I would do more comedies if the opportunity was brought to me.

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Filed Under: Film Headlines, Interviews Tagged With: danny, glover, interview

Interview with Andy Mackenzie & James Duval

Andy Mackenzie & James Duval are co-starring in the film “Sushi Girl”, playing the roles of Max and Francis (respectively).  These guys were so passionate about this film during our interview and it is rare to see such devotion to a film.  Media Mikes chatted with Andy and James about their roles and what it is like working with such an all-star cast.

Mike Gencarelli: James, tell us about your role of Francis in “Sushi Girl”?
James Duval: Yeah, I play Francis and I am part of the old core group members of this group of professional criminals. I play the shifty one in the group, so to speak [laughs].

MG: Andy, tell us about your role of Max in “Sushi Girl”?
Andy Mackenzie: Max is honestly surrounded by all these badass guys, except Max is probably the most badass. He is the guy that shoots first and doesn’t even have time to ask questions later. He has somewhat of a brain and he actually is somewhat multidimensional with his relationship with Mark Hamill’s character in the film. We push buttons all throughout the film.

MG: What drew you to work on this film?
AM: I read the script the first time and I tried to picture who was going to be the actors playing these characters. First off, I pictured Tony Todd because he is the pimp and it would be perfect. Everyone brought so much to the table in a completely different way than you can ever imagine. It just keep getting better and better every day.
JD: Absolutely it just kept growing. Andy was actually signed on to this film before me, like a year and a half ago. I knew Tony before just from the business and I knew who Andy was but never met him. So I was really excited to sit down and looking forward to the rest of the casting. At that point they hadn’t locked the characters down for Fish (Noah Hathaway) and Crow (Mark Hamill) yet. This was an opportunity to sit down a do a real good character piece with the script that Destin (Pfaff) and Kern (Saxton) has written. It is absolutely dynamic. I learned a lot from working across Tony Todd, who just has this presence. Then when you throw in the color of Mark Hamill and Noah Hathaway, honestly it doesn’t get better than that. When you think of Mark Hamill, you really don’t even know what he looks like anymore besides he does a lot of voice work. All of the sudden he shows up at our last table reading with a character completely out of a comic book [laughing]. It was the funniest, scariest and creepiest thing…all at the same time. It turned everything around that I was doing or thinking. I thought now I have to react to this guy [laughs]. Everyone knows Mark and Noah so well from growing up with them in films, but to see them come and deliver on this film is really what acting and making movies are about. This is a character breaking role for Mark Hamill and you will not look at him the same way again.

MG: You both sound so inspired about working on this film, it is really refreshing.
JD: It is just a dream come true. We are working with really dynamic actors that are really some of the best in the business but we also have a really great dynamic script. It has fleshed out character development and twists and turns. As an actor getting to play that is just a blast, you can not ask for more when you are making a movie.
AM: Exactly what Jimmy said, definitely a dream come true. Imagine growing up, you are watching “The Neverending Story” or “Star Wars” or “Candyman”. All of the sudden you walk into this room and all of these guys are in the same room as you and you have to be a badass [laughs]. That is where the inspiration is but how can you actually be a badass when you are surrounded by all these badasses [laughs].

MG: What would you say was your most challenging aspect working on the film?
JD: Every actor wants to shoot as chronological as possible. This was shot over 18 days and the real challenge was that after 7-8 days, you are left exploring and figuring out who you are. You want to go back in time and known that something prior was going to happen and changed a relationship. We spent a lot of time on set and even off camera talking about who these characters really came from. Once you see the movie we are right there in this middle of this crime. You are left wondering where we all came from. We are constantly exploring and seeing where we could take these characters. The film basically takes place in one night with some flashbacks.
AM: We were trying to do the chronological aspect the best we could but then there was a couple of occasions when we had to jump way forward and catch somethings. That was the big problem during those moments, we really didn’t know who we were at that moment and that is when we needed to go back and try to find out.
JD: Can’t talk about the budget, but we didn’t have a lot of money or time. We had to move fast and in the sense of doing so you are jumping from scene to scene quickly. You have the camera setup jumping from shot to shot without changing, so you have to be really on the ball with what was going on.
AM: What I meant to say with the biggest challenge was sitting around the table right next to a hot naked chick with only sushi covering parts of her body…that was really hard [laughs].
JD: Cortney Palm, great young up-and-coming actress, was really amazing having to sit there 15-18 days in the same position. She is going to blow you guys away. I think there are some parts of this film that we can’t say but it is going to go down in cinematic history. The visual shots and certain scenes are very memorable and it is really exciting to be a part of.

MG: James, What is the deal with “Mondo Holocausto!”?
JD: I know we were planning on doing it a couple of years ago. It is still in pre-production and I just received an email from the director, so it might be moving forward again. It was put on the back burner for a while. It was going to be down in the style and spirit of the 70’s Mondo campy horror films with badly dubbed over purposely. I do not know if it would work but I love the idea and the concept. I saw some test shots with the actors voice dubbed and I couldn’t stop laughing. I thought it was incredible. If we are fortunate enough, I hope he gets the money and we still get to do this film.

MG: Andy, do you still get a chance to work on your music as well as acting?
AM: Yeah, I am still playing drums in a band. Everyone is currently busy with other things so we haven’t been playing live recently. It is such a great outlet for me and I totally need to get back out there.

MG: You both have a few films in the works, so what’s next?
JD: I actually just finished filming my first script that I wrote with a friend of mine. It is a totally different film that “Sushi Girl” and it was great writing it. We really explored the characters in the film. We started editing this week, so we will see how it goes. I am really excited. I also have a film that I produced that premiered at Raindance Film Festival in London, called “The Black Belle”.
AM: I have two films in post right now. One of them is called “Knifepoint” that just premiered at Fantasia in Montreal and next it is moving to Chicago Horror Film Festival. There is another film I did which is also hitting the circuits, called “American Joyride”. I also just did a Civil War TV pilot called “Reconstruction”.

 

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Filed Under: Film Interviews, Interviews Tagged With: andy, duval, interview, james, mackenzie

Interview with David Dastmalchian

David Dastmalchian is playing Nelson in the upcoming film “Sushi Girl”.  David appeared in “The Dark Knight” opposite Heath Ledger as part of his team. Media Mikes had a chance to chat with David about his role in “Sushi Girl” and also what he has planned next.

Mike Gencarelli: Tell us about how you got involved with “Sushi Girl” and the role of Nelson?
David Dastmalchian: Well I came across the breakdown for the film when I first got to LA and was really intrigued. I ended up tracing it back to Destin Pfaff on Facebook of all places. I reached out to him about meeting up and talking about the film on a professional level. It turned out that he’d recently seen me in something and the next day we were having lunch. I met with him and Kern Saxton and the other producers and we just sat around and chatted for hours about the film. I was really excited. So from there I got the role of Nelson. He is the driver of the group. He is trying to fit in with the gang and be a part of the team, not just the driver. No one really gives Nelson the respect that he deserves, so he’s going to find a way to get it. It is a really cool part.

MG: How was it working with such an amazing variety of talent?
DD: It was amazing. Everyone involved is so legendary and well known. You are going to get to see a whole other side of Mark Hamill, he is really fantastic in this film. I have just been blessed to work with so many great people. I came down to LA over a year ago after coming from Chicago and New York and I really have had some wonderful opportunities.

MG: Have you had a chance to see the film yet and if so what was your reaction?
DD: Yes, I saw a rough cut and I was blown away. The ensemble is a blast, the look of the film is gorgeous. It is just like nothing I have ever seen before. It does everything that I want to see in a movie like this. It’s fun, scary, disturbing and I can’t wait to see it again.

MG: Compare working on a film like “The Dark Knight” to “Sushi Girl”?
DD: That is a good question. Believe it or not they are not too much different. “The Dark Knight” had a very large budget and mammoth crew but when I was doing my couple of scenes, it felt like an indie that just happened to have a great deal of support. The atmosphere that they created was very conducive to making discoveries and being able to play. Same with ‘Sushi Girl’. And even though “Sushi Girl” didn’t have that kind of money, it’s so well planned and thought through that it feels like it does. When films like these have a strong idea behind them and a team of people who really care, who think outside the standard box in creating it, it shows on the screen. When you go on set and the people making the film are so ready to go then it doesn’t really feel much more different to me. I am working on a film with friends called “Say When”, it’s a micro budget but there are incredible things happening because the director can use the obstacles of budget restraint as a way to come up with some imaginative solutions. The creative process, if approached the right way, can really thrive under restrictions. So I guess I keep learning that some amazing work can get done when the creative team has strong ideas and talent and vision to execute those ideas – whether it’s five thousand, a million or a hundred million dollars behind a film.

MG: What do you have in the works next?
DD: Oh man, trying to keep busy. I just finished a film called “Brutal” in New York with Kamal Ahmed (a former “Jerky Boy” who now makes indie films). That was really great and challenging. I also did a film called “Death Method” with Malcolm McDowell, written and directed by Frank Merle. Getting to throw down with Malcolm was definitely one of the highlights of my life as an actor thus far. Richard Day’s hilarious, insane sequel to his cult hit, ‘Girls Will be Girls’. The last year and a half, I’ve been working with my friend, Greg Fitzsimmons (‘Miss Ohio’) on his next feature, ‘Say When’. I can’t even describe this film right now. It costars several close friends, including Grace Rex (Contagion, The Dilemma) and we had to go to some pretty dark places. I am so fortunate to work with close friends who happen to be brilliant, as well. Grace and I are getting ready to launch our new comedy series for the web, “Premature”, which shoots in NYC. I’ve got an upcoming collaboration with Hugh Schulze in Detroit in which I play a painter who is really struggling and forms a strange bond with an unlikely friend. I can’t say much about it yet, but my long-time collaborator and friend, Jimmy McDermott and I have something pretty insane in the works. It’s been very cool getting to do the film festival circuit with Jimmy with our short film, KEEN.

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Interview with Destin Pfaff

Destin Pfaff is the writer and producer of the new film “Sushi Girl”.  Destin is also the COO of the Millionaire’s Club and co-star of “The Millionaire Matchmaker”.  Media Mikes had  a chance to chat with Destin about his new film and what we can expect next.

Mike Gencarelli: How did you come up with the idea for the film, “Sushi Girl”?
Destin Pfaff: Alcohol [laughs].  As much good idea usually come from alcohol.  Kern Saxton, my writing partner and also director of “Sushi Girl”, just came off a thriller project.  It was this rock n’ roll good time but when we were about four or five days into production, we had to shutdown.  The crew walked out of the set and the producer pretty much said “Hey guys I am out of money you should just go home” and that was it.  We wanted to do something that would be more contained and we could just do ourselves and not have to depend on anyone.  I have been lucky enough to option some script but nothing every gets made.  You don’t have a career if nobody knows about it.  So we decided to create this intimate little movie that we could fund and make ourselves.  We both like sushi, we both like naked girls and we both like bad guys.  All three of those put together and out pops “Sushi Girl”.  It just kind of got bigger and bigger…I bugged Tony Todd to the point where he had to do the film and he made it even bigger.

MG: How did you get such a great cast including, Noah Hathaway, Sonny Chiba, Mark Hamill, and Tony Todd in “Sushi Girl”?
DH: I loved our cast.  Not only did we have so many genre heavy and very cool people that I grew up watching, but I am honored and blessed to be four or five months past principal and they are all still my friends.  I was at Mark’s house for a BBQ and hanging out with Noah this week and Tony literally just called me before this interview.  This never happens on a film set and it just blows me away.  They are just good people.  Noah is back full force from being retired for like two decades.  He was tattoo artist in Amsterdam when we brought him back.  Mark Hamill said no to the project a few times until his daughter harassed him into doing the movie.  He was an amazing professional and he really got his hands dirty.  Jeff Fahey came on board for a couple of day from out of nowhere.  He said he wanted to be in the movie, so we went it and expanded a role.  He turned this little thing that I wrote into this amazing and memorable character piece.  Everyone will remember Jeff Fahey from this movie.  Andy McKenzie and Jimmy Duval were great..love them.  Tony Todd deserves an award for his performance in this film.  He is a really brilliant actor.

MG: Tell us about juggling the role of writer, producer and actor in the film?
DH: My first passion is writing.  Anything that is pulpy, juicy, delicious and fun…writing is an event.  It is where you can put all those nasty dirty ideas in your head on to paper.  That is my therapy.  Producing was kinda of cool but nobody likes to crunch numbers and be responsible to force things to happen.  We were able to problem solve and actually work with other people that we trust.  We always made sure we had a clear path and democracy…and it works.  Producing doesn’t have to be madness. On this film producing was more of a breeze than a headache.  I love acting also.  In my opinion you cannot be a good writer, director or producer…unless you can act.  I love it all man…life is too short to just do one thing.

MG: Tell us a little bit about the production of the film?
DH: We were lucky enough to shoot at Universal Studios. We shot for just over three weeks.  The special effects company, V.G.P., they came out they did shit for us that was so beyond what our little movie was anticipating to get.  They would come on days when they didn’t have to be there…show up and just make sure everything went smooth.  We had car crashes and it was really amazing.  We got to do some really cool stuff.  I mean they let us play with fire.  The whole thing was just so much fun. We are hoping for a release in early 2012.

MG: How do you go from COO of the Millionaire’s Club and co-star of “The Millionaire Matchmaker” to working on a film like this?
DH: I have been writing for close to twelve years now and producing shorts.  I have been around the game enough to know that making movies is a blessing.  No matter how big your film is it is just a blessed to get it made.  Everyone has to have a day job and in this industry.  I started helping out helping Patti Stanger with the company and then there was a pilot for the reality series.  It was this whole kind of entity.  It has been a good time and also good exposure.  It is a lot of work to run that company plus it is a lot of work to do the TV we do. In the end, we are very tired but it is all worth it.

MG: Tell us about your script “RIPP” and what is happening with the feature?
DH: “RIPP” is on the back burner right now by choice.  We are working on a top secret script right now.  “RIPP” would also involve Tony Todd, as I am his biggest fan.  It something that he wants to do and I want to do but maybe next year we will revisit that one again.

 

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Filed Under: Film Interviews, Interviews Tagged With: destin, haff, interview

Interview with Leonard Stone (1923-2011)

Leonard Stone is known best for his role as Sam Beaurgarde in 1971’s “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory”. Leonard has worked on over 100 TV shows. Movie Mikes had a chance to travel back to the 70’s with Leonard to discuss his role in “Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory”.

Click here to purchase “Willy Wonka” merchandise
Click here to view our “Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory” Interview Series

Mike Gencarelli: How did you originally get the role of Mr. Sam Beaurgarde in “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory”?
Leonard Stone: Mel Stuart (the film’s director) called me in because I had worked with him before on another picture (1970s “I Love My Wife”) He knew me…knew my work and he said “if you want to do it we can do it.” It was that quick. I didn’t have to keep coming back. I did ask if I could bring my wife along (to Germany for the shoot) and he said “yes.” When we got there my wife found out there was a small part in the film for a woman to play my on-screen wife. Just one quick scene at the auto lot. She asked Mel if she could play it and he told her “No. You’re not right for the part!” (laughs) It’s now years later and Mel’s divorced and she and I have been together for over forty years.

Mike Gencarelli: What was your fondest memory working on “Willy Wonka” Most of the other cast members we’ve interviewed point to the unveiling of the main chocolate room.
Leonard Stone: Oh yes. It was very exciting. They didn’t allow us to see it until it was time to shoot it. So when we walk through the door and see the room for the first time, we really are seeing the room for the first time. The reactions they got on film were real….we were stunned it was so beautiful. Plus a lot of the things we did off set. We would go bowling on our off days. And the studio got us a tent at the Octoberfest which was a great time. And Gene (Wilder) my wife and I would often go out to dinner together. Gene was just getting into wines and he would “discover” one that he would loved and that is what we would have for dinner. Another thing that amused me so much was that Roald Dahl (author of the book the film is based on) didn’t like some of the things Mel was doing with the film. They were always butting heads. Now Dahl was nice and tall…very thin…he stands like the letter “S”. He’s got great British bone structure…a very handsome man, speaks with an impeccable English accent. And he would swear at Mel in that accent and it would break me up because it sounded so funny coming out of his mouth.

Mike Gencarelli: Do you still keep in touch with any of the cast or crew from the film?
Leonard Stone: No, not really. I know that Mike Teevee (Paris Themmen) left acting and became a cameraman. And I just saw Denise Nickerson at a photo signing in New Jersey. But I’m here in San Diego so if they want to they can find me. (laughs)

MG: How do you feel about the 2005 remake with Johnny Depp?
LS: I liked some of the film. And I think Johnny Depp is a wonderful actor. But I didn’t like some of his choices as Wonka. I personally think he gave a lot of the story away from the get go by the way he played it. I didn’t understand some of the changes. Like why Violet had a mother and not a father. Mike Teevee had a father and not a mother. I know Roald Dahl jumped on Mel a lot because he wanted the movie to be darker. I’m sure he would have liked the new one because it’s much darker than ours. When I heard about the new version I thought it would be great to have a walk on in it, just for the hell of it. So I contacted them. I even called the over in London and said I’d be happy to do it but they said they weren’t using anybody from the other one.

MG: Besides “Wonka”, you have worked in over 100 TV shows, any favorites?
LS: One of my favorite television roles was on “Lost in Space.” I played a con man in outer space by the name of Farnum. It’s one of my favorites because the director let me create the performance. One of the associate producers didn’t like it but the director, who I’d worked with many times before, knew it was the right way to go. And that episode is one of the highest rated shows in the series. It was so popular that the network told the producers to “write another show for this guy!” I’m just an old fashioned character actor. A lot of people don’t even know my name but they know my work.

MG: Are you working on anything now?
LS: I’m hoping to have a children’s book out soon. The publishers think it will be out by the end of the year. They’re aiming for that. I’ve got a great illustrator. Joe Sable is his name. He’s worked for Disney…Hanna-Barbara…a bunch of places. We got together and he loved my story. He says he’s having so much fun doing the illustrations. It’s called “Keepy: The Kangaroo That Never Grew” He’s a kangaroo that never grew who was raised by a mouse family and thinks he’s a mouse. It has a moral in it, as will any of the follow up stories. I’ve already written a couple of them. I wrote it because I’m tired of all of the violence that kids see. The young kids see so darn much of it. Everything has to be sharp and bloody and shoot-em-up. In fact, a few of the publishers I showed it to said it was “too soft” or “too old fashioned.” And I told them I intended it to be.

Click here to purchase “Willy Wonka” merchandise
Click here to view our “Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory” Interview Series

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Filed Under: Film Interviews, Interviews Tagged With: 19232011, interview, leonard, stone

Interview with GWAR’s Cory Smoot (1977-2011)

Michael Derks and Cory Smoot are their given names however most GWAR fans know them as the guitar wielding duo made up of Balsac the Jaws of Death and Flattus Maximus. Movie Mikes had a chance to interview Michael (Balzac) and Cory (Flattus) about the bands recent Australian tour and the band’s new album “Bloody Pit of Horror”.

Click here to purchase GWAR’s music and new CD “Bloody Pit of Horror”

Adam Lawton: How is everything going today guys?
Michael Derks: Ugh I am jet lagged as hell from Australia! (Laughs)
Cory Smoot: Pretty good man.

AL: How did each of you come to join the band?
MD: I was going to VCU and I had been playing guitar with Mike Bishop,who played Beefcake on the GWAR album “Hell-O.” Just as I started jamming with him, Steve Douglas who played Balsac was kicked out of the band. From there they asked me to join the band.
CS: Back in 2002, GWAR had lost their previous guitar player Zack Blair. I had always been a local guy in Richmond. I was playing in a band called Misguided which had opened for Rawg a few times and I was friends with Dave Brockie. One day they called me up and asked me to join the group. I think I am now the longest lasting person to play the Flattus character.

AL: Michael, what did you think initially about having to where the Balsac costume?
MD: (Laughs) it was fun. I wasn’t really excited about having to wear it but it wasn’t horrible. The costume has actually gotten bigger and bigger over the years. So back when I was asked to join it really wasn’t too big of a deal. At first there was really just a mask and some boots. Now I have huge legs and shoulders pads.

AL: How was it touring Australia for the first time?
MD: It was a lot of fun. The Aussies went crazy!
CS: It was really beautiful and awesome. It was summer time there which beats the weather we are having here right now.

AL: Were you guys surprised by how great the reception was?
MD: Everyone goes crazy for us we are fucking GWAR! (Laughs). If we had gotten anything less they would not have survived!
CS: The crowds were really great and the promoters really want us to come back again soon!

AL: What’s your favorite track off the new album?
MD: The opening track “Bloody Pit of Horror” which is actually just about the entire first half of the album. That song or songs really encompasses a lot of different styles. It covers a lot.
CS: I like “KZ Necromancer” as well as “Bloody Pit of Horror” which we get to change it up a bit and play eight string guitars.

AL: What was it like using an eight string guitar on that track?
MD: It was fun! At first I hated it. When I picked it up I thought it was ridiculous. It was a really weird feeling but after using it this whole tour it’s actually still ridiculous. (Laughs) I have gotten used to it and its kind of fun to hit that low F string.
CS: It was different but it wasn’t too hard to get used to. I had some experience on the last album using one so I knew what I was in for.

AL: You both worked as producers on GWAR’s latest DVD release “Lust in Space: Live at the National” correct?
MD: I actually did more of the engineering work of the audio mixes than the visual production side of things. Cory was more of the producer. As a band, we produce the songs collectively.
CS: Besides producing the DVD I also have produced the last two GWAR records “Lust in Space” and “Bloody Pit of Horror”. I also co-produced “Beyond Hell” and “War Party.” So I kind of have a dual role as artist and producer.

AL: What are your plans for when the tour wraps up?
MD: As soon as I get home I have to go back to work as a bartender because it costs a lot to be a big rubber monster (Laughs).
CS: I have a recording studio at home called Karma Productions that I plan to start spending a lot more time on. The wife and I have started to look for land which we can build a house and studio on.

AL: Any funny stories from this year’s tour?
CS: Oh there were some fun and crazy moments. Nothing was however too crazy other than the fact that we are GWAR and a certain amount of that stuff comes with the territory. The customs officers had a good time going through are stage gear (Laughs).

Click here to purchase GWAR’s music and new CD “Bloody Pit of Horror”

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Filed Under: Interviews, Music Interviews Tagged With: 19772011, cory, gwars, interview, smoot

Interview with Knight Area’s Mark Smit

Mark Smit is the vocalist for the Progressive Rock group Knight Area. The band has just released their 4th studio album titled “Nine Paths”. Media Mikes had a chance to chat briefly with Mark about the new album.

Adam Lawton: Can you tell us about the new album “Nine Paths”?
Mark Smit: “Nine Paths” is our fourth studio album, the title refers to an interpretation of the tarot where the cards are grouped into nine groups with one theme each. Each song on the album deals with one of the themes.

AL: How does this album differ from the bands previous releases?
MS: Previously only Gerben Klazinga composed, this time we have two compositions from the other band members. In general the song writing has become more of a group process which makes this album more than ever a product of the entire group. This has introduced some new influences, which has contributed to the richness and variety.

AL: How was it working with producer Neil Kernon?
MS: He is very professional, very friendly and open to suggestions. Neil is great to work with.

AL: What is your favorite track off the new album?
MS: I find it difficult to pick a favorite, perhaps The River because of its atmosphere.

AL: What are the bands upcoming tour plans?
MS: We will be playing some shows in Germany and hopefully more tour dates will follow.

 

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Filed Under: Interviews, Music Interviews Tagged With: areas, interview, knight, mark, smit

Interview with Keong Sim

Keong Sim has appeared in a variety of different television series such as “Law & Order: Criminal Intent” and “Southland”. Keong currently plays the role of Mike Chang Sr. on Fox’s hit television series “Glee”. Media Mikes had a chance to talk with Keong about his role on the show as well as what it was like working with M. Night Shyamalan.

Adam Lawton: Can you tell us about your role on “Glee”?
Keong Sim: I play Mike Chang Sr. He is your typical tiger parent. He doesn’t want his son involved in glee club or anything else that may hurt his chances of getting into Harvard. In Mike Chang Sr.’s eyes the only role his child should have is to get into Harvard.

AL: How did the role come about?
KS: Like a lot of auditions we get them the day before we are needed to shoot. I got asked to audition for “Glee” while I was shooting an episode of “Ringer”. I went in a couple hours later and had a great audition. I thought I had read maybe a little too young to have a high school student as a son but that’s not my place to judge. I just went in and went with my gut.

AL: Had you watched any episodes of the show prior to your audition?
KS: I had definitely seen some of the episodes. I wasn’t someone who watched every episode but I knew of the show. I remember saying to my girlfriend that maybe one day I will play a father when I look older. It’s kind of weird. (Laughs)

AL: You have shot two episodes so far. Has there been any talk of you appearing in more episodes?
KS: I haven’t heard of anything. I am guessing there is going to have to be a third episode. In terms of what I know related to arc/story structure it would be a little different for there not to be some sort of resolution or understanding. I’m trying to convince them that in my younger days I did some play performance singing. I may not be a fully legit singer but I have done some singing and dancing.

AL: What has it been like working with the cast and crew?
KS: It has been very welcoming. I have been on a lot of different television crews and this one was just really nice to be a part of. Everyone involved with that production is wonderful. It was fun not to have to add an accent to the character. Not adding the accent is more reflective of today’s Asian/American culture.

AL: What was it like working with M. Knight Shyamalan on “The Last Airbender”?
KS: It was a great experience. That was the first big budget film I had been a part of. Knight was super cool and the whole experience was great. If there was anything that was stressful it was me wanting to do a really good on a specific scene. I put a lot of pressure on myself. When we did the first read through I hadn’t met Knight yet as I was cast out of Los Angeles. Knight came up to me and introduced himself and I told him who I was. He then says “Yeah I know. I cast you.”(Laughs)

AL: Can you tell us about any other upcoming projects?
KS: I am appearing in an episode of “Grey’s Anatomy” this season. I also have been doing a lot of sketch writing as of late.

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Filed Under: TV Headlines Tagged With: interview, keong, sim

Interview with C. Martin Croker

C. Martin Croker is an animator and voice actor on various Adult Swim programs like “Space Ghost Coast to Coast” & “Aqua Teen Hunger Force”.  Media Mikes had a chance to chat with C. Martin about his work with Adult Swim.

Mike Gencarelli: How did you get involved voicing both Dr. Weird / Steve for “Aqua Teen Hunger Force”?
C. Martin Croker: I had done both Zorak and Moltar for “SGC2C”, so I’m sort of used to doing characters that converse together. I had worked on the first go-round of design and animation for ATHF, but when the call came for additional design work (which wound up being Dr. Weird and Steve) I was busy with another project. Matt Jenkins and I had split all the original designs for the show up to that point and since the designing of the two scientist characters went to him, they very democratically threw the voicing of those characters to me. When I initially came in to record Dr. Weird, Dave and Matt had me to try like a Paul Frees/Haunted Mansion type voice. They kept saying, louder LOUDER until it morphed into my “the-band-is-playing-but-I-want-the–bartender-to-hear-me ¬voice”, voice. Steve is totally in that Daws Butler / Mr. Jinx vein, but a bit more subdued.

MG: Did you have an improv control when it came to some of your classic lines?
CMC: Har! What classic lines are you referring to? Usually when I record v/o for any given [adult swim] show I’ll read the line as written three or four ways, then do some variations. About half the time the supervising producer (who might also be the writer) will ask me for my own take or if I have any other ideas for what the character might say in that situation. Most of the time I never knew what they chose until the animation for that episode was in place… Sometimes I didn’t know until the episode actually aired.

MG: Besides voicing characters, you also have worked as Cel Animator for the show; tell us about that?
CMC: If we’re talking about Aqua Teen, I got a call from Dave Willis and Matt Maiellaro, two of the writers from Space Ghost Coast to Coast, who wanted me to meet with them and talk about a new project. Matt mentioned that they were the human-sized food items he and Dave had pitched as a Space Ghost Coast to Coast episode a season earlier (I had been the directing animator on SGC2C Coast so I’d been working with Matt and Dave for a few years at this point). On a rainy Sunday in 1999 we met at “The Highland Tap”, an underground watering hole in Atlanta and we began to hash out some ideas. A fair amount of what we came up with that day stuck. Within a couple of weeks Matt Jenkins (who had assisted me previously on SGC2C)had done some takes on the main three “Aqua Teen” characters and that helped solidify the look. When we divvyed up the main characters for animation the first go round, Matt wound up animating Shake, The Rabbot and Carl (who he designed) and I did Frylock, Meatwad and the ever-lovin’ Danger Cart. Matt, as I said, designed Dr. Weird and Steve in a second go-round that my schedule didn’t allow me to participate in. So, I think voicing them instead, wound up being my consolation prize (which I accepted with Daffy Duck-esque glee). Since then, I’ve designed and animated all manner of additional animation of the main characters for the show and tons of new ones including; Mothmonsterman, M.C.PeePants (all versions but the cow), Paul, Tera Patrick, the 100 Monster, the Pod creature, The Robot Babysitter, Everywhere Robots, the Bayou Boo-ya, some Bats, Vampires, Bears, and… a bunch of other stuff I forget.

MG: Why did they stop those openings back in 2003 and how does it feel to have them back now for season 9?
CMC: They (Dave and Matt) just felt like they wanted to try something different with Spacecataz. And [The Dr. Weird and Steve opens] were only back for like one episode… but it was still nice to see ‘em again.

MG: You were Animation Director and Lead Animator for the “Aqua Teen Hunger Force” film, what was your biggest challenge compared to working on the TV series?
CMC: It was about seven times the work to begin with… And obviously the animation needed to be a bit tighter and more detailed for the big screen. For any given ATHF episode in addition to designs and animation I provided I usually scanned and painted my own cels and loaded them into after effects before delivery to Williams street. In the case of the movie, I actually drove the stacks of animation cels and exposure sheets over to Radical Axis (The Atlanta production house that puts the show together) so that all the elements for the film would be executed with the same scan and paint system. It ultimately equaled a lot less work for me… but I had a lot less control of how the stuff I had animated looked onscreen.

MG: Out of all the great characters you play, Moltar/Zorak/Dr. Weird/Steve do you have a favorite?
CMC: Zorak’s the obvious choice here. He’s like Don Rickles but more sardonic. I would hope he has a fifth of Don’s longetivity.

MG: How did you find the voice for characters like Zorak and Dr. Weird? What is your process?
CMC: I had put Zorak and Moltar in the original show pitch to play the “imprisoned foes” angle and give the show some ongoing internal conflict. Zorak was originally done by legendary voice-over master Don Messick. When Don wasn’t available to do Zorak for this incarnation the role was up for grabs. Horrified that basically someone awful would get the part I stepped up to the plate. Zorak had been my favorite SG villain since I was a kid and I had actually recorded a Zorak message on my answering machine, so I’d been playing around with that type voice for awhile. Soon as I blurted out my impromptu audition for Mike Lazzo and Company, they said “Okay… You’re Zorak. That solves that problem”. It was really about that fast. Andy Merrill was slated to do Moltar’s voice as sort a a Hillbilly version of what became Brak’s voice, but just a couple of weeks before air they decided that wasn’t working and had me come in and redo his tracks with what started off as being a Ted Cassidy-type voice and quickly morphed into modern Moltar.

MG: Which did you prefer working on more “The Brak Show” or “Space Ghost: Coast to Coast”?
CMC: I enjoyed both immensely , but for different reasons. It’s a tough call but Moltar would be pissed if I didn’t say “SGC2C”.

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Filed Under: TV Interviews Tagged With: croker, interview, martin

Interview with Jay Edwards

Jay Edwards is currently editor and producer of the television series “Aqua Teen Hunger Force” on Adult Swim. Jay also served as supervising editor and producer on the feature film “Aqua Teen Hunger Force Colon Movie Film For Theaters.” Outside of Adult Swim, Jay also wrote, produced, directed and edited “Stomp! Shout! Scream!” a beach party rock and roll monster movie.  Media Mikes had a chance to chat with Jay about working on “Aqua Teen” and also his live-action work.

Mike Gencarelli: How did you get involved with “Aqua Teen” and Adult Swim?
Jay Edwards: I went to college at Auburn University. I majored in Public Relations because I wasn’t really a “business” guy and I wasn’t really an “engineering” guy, which is really all that’s there at Auburn! And I went in one Sunday morning and I took an editing class. That first day I edited for twelve hours straight. I forgot to eat. I forgot to pee. Time just disappeared. So the next day I changed my major to communications and decided I should be an editor for a living. And I’ve been doing it ever since. When I graduated in 1991 I came to Atlanta and got a job with a small post-production house. I was the gopher. I picked up a lot of lunches. I made a lot of dubs. And while I was there I trained on the first non-linear editor that was becoming the standard in post production. So I learned that system and became sort of the “night manager” guy. I would load the footage into the computer overnight for the next days editing sessions. And after doing that…doing a little bit of everything…for three and a half years I got a job at Turner Broadcasting. They had two editing suites but they really didn’t know how to manage them. So I came in and got them cleaned up and organized and started editing full time. And within about a year “Space Ghost From Coast to Coast” was in production and they were looking for editors. I thought I was getting on the bandwagon really late but I ended up editing episode seventeen or eighteen with Carrot Top, which was pretty early in the run. That was the first episode I edited. It was a really difficult show to edit. Number one, you’re trying to tell this really weird, timed, broad comedy. Technically it’s a really difficult show to put together. They do the interview first and someone pretends to be Space Ghost. Then they transcribe the interview and intentionally rewrite all of the questions for comedic effect. You’re trying to edit based on the voice over by George Lowe, who’s the voice of Space Ghost and this kind of finite interview. You’re trying to make it sound like a natural conversation and there’s nothing natural about it. You have to have comedic timing but it’s also very complicated. The background of “Space Ghost” are composites on top of one another. So we animate Space Ghost by using a series of two frame edits…back to back to back to back. Technically it’s very complicated but for some reason I was able to do it and I stuck around. We burned through a lot of editors that tried and didn’t want to do it…it was too hard of work for them…or they weren’t right. But I stuck around and over the next four or five years I edited over thirty “Space Ghost” episodes. Then in 2000, when Adult Swim was just an idea, Dave Willis and Matt Maiellaro were creating a new show…kind of a spin off based on an unused “Space Ghost” script. At the time it was called “Master Shake.” But we ended up changing the title because the Cartoon Network had a show called “Master Flake,” a show about the world of cereal mascots. So “Master Shake” became “Aqua Teen Hunger Force.” I left my staff job at Turner and started editing the pilot for “Aqua Teen.” That was the summer of 2000. Nobody thought it was a good idea. “You’re leaving this really cushy good job to go do WHAT?” (laughs) But it worked out. I went free lance haven’t looked back. I’ve been full time free lance for nearly eleven years now. I do work in different departments. I edit and produce “Aqua Teen” but I also produce extra content for the DVDs. I stay free lance so I can do as much work as I can. If I was on staff I wouldn’t be able to do that. And we’re still going. The show is entering season eleven and a DVD, volume eight, comes out in the fall. It’s a two disc set. One disc is “Aqua Teen Hunger Force” – Final Season and the other disc is “Aqua Unit Patrol Squad” – Season One.

MG: Is there a different feeling working on this season with the new title or do things feel the same?
JE: It’s exactly the same. The only thing that’s different are the opening credits. The credits are different but the show itself is written and produced exactly the same.

MG: I spoke with Dave Willis and he told me you guys were thinking of possibly changing the credits again?
JE: I wouldn’t be surprised. (laughed) Yes, we’re been green-lit for another ten-twelve episodes for 2012. And please note this: “I AM JAY EDWARDS…FREE LANCER. I AM NOT SPEAKING FOR CARTOON NETWORK IN ANY WAY, SHAPE OR FORM.” It’s not that it’s off the record, I’m just not speaking as a representative for Cartoon Network or Time Warner. (laughs)

MG: Your primary focus on the show has been producing and editing. Do you find one more difficult then the other?
JE: That’s interesting. I get a producer credit but I mainly just edit the show. But the show has been going on for so long. And Dave and Matt trusted me in the beginning. They write the scripts and do the voice overs. Writing the script is the hardest part in the whole process. I don’t want to belittle that but I’m not involved so I can’t talk about what is involved. But that is usually the hardest part and I want to give them all of the credit in the world. But after they write the scripts, all of the voice characters are recorded separately. So I might get eight or ten or fifteen reads of every line in the script. Plus they take a lot of different detours between what they come up with in the script because they also do a lot of the voices themselves. Then they had it to me and I go to work for two weeks. Two weeks later they come back and want to see something put together. So they hired me and they use me because I think they’re funny and I get what they’re going for. The scripts are pretty loose. They might read: INTERIOR – AQUA TEEN HOUSE and then have three pages of dialogue. Not a lot of scene descriptions. So I either have to give them some busy work or pull out of the dialogue and ad-libs what the action is that they’re doing and try to come up with a visual that isn’t too complicated and can be done on our limited budget and time but also isn’t so static that it’s visually boring. So that’s my job…to take the first path to directing the show essentially. Dave and Matt actually direct it…they give notes and it becomes their vision of what the show should be. But I get first crack at it. So that’s really where I get my producer credit. I keep the machine moving.

MG: You also worked on the “Aqua Teen” feature film. Was that a different experience for you?
JE: During that process we had to go from Standard Definition to High Definition to get it on to film and make it look good. So we essentially had to recreate all of the elements. Getting all of the backgrounds redrawn…characters essentially redrawn and re-scanned to an HD resolution. Just doing that was it’s own process. Then we had to figure out how to get it from inside a computer to film that could be distributed to theatres. We basically made an HD master and then transferred that to film. There are all kinds of variables about what kind of film stock you can use based on what kind of look you want. It gets really, really complicated. Showing a film in a theatre is really a part of 100 year old technology. It’s all chemical and analog as opposed to digital. That was complicated. There was also the storytelling…telling a story that was much longer then twelve minutes. I actually worked on the “Aqua Teen” movie pretty much full time, if not overtime, for two and a half years. And at the same time, currently, I produced and directed “Stomp! Shout! Scream!” and it premiered. Personally, I got divorced. It was a really stressful period of my life. My body fell apart. I’m super proud. I think that this past season of “Aqua Teen” was awesome. But I think the “Aqua Teen” movie was one of the best things I’ve ever done.

MG: Do you think you guys will do another “Aqua Teen” feature?
JE: I don’t think they would ever let us do another one (laughs). We would do another movie in a heartbeat! We think it’s a no brainer money maker to do another one! But it was pretty clear going through that painful process…we didn’t know how to distribute it to movie theatres…we didn’t know anything about that. We were all on a very steep learning curve. As soon as it was in theatres it was decided that we are a television company not a movie company. We know how to make television shows. I think it was a good experience for everybody to go through. The movie made money. Not a lot but it was definitely in the black. Especially when you consider DVD sales. I think the “Venture Brothers” has a long format project in the works as part of their next season but I don’t know if it’s going to be more then a T V special and a DVD. They may have some select screenings. Who knows how they’ll market it? I don’t think they’ll try to distribute it in theatres.

MG: With the success of “Stomp! Shout! Scream!” do you have any plans to direct in the future?
JE: Of course! That’s what I’ve been working towards ever since I finished “Stomp! Shout! Scream!” It premiered five or six years ago and I’ve been very actively taking it to film festivals…trying to market it and get it seen…trying to get a distribution deal. But that’s like a whole ‘nother full time job. Even after your film premieres you’re only really half way done. It’s been a ton of work. It’s not something that I made because I thought I could make a ton of money off it. It’s something I had to do. I was able to make the movie I wanted to make based upon my abilities of the time. I’m very proud of it. I know it’s proud but I’m really proud of it. The film did get a distribution deal about two and half years ago by a group called Indican Pictures. Because it was an older title they re-branded it and gave it a new title. It’s available on Netflix and, supposedly, big box stores as “Monster Beach Party A Go-Go.” Indican didn’t do a whole lot to market it, and I was so out of energy that I didn’t do much either. I’m hoping to move on to my next screenplay that I’ve been working on for a while. It’s set in the early 1960s. It’s about a late night horror host. You get to see a lot of his on air bits as well as bits and pieces of the movies that he shows. But instead of licensing old clips I wrote original movie titles and the scenes that the audience will see I’ve actually started production on the film this year. I went out and shot all of those “B” movie scenes. It was super fun. I spent five days in the studio and shot fifteen scenes from fifteen different movies. In five days. I had miniatures. Sets. Night exteriors Ed Wood style…we literally had three lights and seventeen potted plants. It was a lot of fun. A producer friend of mine helped me put it together. The crew I had was incredible. I’m really excited about putting that stuff together. The script needs one more revision. That was going to be my summer but I’m a little behind on that. So I’m putting the script together with those “B” movie horror scenes. The late night horror host is kind of an endearing ass hole. Everybody loves him. Because back in the 60s shows like that were super rebellious. They would talk honestly. It was like Adult Swim. It talks plainly and honestly to their viewers, which was very rebellious at the time. I’ve already cast Dana Snyder, the voice of Master Shake, as the host. Because nobody mines the comedy of the ass hole more then Dana. In real life he’s one of my best friends. One of the nicest guys I know. The movie’s title is “The VanderGhoul Twist.” It’s got its own pop song, which is a version of “The Twist” but you dance with knives. The song is called “The VanderGhoul Chop!” My plan is to shoot Dana Snyder as VanderGhoul and put it together with the “B” movie stuff and try to raise money to get the script made. Hopefully that will happen this year.

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Filed Under: Interviews, TV Interviews Tagged With: edwards, interview, jay

Interview with Cory Almeida

Cory Almeida is the host of the TV series “Pictureka”.  He has worked with shows like “American Idol” and “America’s Got Talent”.  Media Mikes had a chance to chat with Cory about “Pictureka” and what else he is currently working on.

Mike Gencarelli: How did you initially get into the entertainment business?
Cory Almeida: I went to school in Boston and came out to Los Angeles to become an actor. I ended up being a Hip/Hop dancer for a few years. Anyone who knows or studies the business knows that all big actors got their break doing the same thing. Pitt, DeNiro they were all Hip/Hop dancers. (Laughs) Music has always been a big part of my life. I was an on air DJ at a station in Boston. I was doing a little bit of acting here and there and, one day went to my agent and said I didn’t want to do it anymore. All I wanted to do was host. I started out hosting a show about ten years ago called “The Hi-Fi Room”. We got to shoot with a ton of really great artists. The production team for that show split up and some of them ended up going to work on “American Idol”. About two season in they were putting together a holiday special and they needed someone to keep the crowd going between acts. One of the guys on the production team mentioned my name. I went in for the holiday show and everyone had a blast! After that they asked me if I would be interested in doing the same thing for season 3. I have been there ever since. Once I did “American Idol” all the other shows saw me and wanted me for their shows. It’s been great! For the past 8 years I have been super steady doing the warm up thing. Now I am making the transition back to hosting.

MG: How did the show “Pictureka” come about?
CA: “Pictureka” came about by one of the producers of the show seeing me at a “Dancing with the Stars” taping. They told me that the chances of anything happening with the show were pretty slim but, would I be willing to jump on board. I was happy to help them out. On April fool’s day they called and told me the show got picked up for 65 episodes and they wanted me to host it. We both thought it was either the best or worst April fool’s joke however the show was really good to go. The show actually got nominated for a day time Emmy. Things are going really great. It’s a hustle but I am really enjoying it.

MG: What has been one of your biggest challenges on “Pictureka”?
CA: There are a lot. That show is like being the ring leader of a six ring circus. You have to balance all these different aspects. Everything is done live and on the fly. It is literally the craziest boot camp for television hosts. I have no problem jumping on a show like “American Idol” and “America’s Got Talent” where I am just prompting artists. I have a lot of fun being at the helm of that show.

MG: What has been the best/hardest part of being the host of the show?
CA: The hardest part for me is that I really route for these guys! I love giving away the networks money. You want the players to win. The best reaction is when you flip that card and the contestants get the right answer and win a prize. It’s just an awesome moment. I love working with the kids and their families.

MG: What other upcoming projects do you have going on?
CA: Right now we are on hold with “Pictureka” as the response for the show has been so overwhelming that the show is being aired twice a day. The producers are trying to figure out what will be the best move for the show. It’s been great though because while we are on hold I have been able to take off and go do some cool things. I shot a pilot in Hong Kong with the producers of “The Bizarre Food Show”. This show is a twist on that as it will be based around comfort food from around the world. In Hong Kong they eat things like pig intestines as comfort food. The stinky tofu was probably the worst. I seriously thought I was going to throw up.

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Filed Under: TV Interviews Tagged With: almeida, cory, interview
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