Interview with Joseph Bishara

Joseph Bishara is the composer for films like “Insidious” and the upcoming “11-11-11”.  Media Mikes had a chance to chat with Joseph about working in the horror genre and about his recent projects.

Mike Gencarelli: Tell us about what was your inspiration for working on “Insidious”, which is one of the creepiest score since “Halloween”?
Joseph Bishara: Well thank you for that, “Halloween” is quite high company to be held in.
The inspiration for the film really came from the film itself – those were the things I was hearing when looking into the world. James and I talked about some harsh string sounds, extreme dynamics, and I know Leigh sometimes writes with music in mind – but when it comes down it I try not to reference existing music. I wrote a lot and recorded some before the film was even shot, started from the script and was giving James music to edit to early on.

MG: You also have a role in that film as the Lipstick-Face Demon, tell us about that as well?
JB: Yes, James also asked me to be the demon. I had the build he had in mind, already shaved my head, and the temperament to sit in makeup for 5 hours a day. I went in and took a series of pictures with Aaron Sims, who designed the demon over the images. Spent a fair bit of time learning to walk in the hooves, which were built onto 9″ platform heels and strapped to my legs. It was very physical, just standing upright required being fully engaged. I was pretty beat up by the end, but absolutely worth it.

MG: Tell us about working with Dante Tomaselli on his latest film “Torture Chamber”?together
JB: Working with Dante for me is a totally free process in that I just read the script, respond musically and send it off to him.I haven’t seen a single scene; only some stills. He makes music himself, and works with a couple of other composers, then edits it all into a ‘soup’. I do look forward to seeing the film though.

MG: You are currently working on “11-11-11” with Darren Lynn Bousman, tell us the sound that you are creating for this score?
JB: “11-11-11” was written for flute, clarinet, cello and a chorus of voices. Worked with writing and translating Sumerian chants… there’s darkness and devils within.

MG: How are you planning to top your score for “Insidious”, which set the bar high?
JB: Thank you again, I don’t really see it in terms of topping things. I see each world of every project as a different sounding place – they all, even in subtle ways feel different to me.

MG: You also worked with him on “Repo! The Genetic Opera”, tell us about that experience?
JB: “Repo” was dense, a ton of music to keep track of through various stages. Projects like that really don’t come around often, so out of the box as to be completely polarizing… love it or hate it, it’s different. Just to get to work with that many great musicians was such a reward in itself.

MG: How was it getting to work with master horror director and composer, John Carpenter on “Ghosts of Mars” & “Masters of Horror: Pro-Life”?
JB: John is awesome. I was very excited to just get to meet him, but yeah… got a call to come by the studio and a couple of days later was working away. He seemed to be enjoying the process at that point, to be able to sit back and just listen to and make music… very relaxed in the studio. On “Pro-Life”, he asked me to mix his son Cody’s score… again, very relaxed and enjoyable. One of our cooler filmmakers for sure… no bullshit is a great understatement.

MG: Your work is primarily in the horror genre, is that where you feel the most comfortable?
JB: Yes, I’ve always loved the genre, and it seems a good fit for what sounds most natural to me. Certainly darker genre are the films I’m most interested in as a viewer.

MG: After “11-11-11”, what are you planning on working on next?
JB: Have a handful of projects in different stages, not sure which happen next.

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Filed Under: Interviews, Music Interviews Tagged With: bishara, interview, joseph

Interview with Victor Salva

Victor Salva is the man behind the “Jeepers Creepers” series. He has also directed the following films “Powder”, “Peaceful Warrior”, “Rites of Passage” and Clownhouse”. He is currently working on his latest film “Rosewood Lane”. Media Mikes had a chance to chat with Victor about his latest film and also his “Jeepers” series.

Mike Gencarelli: Give us some background on your latest film “Rosewood Lane”?
Victor Salva: Mike, “Rosewood Lane” is what I call a thriller in the vein of Carpenter’s “Halloween”, maybe the great grandfather of the kind of movies I call “killer in the shadows” thrillers, but in the case of “Rosewood” it is more like “the nightmare next door,” where the setting is your block, your neighborhood and the threat could literally be waiting for you out on the moonlit sidewalk just a few yards from your front door. I have always been a fan of suburban horror, because it always seemed the most likely. And the first trick of telling a good horror tale is telling one that draws you into it. Makes you believe. And convinces you, even if it is just for ninety minutes, that it is really happening. Or could really happen — to you. In the case of “Rosewood Lane”, right where you live. Those particular kinds of stories, the stories I saw of that nature on TV as a kid, say on “”The Twilight Zone”, “Night Gallery”, “Thriller”, “The Outer Limits”, “Tales from the Darkside” to name a few, and on the big screen like the original “Halloween”, or the original “Black Christmas”, or the original “Omen”, they have all informed “Rosewood Lane” which is my own entry into this genre.

MG: How does this film differ from your prior projects?
VS: “Rosewood Lane” is a character-driven, psychological thriller. I wouldn’t classify it as a horror film, though at the latest screening of the film, there were plenty of screams from the audience and a healthy number of jolts where the audience jumped out of their seats. I was also pleased to observe some couples at the preview, whose arms were being clutched by white-knuckled hands throughout most of the film. I know it sounds like I am some kind of mad sadist when I say this pleased me, but what it really meant to me was that the film was working and creating a very scary roller coaster ride for the folks who came to see it. Sometimes when you work in the horror genre you have to measure your success in screams, jumps, goose pimples and shivers. But Mike, the film does differ from just about every other film I have made. But how, really depends on how you yourself categorize films in the suspense and horror genre. “Rosewood Lane” is a very different kind of scare than the “Jeepers Creepers” films, or my upcoming horror entries “The Tattleman” or “Haunted”. “Rosewood Lane” sneaks up on you and gives you a series of goose pimple scenes before you start screaming and jumping out of your seat as the terror grows — where as a film with a creature that flies around every twenty-three years to nibble on us, falls into the more in-your-face, oh-my-god kind of monster movie tradition where the escalation is much less subtle. “Rosewood” has more story and more character than you are allowed in creature features. And in “Rosewood Lane”, a script I had written some time ago, my first and only screenplay with a female protagonist, I felt more permission to go to the psychological side of fear, and got to dip in a bit deeper (as I did in “Powder”, “Rites of Passage” and “Peaceful Warrior” some of my non horror films) to the inner journey of the characters — before I got to the really creepy and scary parts of the story.

MG: What was your biggest challenge during the production of this film?
VS: This was a small budget and a short shooting schedule as many of my early thrillers like “Clownhouse”, “The Nature of the Beast” and “Rites of Passage” were. When you work in that environment, everything is a challenge, because you are always what I call “running and gunning,” shooting as quickly as possible and moving onto the next scene. It is an exciting way to make movies, but also a dangerous and perilous one. You need to have a very well rehearsed cast and a very experienced crew, and on smaller budgets like this, you usually don’t. There is no time to rehearse and crew members, guys like you and me who have to bring a paycheck home each week to feed the family and pay the rent, don’t usually take smaller projects where the take home pay is much smaller as well. From a creative point of view, taking a few simple ideas, and not a lot of special FX, meaning you needed to create the scares without the benefit of a flying Creeper trying to eat people, and instead, create the scares with the rather the innocent image of a paperboy on his bike. I can tell you this, I was lucky to have been a student of all the wonderful Korean horror filmmakers these past few years, because I found myself working to create that kind of tone for “Rosewood Lane”, and executing the scares and shocks in much the same way as the Koreans, who I believe have elevated the art of the scare film. One of my favorite things to say about Korean horror is that those talented filmmakers, many of them, show us how to make something scary on a budget of 1.98. And in some ways I got to try my hand at that style and that scale of scaring people. This was the challenge, and like every strong challenge, an education for me.

MG: Tell us about working with Ray Wise after the “Jeepers Creepers” films?
VS: Ray and I have been good friends since I first worked with him back in 1994 on my film “Powder”. I had not seen “Twin Peaks”, but a lot of my friends had and said there was this phenomenon named Ray Wise on the show and that I needed to work with him. “Powder” was the first opportunity and I have tried to get Ray into just about every film I have ever made since. He is not only one of the most powerful and watchable actors I have had the pleasure of enhancing my body of work with, but he is also one of the kindest and most decent and wonderful human beings I have met on my journeys in Los Angeles. By the time “Rosewood Lane” came along, I hadn’t worked with Ray since my film “Peaceful Warrior” with Ray, Nick Nolte and Amy Smart. That was about seven years ago. It was great to see him again. I think we have a warm spot for each other (though I could be being presumptuous here) and I certainly have a great deal of respect for Ray and his quality of work. I am honored that he has deemed himself part of what I call my acting ensemble which I have been cultivating since ‘”The Nature of the Beast” back in 1994. But to answer your question more specifically: It’s always a pleasure to see Ray on your movie set. He gets it. He enjoys it. He comes prepared and delivers — every day. He to me is a rare find and I hope we work together until we are gray-haired old men.

MG: When casting for “Jeepers”, how did you know you found your Creeper with Jonathan Breck?
VS: Quite simply because he was the one, who at the Creeper auditions, walked in and scared the Bee-jeezus out of all of us. We still have that audition on tape (you can see it on the special features on the original DVD release of the first “Jeepers” film) where Jonathan had shaved his head, and came in sniffing around the room like the first thing that smelled good was going to be his dinner. If you go shopping for it on DVD – make sure you get the pressing of the DVD with all the original special features. I have been told that some “Jeepers” DVDs now available don’t have some of the programs we did for the first “Jeepers” DVD. But when it comes to knowing if an actor is right or wrong for a part, I usually know within about fifteen seconds of them walking into the room to audition, sometimes before they even opens their mouth, whether they are in the ballpark for booking the part they are there to read for. It is that fast sometimes. You are either right or not. You either get it or you don’t. I have always had an uncanny knack for recognizing if the right actor for the right part in my film has just walked in the door. It happens very quickly with me, and I don’t know if it is a sixth sense or just because it is my script and I have lived with these characters since I put them on the page, but I know when someone has walked in who understands what I understand about that character. I have been wrong on one or two occasions — I am not infallible. And I am also smart enough now, to go with an actor’s take on a character, when it turns out to be a better one than I originally had in mind. Sometimes you get an actor who has thought about the character in a totally different way than you have — and when you see it at an audition, after it throws you, you sometimes start to see it is fantastic, better than what you had written and you would be a fool not to make it part of the film. Being a writer/director is a high-wire act where you need to be a control freak, who doesn’t always have to be in control. The more confident I get that I am telling an interesting story, or the more comfortable I can be that the story may not turn out just the way I wanted — but maybe better or a bit different — the easier it is for me to see my actors as allies and not obstacles in telling my story. I have been very lucky at recognizing burgeoning talent, and seeing instantly that Justin Long and Gina Phillips were perfect for the brother and sister in “Jeepers”, or that Sean Patrick Flanery was just the right personification of “Powder”, or Jason Behr was the right boy to play Cambell Farley, a struggling and shattered gay kid, who was so lonely for his real father, that he fell right into the arms of a much more deadly version of him. I felt the same excitement when I saw Daniel Ross Owens read for the role of the very dark paperboy Derek Barber in “Rosewood Lane”. This was clearly another find, another perfect match. A strong actor with a great take on the character. In this case our “paperboy from Hell” who is in essence The Creeper of our suburban thriller. Every scary story needs its monster and Daniel filled those shoes — tennis shoes — nicely.

MG: Tell us if any of the rumors are true for “Jeepers Creepers 3” and when can we expect it?
VS: Mike, about the only thing I can tell you about it, is not to believe anything you hear or read about it. IMDB continually states that we are either already shooting it or that it is already completed. Readers of my blog know well and good the trials and tribulations of that film’s many starts and stops. And that pre-production hasn’t ever really started on this the third and last film of the “Jeepers” trilogy, though it has come close to going into production several times. I wish I could say when you would be seeing it. It is certainly something I would love to make and the script is very strong and has been written now for about five years. No one argues it is the best idea of all the “Jeepers” films, but it is still technically and independent feature, and getting it’s price tag of around 16 million together — especially now when money is more scarce in the movie biz than it ever has been, “Jeepers Threepers” as I like to call it, is still on the runaway, awaiting take-off orders from the tower. Ironic since it is one of the most requested horror sequels of all the current horror franchises and the Creeper himself was just voted fourth most scary movie monster in the history of cinema, according to a website poll. I can tell you that the script starts with a much-anticipated old west prologue that shows how the Creeper existed (and augmented his wardrobe) back before the days of the automobile. It is much bigger in scope that the two prior films, reintroduces Gina Philips character Trisha Jenner, reveals much more about the creature and his ancestry, and the film also brings the Creeper’s much missed Creeper Truck back into the mix. Everyone in the Creeper camp here, and fans from around the world, hopes this film will find its way to the big screen soon, but to venture when at this point seems unfair to all of us.

MG: Referring to “Jeepers Creepers”, would you consider it your greatest accomplishment?
VS: I am going to get a little philosophical with that question, Mike: I am not sure I would consider any of my films my greatest accomplishment in life, though in the timeline of my life they are all certainly points of great pride and accomplishment for me. I have no children to point to, as many of us who have become parents and made their lives about creating the next generation, to say: there is my greatest achievement. Some days I would argue that maybe my films, my art, are my children in some way. If I take that tact, would I consider “Jeepers” my greatest achievement? The “Jeepers” films are my most popular achievement, that is for certain, as well as two of my favorite accomplishments (since I am a horror film fan and have been since before I could shave). But my other children, “Powder”, “Peaceful Warrior”, “Rites of Passage”, Clownhouse”, and others, they all bring me great pride and joy as well. I also think the best is yet to come for me. I have more stories to tell and in all genres. Stories to make you jump, make you, think, and make you cry — or just take you on a good old-fashioned roller coaster ride. I am only sure of one thing: I am lucky to be able to dream my dreams on a big screen that shares them around the world.

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Filed Under: Film Interviews, Interviews Tagged With: interview, salva, victor

Interview with Elephant Mountain’s Joe Altier

Joe Altier is the former front man of the Syracuse based hard rock band Brand New Sin. Joe has a new group called Elephant Mountain which features former Brand new Sin guitar player Brian “Slider” Azzoto. The group has just released their first CD and Joe took some time out of his busy schedule to talk with Media Mikes about the release.

Adam Lawton: What led to your decision of leaving Brand New Sin?
Joe Altier: There were a lot of reasons for me leaving Brand New Sin but without a long winded answer I was unhappy not just with my position in the band, but with myself in life. A lot had happened in 2007 leading up to my departure good, bad and, ugly. Basically I hit a turning point where I was re evaluating my life. I decided the best thing was to leave the band and let them move forward. I needed to fall in love again with myself and with music.

AL: What was it like writing songs again with Brian “Slider” Azzoto?
JA: Writing with Slider again was surreal. He was my compadre in Brand New Sin and when we kicked him out, I felt I lost a little bit of myself. He and I didn’t talk for a few years but after reconnecting and becoming friends again, I knew that we would eventually work together again. Next thing I know we start jamming again and we picked up right where we left off. We have a great bond not only as friends but as songwriters as well.

AL: Was there any reason you guys decided to release the Elephant Mountain album independently?
JA: We decided to do it on our own because honestly there are no record labels anymore. It was nice to write at our own pace and with no outside influences or deadlines. Also who is going to sign a bunch of guys pushing 40! (Laughs) We had the means to record and release it ourselves so we did! We won’t ever do any extensive touring with Elephant Mountain but we just want to make good music and have fun.

AL: Do you have a favorite track off the new album?
JA: My favorite track off the Elephant Mountain album is “Pray”. That song was written about my late father and the traumatic events of the day he passed. That song is the most soulful, personal song I have ever written.

AL: Can you tell us about your other two projects Just Joe and Aylyst?
JA: Aylyst which is my cover band that plays mostly classic rock and heavy metal tunes. That project really kept my chops up while I was waiting for Elephant Mountain. As of right now it is on hiatus as I have been busy with Elephant Mountain and Just Joe. Just Joe is what keeps me the busiest these days. I am playing 4-5 days a week with a song catalog of close to 2000 songs which range from Frank Sinatra to Metallica! Just Joe also is an outlet for my “lighter side”, “country side”, “soulful side” and so on. I have released an EP and a full length in the past year and am working on another EP and album as we speak!

AL: 2000 songs is a lot of songs.
JA: I am busting with songs! Some of them were written over the past 10 years and were never used in Brand New Sin or they were something I just kept to myself. I live, breathe and eat music!

AL: Other upcoming projects or plans?
JA: Well I play to release a Just Joe EP at Christmas time and a full length album by summer of 2012. Elephant Mountain is knee deep in writing a new album and we have about 5 songs written far. We probably will finish writing and recording that over the winter and release that in 2012 as well!

To find out more about Joe Altier and to hear some of his music click on the links below. Also be sure to read our review of Elephant Mountain’s debut release, here:

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Filed Under: Music Interviews Tagged With: altier, elephant, interview, joe, mountains

Interview with Anthrax’s Charlie Benante

Charlie Benante is the drummer for the legendary thrash metal band Anthrax. The band just released their newest studio album titled “Worship Music” which is the first Anthrax album to feature singer Joey Belladonna since the bands 1990 release “Persistence of Time”. Media Mikes caught up with Charlie after the bands performance at the Big 4 concert held at Yankee Stadium in New York City.

Adam Lawton: What was your first response when it was announced you and the band would be playing at Yankee stadium as part of the Big 4?
Charlie Benante: (Laughs) I was like “Oh my god! We are playing Yankee Stadium!” We have a couple really huge Yankee fans in the band so it was just awesome. The anticipation leading up to the show was crazy. It felt like we waited a year to do the show and then all of a sudden it was here. Then it was like “Oh Shit! It just happened”.

AL: Will the set you guys played tonight be the same one you will be playing on your upcoming tour?
CB: The set we played tonight was just something we sort of threw together. We sort of screwed up as we had a little bit more time to play today but didn’t. I think we had about 5 extra minutes.

AL: Do you have a favorite track off the new album “Worship Music”?
CB: It’s hard to pick one of them. Each track brings back different moments and moods so it’s hard to pick just one. However if I had to pick a song based on today I would probably pick “Judas Priest”. Yesterday I was feeling the song “In the End”. Day by day it just depends on what my mood is and what that song represents to me.

AL: Do you have a favorite song that you guys don’t play live but would like to?
CB: Oh Yeah! There is a song off the album “Spreading the Disease” called “Long Justice” that fans just love. It’s seems like every time we try and play that song live it just doesn’t work. It’s a tricky song. There always are songs on a record that people want to hear live but then when you do try it, it just doesn’t seem to work.

AL: I happen to be from the Ithaca, NY area where you guys worked a lot early in your career with producer Alex Perialas. Can you tell us what that was like?
CB: Our experiences there were all great! We built a lot of great relationships there. I haven’t seen Alex in a long time and I wish I have. He is an awesome guy and I learned a lot from him Alex is one of those true real people! Alex is a great guy.

AL: Other than the tour is there anything else planned for you guys?
CB: This week has been a crazy world wind with the album release and the show tonight. We have been just enjoying everything. The tour starts and runs Oct/Nov. and we are just looking for feedback from fans and how they are enjoying this. I am really just enjoying this ride.

For more info on Charlie and Anthrax head over to www.anthrax.com also be sure to check out our review of the band’s latest release “Worship Music” as well as our coverage of the Anthrax from “The Big 4”.

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Filed Under: Interviews, Music Interviews Tagged With: anthraxs, benante, charlie, interview

Interview with Harry and the Potter’s Paul DeGeorge

Paul DeGeorge and his brother Joe started the band Harry and the Potter in 2002. Since that time the duo have been the subject of a documentary titled “We Are Wizards” a film that delves into the impact of the Harry Potter book series on its fans. The group has also been credited with the creation of “Wizard Rock”. Media Mikes had a chance recently to talk with Paul about a variety of things related to the band.

Adam Lawton: What led you to starting Harry and the Potters?
Paul DeGeorge: It kind of started with reading the books. My brother and sort of pop culture at large turned me onto the books. I just thought there was something about the Harry Potter character that was similar to some of my punk rock heroes. I figured it would be cool if Harry had his own punk rock band.

AL: Can you tell us what some of those influences were?
PD: I would say as far as punk rock goes Fugazi as well as Adam and his Package were both real big influences. The thing about Adam and his Package was that they played really fun and goofy punk rock songs that were also smart. I remember being in college reading their tour diaries which made it sound like anyone could get out on the road and have a band.

AL: How did you guys get involved with the “We Are Wizards” documentary?
PD: We had received an email from the directors of the film telling us that they were interested in us being a part of a film they were planning that was going to talk about Harry Potter fans and different theories and phenomena’s related to Harry Potter. We said sure we would be interested and then one day they showed up to film us at our parents house.

AL: How was your experience with the filming?
PD: It was fun! Every two or three months the guys would pop up at a show or something and start shooting. As with most documentaries they use only a small portion of what they shoot. They shot some of our coolest shows ever played and I wish I could see some of the footage. I remember they were at one show in Brooklyn and it was a bigger show at a newer venue. At night I guess it’s a pretty intense place so they had their normal security crew there who were these huge dudes. These guys were patting down every 12 year old that was trying to get into the show. It started to freak everyone out so we moved the show to the space next door and it was really great. The place we had the show at now has shows pretty regular and is called Death by Audio.

AL: What is your take on being dubbed the originators of “Wizard Rock”?
PD: I guess we were in the right place and right time. (Laughs) We didn’t set out with any purpose to create a genre. A lot of what our band is about fostering the DIY punk spirit of doing things for yourself.

AL: Other than the show you already mentioned are there any others that stick out?
PD: We are all about pushing the boundaries of what you would expect a concert to be. From the start we were trying to do rock shows in libraries. The library is already a safe all ages places for anyone to go to. No one gets turned away at the library. We don’t want people to be turned away from our shows and the library is that kind of space for us.

AL: Can you tell us about the Harry Potter Alliance?
PD: The idea behind the Harry Potter Alliance was to form a real world Dumbledore’s Army and become the heroes that we read about. The books are really empowering and tell the storey of teens who all stick together to help change the world. We wanted to use the premise of the books to get youth involved with social activism and social justice issues. We try to draw parallels out of the books and relate them to real social and political issues. One of the current campaigns we are working on is that we are trying to get Harry Potter fans to lobby Warner Brothers who control all the merchandising related to the films to make their Harry Potter chocolate fair trade chocolate. Chocolate is notorious for really bad working conditions especially along the Ivory Coast where about 2/3rds of the worlds chocolate comes from. The main idea behind the campaign is to educate Harry Potter fans about the fair trade issues. We also have the opportunity to use our power as Harry Potter fans to maybe affect change on a large corporate level. We can use our leverage as an organization to get our message into the press which will hopefully influence Warner Brothers to change their business practices. We really want to tryand use Harry Potter as a tool to create global citizenship.

AL: What other upcoming plans do you have for the band?
PD: We just finished a two month summer tour and we are going to take it easy during the fall. I think the biggest thing on the horizon for us as of right now is we are in the planning stages for our annual Christmas shows. We have been doing these shows for a few years now in our home base of Boston, MA. This year will be our 7th annual Yule Ball in Boston. Last year we branched out to New York and Philadelphia which we plan to do again this year. We might possibly being do one other city but I can’t say too much about that just yet.

For more info on Harry and the Potters you can go to www.harryandthepotters.com

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Filed Under: Interviews, Music Interviews Tagged With: degeorge, harry, interview, paul, potters

Interview with Horror Idol’s Neal DeConte

Neal DeConte is the owner of Horror Idols, a division of DeConte Prototype & Modelwork, Inc. The company specializes in originally-sculpted, pre-painted, autographed figurines of the characters of modern horror films.  Media Mikes has had the pleasure of knowing the Neal and his crew for many years and took some time to chat about their work and whats to come in the near future.

Mike Gencarelli: First question has to be why horror?
Neal DeConte: I LOVE horror! Grew up watching horror movies, Creature Double Feature on the weekends in New England and all the late night horror movies on TV. My parents hated them, I was allowed to watch them, but they didn’t care for them. I try to keep up to date with all the new ones out and that are coming out.

MG: What was your inspiration to start this company “Horror Idols”?
ND: It was for personal gratification, I wanted to produce pieces that I wanted for my own collection! I started many years ago as a figure model builder, I was getting tired with what was out there, I was always re-posing, re-sculpting or modifying what I was purchasing . I figured, what the hell, I’m just going to do my own take on them! We also wanted to give back to the actor/actress that were involved in the character also. I feel that they’re not nearly compensated enough for what they endure/put up with as far as some of these characters, buried under prostectics and such. Each of our figurines are signed by the actor/actress and they receive a percentage of what we make.

MG: These are limited edition pieces correct?
ND: Yes, these are limited to ONLY 20 of each being produced! Once the 20 are produced, the molds and originals are destroyed, no others will be made. Each has a solid oak base, autographed by the actor/actress, an acrylic case to keep it dust free and a certificate of authenticity. We also create one of each figurine for Horror Idols and one for the actor/actress. For each piece we try to work in something from the actual movie, so far it’s been gravel from the actual movie locations.

MG: What’s your background for what you do, what schooling do you have?
ND: Schooling? I graduated high school by the skin of my teeth, hated school. Even back then, loved to create with my hands, it was drawing/painting then, found it fulfilling, but had no idea how I would convey that into a career. I’m self taught on everything I do, want to learn something……pick a book up, check info on-line, learn by mistakes. Best way to learn I believe.

MG: Tell us about your process to create these fantastic unique pieces of art?
ND: So here’s the quick breakdown: First what are we going to do? I find a new project and talk to the actor/actress to see if their on board with the project…..We don’t do a project without them being part of it. We discuss what we want to see out of it, pose and such and set out to make it in 3D. We start digging out reference material, we get any insight from the actor/actress on it, see if they have any good photos to work from, check on-line to see what we can find, and do screen captures from the DVD’s. We gather up as much reference as possible, can never have enough!
Sculpting is next, we don’t sketch out first, just start sculpting. We go back and forth with the actor/actress to make sure we’re meeting their expectations also……haven’t disappointed yet. Once we get the sculpt done and approved it’s onto molding and casting. We make high quality silicone molds off the sculpture. This starts by breaking down the figurine to make sure it’s moldable and get the molds done. Next is casting, we cast the figurines as a solid, high quality urethane. Now that the castings are done, it onto cleanup, assembly, and painting/detailing. We take the castings and give them a good bath to remove the mold release from the molding process and clean up what excess material there is from the molding process.
The painting/detailing process can be somewhat complicated depending on the actual piece. Could be stitching up fabric for clothing, and/or dying lambs wool to use for hair. We also have to build the oak bases and the acrylic cases, all of the above work is done in our shop here in Rhode Island….USA.

MG: How long would you say it takes you to do a piece like The Every 23rd Spring or Leatherhead from start to end?
ND: Every 23rd Spring was 275 hours to sculpt, that’s the figure and the wings, Leatherhead was about 150 hours. Leatherhead was my first full figure sculpture. To build each one, Every 23rd Spring 175 hour, leatherhead 125 hours. These numbers don’t include the molding or casting process, figure another 40-80 hours for this.

MG: What would you say has been your most difficult project to date?
ND: I’d have to say Victor Crowley from the movie hatchet. Victor is time consuming to build each one with the fabric farmer jeans, each of those are 18 pieces of fabric which are stitched together…..yes, I do sew also.

MG: Do you take on commission work as well and if so what are some of the pieces you have done?
ND: If we have time, we take on commission work. We’ll do one of a kind sculptures, model build ups for customers, you name it, we’ll do it. We also have our other company DeConte Prototype & Modelwork which we do this type of work under. We do prototype for some of the major companies and independent inventors across the US from figure work, product development, prototype models and everything in between.

MG: Rumor has it you are signing a licensing deal on the “Behind the Mask” movies, what can you tell us?
ND: LOL! Word spreads fast! Yea, this is huge for us, we’ll be doing the Horror Idols figurine and also……We just announced DeConte Toys & Collectibles which is our toy company division and Leslie Vernon is going to be our first 7” mass produced action figure! We’re looking at doing a line of Behind the Mask action figures and collectibles. Leslie will be available in Jan/Feb 2012.
Glen Echo Entertainment is receiving a percentage of all these sales that will help fund part 2 of the movie series!

MG: What other projects are you working on and what next for Horror Idols & DeConte Toys & Collectibles?
ND: Horror Idols just released the Gloved and Zombie Hand DVD holders and have a couple projects in the works with Michael Madsen……One being one of him with the chopper he owns that he used in the movie Hell Ride. This is our standard ¼ scale figure, so the chopper will be about 25.5” long! As far as DeConte Toys & Collectibles, we’re also releasing the first figure in our “Cinematic Heroes” line which will be Kane Hodder, this will be out early next year. And we’re also doing one with SpiderOne, lead singer from Powerman 5000, both of these prototypes will be with us at the Rock & Shock convention in Worecester MA, Oct 14 -16, along with the Behind the mask prototypes. We’ll also have Leslie Vernon himself, Nathan Baesel with us at the Horror Idols booth! Our good friends at Fright Rags & Horror Idols have teamed up to bring Nathan out for the convention, he’ll be there with us Saturday & Sunday only. There’s plenty of other exciting things hitting for us in the not too distant future…… Check us out on Facebook and visit www.horroridols.com for more info!

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Filed Under: Art/Theatre, Featured Tagged With: deconte, horror, idols, interview, neal

Interview with Bob Bergen

Bob Bergen has been the voice of Porky Pig from “Looney Tunes”  for over 20 years.  He also has voiced numerous other character like Marvin the Martian and Tweety Bird.  He also done voice work for films like “Gremlins”, “Army of Darkness” and has worked with Disney and Pixar quite a bit.  In the world of anime he voices “Lupin” from “Lupin the Third” and characters from “Akira”.  Bob is currently voicing Porky Pig in the 2011 reboot of “The Looney Tunes Show”.  Media Mikes had a chance to chat with Bob about his his voice work and his long career with Porky Pig.

Mike Gencarelli: What was it like to follow Mel Blanc and step into the role of Porky Pig?
Bob Bergen: It was my goal since I was five years old to voice that one particular character. It’s funny, the day I got my first job….it was March 8, 1990…I remember the date because it was my birthday…I had just purchased a condo and my mom was house sitting waiting for a couch to be delivered because I was at an audition. And she happened to take the call from my agent…after a dozen or so auditions I had booked the job. And to be able to share that with my mom….I mean she’d put up with me since I was five doing Porky Pig everywhere I could…it was very surreal. I don’t think anybody gets into this business to play one character. I mean that’s stupid…the odds are against you. But this is what I wanted and I didn’t know NOT to want it. That night we went out to dinner and I had a huge wave of depression because I felt, “my God, I’m in my early 20s and I just booked my life-long goal…now what do I do?” It’s a roller coaster of emotions. And it’s also a huge responsibility. There will never be another Mel Blanc. I don’t think that anyone who does these characters today sounds like Mel. I do my best to keep the integrity of the original character. It’s a combination of a layer of emotions. But it’s also probably the most fun that anybody should be able to have.

MG: Which leads to my next question: why Porky Pig? What about that character stood out to you?
BB: That’s probably the most common question I’m asked. Why not Mickey Mouse? Why not Daffy Duck? The simple answer is because I could do him (Porky Pig). I found the formula in the writing. There’s a formula to Porky’s stutter in the writing that I discovered when I was about five. Even though my voice hadn’t changed and I didn’t sound like the character as a kid I’d figured out the heart and the personality of the character when I was a kid. And it was funny. While he’s stammering on one word he’s also fumbling for the next word. So it was the pure humor of the character that I was attracted to.

MG: You not only voiced Porky in the film “Space Jam,” but Marvin the Martian and Tweety Bird as well. Was it difficult for you voicing different characters?
BB: Not really…not really. A feature film takes several years to do while a half hour cartoon is a four hour session. So you’re in the studio one day doing four or five pages, then you’re back two months later doing four or five more pages. Then six months later you do twenty pages. It’s actually not that difficult of a job to do. The voice sessions for “Space Jam” were directed by Ivan Reitman, who produced the film. Jerry Rees and Steven Laiva, who were the animation producers and directors, were very good about saying, “here’s our script…what can you guys bring to it?” Fortunately, in the twenty one years doing these characters, I’ve never had a situation where they weren’t open to our creativity and ideas. I always follow the written word first but then it’s “what can you bring different to the scene?” For instance, there might be some lines where I’ll say, “I don’t think Porky would stutter like that…can I try it a different way,” and they’re always very open to it.

MG: You’ve been voicing Porky for the past two decades. Now that there is a new “Looney Tunes” show how do you feel the character has changed in those twenty years?
BB: It’s interesting…people will always ask me what the hardest thing is to do Porky Pig. Originally it was…everybody can say the classic phrases…”what’s up doc?,” “that’s all folks,” “I saw a puddycat”…give somebody a script with a brand new story with words that Mel Blanc never said in that situation…that’s when it becomes difficult. I can remember doing things early on and thinking, “wow…Porky has never discussed rap music before…Porky had never been in the 1990s discussing whatever was happening…the pop culture of the day. You have to be able to take the heart of the classic character and put it in contemporary situations. The “Looney Tunes” show does just that. I’ll be honest…when I got the job I was really concerned if they were going to uphold the integrity of these characters. And I’ve been so pleasantly surprised at how wonderful the writing is…how these producers get these characters…get the integrity of these characters…and are able to put them in situations that blend so well the classic and contemporary.

MG: How did you get involved in doing some of the darker comedies like “Gremlins” and “Army of Darkness?”
BB: Honest to God, I just auditioned. “Gremlins” was one of my first auditions. I remember being told “I can’t show you anything from this movie but what do you think it would sound like if a gremlin exploded in a microwave?” And I asked, “what’s a gremlin.” He said “remember the little laughing creature that hung out with Jabba the Hutt…something like that, but meaner.” So I did the sound of what I thought a gremlin would sound like if it exploded in a microwave. Then I did what I thought was the sound of gremlins having a drop of water dropped on them and creating more gremlins. I didn’t know what he was talking about, I just did funny sounds. And it was easily nine months later that I got the phone call telling me I got the job. For “Army of Darkness,” and I understand they’re doing a remake of “Evil Dead”…if anybody reading this is connected to that film I want to do it…I happened to work for the casting director of the film so I didn’t have to audition. He asked me if I could do the voice of a man-eating book and I said, “OK.” It’s really a collaborative thing. They throw their ideas at you and you give them your interpretation of their ideas.

MG: You’ve also done a lot of work for Disney and Pixar. How did those jobs come about?
BB: I think my first Disney feature was “The Hunchback of Notre Dame.” Disney and Pixar are probably some of the most loyal producers I’ve ever worked with. Once you prove yourself and they know that you’re reliable they’ll call you back over and over again. A lot of the jobs are ones I didn’t audition for. They would just call and ask, “can you work on this new Disney film next week” and I say, “okey-dokey!” They’re very particular on who they hire. I’m what they call a “utility player” on animated features. I’m not a celebrity so I’m not going to play Buzz Lightyear. I’m not going to play the lead in any major Disney feature. But I do play multiple characters in the films. They know that if they get me up there I can play five or six different characters in one scene. And once you’ve proved yourself that way, that you’re reliable, they call you over and over again. I didn’t do the first “The Santa Clause” movie. Comet the reindeer was in it. But for the second film they wanted to give him personality. So I actually had to audition for that. And fortunately they brought him back for the third film. A lot of it is just getting that audition and letting them know who you are. You have to be in the business. You have to have a solid agent who gets the calls from the powers that be. But then you still have to audition. I had to audition for the “Looney Tunes” show. Just because I’ve played a character for twenty years I don’t own it. So when a new producer comes in they may say, “hey, I know YOU’RE right for the part but let’s see who else is out there.” But an actors’ job is to audition. I mean for the “Looney Tunes” show I did the pilot. And then they held auditions. But I knew the reason. It was a brand new series and they wanted to see who else was out there. An actor has to check his ego at the door. You go in there and just have fun. I went in with the philosophy of “hey, if someone else is better they deserve this job.” I just go in and have fun with it. In the twenty one years I’ve done Porky I’ve had to re-audition four times. I had to audition for “Space Jam.” I had to audition for “Looney Tunes: Back in Action.” And I had to audition for the “Looney Tunes” show. That’s showbiz. That’s what we do. Actors audition and actors work.

MG: You’re also the man behind the voice of Luke Skywalker in everything from video games to “Robot Chicken.” How did you come to do that voice?
BB: Well it’s interesting because when I got the first audition I turned it down because I told my agent that I couldn’t “do” Mark Hamill. Mark Hamill is so freaking brilliant. He is one of the best voice actors in the business. Mark Hamill IS Luke Skywalker. But my agent said that the producers still wanted to see me. And I told them that I don’t DO Mark Hamill. And they said, “don’t DO Mark Hamill. Do Luke Skywalker.” They showed me clips from the various film and said, “here’s pre-Jedi Luke and post-Jedi Luke…his personality has completely changed.” My vocal tone was very close to Mark Hamill but they wanted me to get the character down. And once I went from trying to do an impression to an actor doing the role I was much more comfortable. I had several auditions before I booked my first job. But once I was able to…not mimic Mark but to get the character down…I became very comfortable with it. And the producers have been very good to me. But even though I did the games for many years I still had to audition for the first “Star Wars: Robot Chicken.” We’ve now done three of those specials. They are fantastic! The writing these guys do over at Seth Green’s office…they’re so good. It’s a pleasure to work on those specials.

MG: Let’s switch gears to anime. “Lupin III” (Lupin the Third) is one of my favorite shows. What can you tell us about voicing him?
BB: He’s one of my favorite characters. Such a layered, rich character. He’s a pompous, slob nerd and he just thinks he’s God’s gift to everything. What a great, rich character to play…in any genre of animation that I’ve done. He’s a blast. I would love to do more. It’s one of the characters that, like Porky, is one of my all time favorites.

MG: You did two voices in “Akira.” What can you tell us about that?
BB: It was my first anime job ever. I didn’t ever know what anime’ was. As a kid I loved “Speed Racer” but I didn’t know that was anime. I just thought it was a cool cartoon. I got the film and I realized that anime’ is very different from American animation because when they do “Looney Tunes” they record the voices first. They animate to your timing. For anime’ you have to match the screen. You have to watch the film, read the script and perform, staying in character, all at the same time. It’s a huge challenge. And the anime’ actors that work consistently are some of the most brilliant voice actors in the world. Normally you do a movie and move on. But Roger Ebert listed “Akira” as one of the best movies ever made. Not animated film…one of the best FILMS ever made. I probably get more fan mail from “Akira”…from “Spirited Away”…from “Lupin” then I get from anything I’ve done with Looney Tunes. It’s overwhelming and very much appreciated.

MG: What other projects do you have coming up?
BB: Fingers are crossed that we get a season two for the “Looney Tunes” show. I’m a gypsy. I’m an actor. I did a game yesterday. I did a pick up session for “Looney Tunes” last week. I just did a commercial. That’s my life. I never know what my next job is going to be. Some days the phone doesn’t ring and some days I wonder how I can fit it all in. That’s what we do. I’m writing a book on voice over agents right now. I’m up for an Emmy so I’m hoping to collect a trophy in a couple months. I’m amazed to be nominated. I’m having a fun ride!

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Filed Under: Film Interviews, Interviews Tagged With: bergen, bob, interview

Interview with Eddie Griffin

Eddie Griffin is known best for his role in the “Deuce Bigalow” films and “Undercover Brother”. Besides movies, Eddie is constantly touring his comedy Stand-up act. His most recent comedy special “You Can Tell ‘Em I Said It” premiered on Comedy Central on February 19, 2011. Media Mikes was able to get a quick chat with Eddie about his films and also his stand-up.

Mike Gencarelli: You are constantly on the road touring standup, what do you enjoy most about it?
Eddie Griffin: The thrill of the ride. Meaning, I don’t write any material, so when I step on stage it’s like I’m stepping on a thrill ride.

MG: How do you prepare for each show and what is your inspiration for new material?
EG: I don’t prepare for any shows. I just go out there and do it. My material comes from real life experiences that happen everyday.

MG: Tell us about your recent special “You Can Tell ‘Em I Said It” ? Any more planned?
EG: My last special “You Can Tell ‘Em I Said It” was just me talking about everything that was in the news and was on my mind from last year. Yes I am planning another one now, but i haven’t come up with a name for it yet – taking suggestions.

MG: Do you have a preference between stand-up or film/tv?
EG: I prefer the stage because I ultimately write it –freelancing it. TV/film is different because you have to take someone else’s words/character and bring it to life.

MG: Why haven’t we ever seen a sequel to “Undercover Brother”? Solid!
EG: Universal Studios decision – not mine. I’m always ready to get back in the wig!!!

MG: Tell us about your upcoming film “hillbilly highway”?
EG: That was just a cameo I did with my writing partner Damon “Coke” Daniels (who co-wrote “My Baby Daddy” with me). It’s about these hillbilly’s who try to steal weed from a medicinal plant and it doesn’t turn out so well for them.

MG: Tell us about your production comedy front of the bus and what else you have planned?
EG: I have a few scripts at the gate waiting to be let loose, and i will speak more about them when the time is right… but I will tell you they are comedies that i wrote.

Click here to read our concert review @ The Improv Orlando

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Filed Under: Film Interviews, Interviews Tagged With: eddie, griffin, interview

Interview with Syfy “Alphas” Warren Christie

Warren Christie is currently playing Cameron Hicks in Syfy’s “Alphas”.  The show is currently winding down its first season and is already green-lit for a second season.  This show is easily one of my favorite new shows.  Warren can also recently be seen in the spooky faux documentary “Apollo 18”.  Media Mikes had a chance to chat with Warren about “Alphas” and what we can expect from the rest of season one.

Mike Gencarelli: In “Alphas”, your character starts off as a villain to now is a fan favorite, tell us what you like most about playing Cameron Hicks?
Warren Christie: One of the best parts is where he started from. It was a lot of fun the way he was brought into the team. It was not necessarily on his own will but now because of that we have this really great progression to where he is now with the team. He is starting to be trusted by the team and starting to trust them. It has been a nice arc to play throughout the season to pla and has been a lot of fun.

MG: Your character and Nina (Laura Mennell) are heating up, what can we expect from the your guys?
WC: As far as me and Nina go, after the last episode (referring to episode 9), it has been something we have been trying to stay away from a little bit. In the last two episodes of season one, we don’t dove into it much. A lot of crazy things are going happen in those episodes and they override everything. You have two damaged people that have found themselves in these heightened situations and formed a bit of a relationship. It definitely hasn’t gone smoothly and will not go smoothly from here on out.

MG: Sounds like the finale is going to be insane, can you give us a sneak peek?
WC: I think it is going to be incredible. I felt that episodes 9, 10 and 11 are just an incredible build up. I think it takes this world that we have created in season one and cracks it wide open. At the end of the season you are left, hopefully, with your mind blown and wondering how it is going to affect the world. It sets us up for a really exciting season two, which we were green-lit for already.

MG: What has been your favorite episode in season one to shoot?
WC: I think the finale is phenomenal. As far as one that have aired, I really enjoy “Blind Spot” and it’s the concept. The thing about our show is we have to be grounded in reality. I picture the writers room where someone proposes an alpha ability and then has to prove it with science. Even if the science is not necessarily proven. The invisible alpha we had in that episode played by Rebecca Mader, they prove it through science. Once you add that to the mix and I also thought that Brent Spiner was really incredible. I think 9, 10 and 11 are my absolute favorites.

MG: This show is very unique, why do you think it stands out amongst other sci-fi shows?
WC: When you have a show that comes along like ours, people want to try and compare it to other shows. I think what we tried to do is set ourselves apart. We are not reinventing the wheel or a specific genre but we are putting our twist on it. I think that people who give us a chance will find we are different in what we are trying to do. We created this world that is so rooted in reality, we have abilities but no one is flying or shooting lasers out of their nostrils [laughs]. I think that is why people are catching on so far and of course our fans are incredible.

MG: The character development in the show is show fantastic, what is your reflection on that?
WC: You got to tip your hat to the writers. They are never going to sacrifice a story or explosions for lack of character development. I think they have done a great job and giving us characters that are so rich and textured from the beginning. In just a short 11 episodes, they have all changed and their lives have intertwined, sometimes good and sometimes bad. It has been a lot of fun. We have done so much in season one and I think we are barely scratching the surface as to where we can do with things.

MG: Congrats on being green-lit for season two, when can we expect it?
WC: I think the plan at this point is to start shooting in the new year around February or March. Like I said, the beauty of this finale and the way it was written is that I think the writers have done an incredible job of creating a mythology and creating a world. They way we leave things in the final episode really just blows it wide open. It is going to leave open and give so many possibilities and options for the second season. They are able to bring in these new interesting abilities to the table, which is what I think people are enjoying. You also see our abilities and how they are growing and changing as we are learning how to use them. Then when you sprinkle every episode when a new ability is introduced there are so many ideas that they can play with. I think we are setup in a great place. It is great to know so early that we are set for season two, it gets us excited and ready to get at it.

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Filed Under: TV Interviews Tagged With: christie, interview, warren

Interview with Kevin Rankin

Kevin Rankin is co-starring in ABC’s new series “Unforgettable”.  He has also appeared in shows like “Big Love” and “Justified”.  Media Mikes was able to chat with Kevin about his role on “Unforgettable” and what we can expect from it.

Mike Gencarelli: Tell us about your role of Roe Saunders on “Unforgettable”?
Kevin Rankin: Attitude.  A LOT of attitude.  This dude has some swagger.  He questions everything, including Carrie’s ability.  Always trying to stump her or “figure” her out.  His curiosity makes him a great detective.  He also loves to make wisecracks and keep things light when it gets to dark.  He loves the streets that he protects and he knows Queens like the back of his hand.  He’s the guy who is always saying, “I gotta guy”, you know the ones who have the streets on lock, a “friend” in every corner of the city.  I’d want him on working on my case, that’s for sure.

MG: What drew you to the project and what do you feel makes it stand out?
KR: Initially the involvement of Niels, the director, made me very interested.  With pilots, the director they choose is setting the “look” and “culture” of the show.  It’s such an important part in the making of a series, you HAVE to get it right.  Once I met with John and Ed, the creators, Their excitement alone fueled me enough to jump on this ride.  I hope that we will stand out through more character.  I’d say they are letting me play a character that is a little more “out there” then most of your T.V cops.  Just being allowed to have some fun with it.

MG: Tell us about what we can expect from the first season?
KR: It’s gonna be UNFORGETTABLE!!  Gonna be hard to live up to that title.  Like naming your kid Legend.  And you known how tempting it is to every critic out there.  I say c’mon guys, too easy, be a little more creative with the headline huh?  This first season will probably consist of a lot of crimes being solved and some stuff that will be, well UNFORGETTABLE!!!

MG: This year has been a busy year for you with “Justified” and “Big Love”, are future plans for those shows as well?
KR: Well, “Big Love has passed on”.  It was a tremendous experience working on that show.  True artist.  Justified is alive and well.  They called me last week to see if I was interested in coming back and I didn’t hesitate to deliver a “Hell yeah!”  One thing stacked against this happening is that It shoots on the west coast while “Unforgettable” shoots in NYC.  At this point it’s up to both shows to see if this logistical nightmare can become a reality.  My fingers are crossed to be able to swing both, love playing Devil.

MG: How do you compare working on those than “Unforgettable”?
KR: Those shows were about the characters and they were more serialized than “Unforgettable” is.  We are figuring out crimes each week.  On shows like “Big Love” you are “sinking” into these characters, marinating in their world.  The plan is to bring more of that aspect to “Unforgettable”.

MG: Tell us about your role of Alexander Berkman in “J. Edgar”?
KR: This is so exciting to me.  I got to work with DiCaprio AND Eastwood the same time!  My character was around in the beginning of J. Edgar’s career, as apart of the big “red scare”.  An anarchist writer who was involved with Emma Goldman and that movement.  Leo DiCaprio and Clint Eastwood are true gentlemen and amazing artists.

MG: How was your experience working on that film?
KR: Eastwood’s set is like no other.  You can hear a pin drop.  Yes, you should be able to hear a pin drop on all sets but people like to talk way to much when they are at work.  Makes the day longer and Eastwood knows it.  He brings along the same crew for every job.  I guess if your the guy talking, you won’t be invited to play on the next one so everyone abides so cool.

MG: What else do you have upcoming?
KR: I also have a film I just finished that will hopefully be ready for Sundance 2012.  It’s a film my buddy Brian Dietzen (“N.C.I.S”) wrote and we both star in.  It’s called “Congratulatons” and it captures the difficult transition into adulthood and trying to live up to societal expectations when it comes to love.  It’s actually a really funny film about just trying to get it right.  It is the first movie that I’ve helped produce and I couldn’t be more proud.  It also stars Debra Jo Rupp, Abby Miller and Jill Farley. Great cast.

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Filed Under: TV Headlines Tagged With: interview, kevin, rankin

CBS’s “Unforgettable” Interview Series

UNFORGETTABLE stars Poppy Montgomery as Carrie Wells, an enigmatic former police detective with a rare condition that makes her memory so flawless that every place, every conversation, every moment of joy and every heartbreak is forever embedded in her mind. It’s not just that she doesn’t forget anything – she can’t; except for one thing: the details that would help solve her sister’s long-ago murder. Carrie has tried to put her past behind her, but she’s unexpectedly reunited with her ex-boyfriend and partner, NYPD Detective Al Burns (Dylan Walsh), when she consults on a homicide case. His squad includes Det. Mike Costello (Michael Gaston), Al’s right-hand man; Detective Roe Saunders (Kevin Rankin), the junior member of the team; and Detective Nina Inara (Daya Vaidya), a sassy, street-smart cop. Being back on the job after a break feels surprisingly right for Carrie. Despite her conflicted feelings for Al, she decides to permanently join his unit as a detective solving homicides – most notably, the unsolved murder of her sister. All she needs to do is remember. Ed Redlich, John Bellucci, Sarah Timberman and Carl Beverly are executive producers for Sony Television Studios in association with CBS Television Studios.

UNFORTGETTABLE CAST INTERVIEWS:


Daya Vaidya
Kevin Rankin
Michael Gaston

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Filed Under: Interviews, TV Interviews Tagged With: abcs, interview, series, unforgettable

Interview with Daya Vaidya

Daya Vaidya is co-starring in this fall new series “Unforgettable” with Poppy Montgomery and Dylan Walsh.  Daya took time out from shooting to chat with Media Mikes about her character and what we can expect from the show.

Mike Gencarelli: Can you give us some background on your character Nina in “Unforgettable”
Daya Vaidya: Nina is a Queen’s native with some street smart sass. The other characters are a little cleaner cut. The cool thing about the character is she has this street appeal and made Detective really young. She goes undercover quite a bit and is used to solve lots of crimes. It’s really fun to play a character with such duality.

MG: Were you familiar with the short story that the show is based on?
DV:  Yes I was. I also was quite familiar with the story of Mary Lou Henner and the condition she has which causes an autobiographical memory. Poppy’s character in the show uses that ability to solve cases and it’s both a blessing and a curse for her.

MG: How do you feel the series branches out from other crime/mystery series?
DV: CBS really has the procedural element down. There is a bit of sterilization, however “Unforgettable” I think delves into the characters and their relationships a little more than other series in the crime genre. The other thing that differs is we have story lines that don’t just revolve around a specific crime, which is a different take as well.

MG: How was it working with Arden Oplev?
DV: That was one of the greatest experiences I think I have ever had career wise. He is a feature director and he is so detailed and talented and most the time on TV it doesn’t function like that. Arden spent so much time on the details of each character it was great. I think he knew more about everyone’s characters than they did as he is really smart. He has a great vision and he has stayed with us as an executive producer. It’s really great to have him.

MG: How many episodes have you shot so far?
DV: We just started our fourth episode including the pilot. We have been shooting mostly in Queens and Long Island City. We have done a lot of location shooting but a majority of the series is shot in Queens.

MG: How is it working with such a great cast?
DV: They are really great.  We never have to worry as we have a bunch of great character actors. Poppy Montgomery brings some really great things to the project. There are a lot of people involved with this show that know how to make a network show work. I feel everyone involved with this project knows what it takes and what they have to do. We have a lot of fun with each other and there is some really great chemistry.

MG: What do you usually look for when approaching a role?
DV: I like strong woman who are smart, so that’s something I am always drawn to. I like the combination someone who can flow between different worlds. I think people are complex and sometimes they are forced to stay in one box and I like to play the people who don’t fit in one of those boxes. I am always open to try different things.

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Filed Under: TV Interviews Tagged With: daya, interview, vaidya

Interview with Michael Gaston

Michael Gaston is appearing in two TV shows this fall, the new series “Unforgettable” and returning in “The Mentalist”.  Media Mikes had a chance to chat with Michael about his TV work and what we can expect from his characters.

Mike Gencarelli: Can you tell us about your role in “Unforgettable”?
Michael Gaston: My character Mike is a veteran detective that has spent his whole life in Queens. He is a good guy trying to do a hard job well. When the Carrie character is introduced Mike, who is the old school guy, surprisingly is the most receptive to her unorthodox skill set. Mike is just trying to get justice for the people who have been killed.

MG: How do you feel this show stands out from others in the same genre?
M. Gaston: There are a handful of shows that are a version where they are part procedural and then have one member with a special skill set. From my own stand point our show is a little darker. It’s been fun for me. The creators and writers are trying very hard to build on all the characters nuances. Speaking for my character they are giving me really interesting things to do right away. We are a pretty smart bunch of characters which is something you don’t always see as generally the character with the special skills has all the knowledge. We are allowed to be smart and clever. While the show is primarily serving up Poppy Montgomery’s character the rest of us are allowed some real latitude to be strong and interesting.

MG: What do you like most about working on “The Mentalist”?
M. Gaston: I get to work with one of my long time friends Robin Tunney. There are some actors on that show that I have known for a long time and getting to work with them is great. When I work on that show I have travel so for it to be a pleasant place to work makes things a lot easier.

MG: What can we expect from the upcoming season?
M.Gaston: I can’t tell you anything! I can tell you that I didn’t even know who Red John was until he was exposed as Red John and I am not even sure that was actually Red John. I don’t know anything. The way my job works is I did a couple quick episodes before “Unforgettable” started and I am not sure if I am going to be able to do anymore than that due to the schedule and the fact that we shoot “Unforgettable” on the east coast and “The Mentalist” is shot on the west coast. I shot all my stuff for “The Mentalist” in two days before running back to NY. It’s something I can’t really maintain and it’s not something that either show wants to schedule around. I think I may have read the trade that my character was replaced by a younger good looking guy. I don’t really know.

MG: How was it working on “Inception”?
M.Gaston: It was a tiny part that was about a day’s worth of work. I really admire Chris Nolan as he is astonishing. Leonardo DiCaprio is a real gentleman and very good at what he does. It was great to see him again.

MG: Can you tell us about your upcoming film “Everybody Loves Whales”?
M.Gaston: The film is based on actual events. A family of whales was stuck under the polar ice and it’s reported by a green peace member in Alaska. The news makes its way onto the NBC national news and the story becomes not only nationwide news but worldwide news. Everyone from the National Guard to Ronald Reagan became involved with these events in an effort to promote themselves and look like great guys. The film is a really sweet romantic comedy that has some political satire going on in the background. I shot up in Anchorage for about 9 or 10 weeks with a great group of actors such as Christine Bell, Ted Danson and Drew Barrymore. Everywhere you went there were just great people coming in to do work on the film.

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Filed Under: TV Interviews Tagged With: gaston, interview, michael

Interview with Camille Mana

Camille Mana is co-starring in Jesse Eisenberg on his new play “Asuncion” only with Justin Bartha from “The Hangover” series. She is also co-starring in upcoming film “Norman”. Media Mikes had the chance to chat with Camille about her new play and her upcoming films.

Mike Gencarelli: Tell us about working with Jesse Eisenberg on his new play “Asuncion”?
Camille Mana: I couldn’t be more excited. I think he has so much to offer as an actor, and I really love his taste in projects. To work with him, especially on his writing debut is a really amazing opportunity. Playing the title role, however, is giving me night terrors! Ha.

MG: Tell us about your role which was made specifically for you correct by Eisenberg?
CM: Well, the role of Asuncion was already in place as the female character who comes into Edgar (Eisenberg) and Vinny’s (Bartha) lives. She is an immigrant and is sort of enigmatic to the two boys initially. They are both highly educated and consider themselves worldly, and her arrival gives them and opportunity to demonstrate just how much they know. When Jesse and the creative team began researching actresses who might be appropriate for the role, it was then that they approached me directly to play Asuncion. It felt like it came out of thin air, as I had never worked with anyone involved, so I was quite flattered. Jesse has also been extremely generous in being open to collaborative input from others on the project, including myself, so I am very grateful to have come along during the development process of the piece. It is so rare that we get to do that as actors.

MG: Are you looking forward to working with Justin Bartha?
CM: Very much so. I’ve met him a few times so far, and think he is really bright and has a strong sense of storytelling. And Jesse and he have such obvious chemistry together; they were pretty amazing in Holy Rollers. I am thrilled to be in such great company.

MG: Is this your debut to the stage? How do you feel it differs from TV and film?
CM: Well, I’ve done a lot of plays, dating back to musicals in children’s community theater in my hometown. Ha. But it has been a while, and I’ve certainly never been invited into such a promising piece, sandwiched as a lead between two movie stars! So, this will be a unique experience for sure. The play is running at The Cherry Lane Theatre, which is said to be the oldest and maybe the most historic Off-Broadway theatre. Some of the biggest playwrights of all time have had their works birthed in that space, so I’ve got some pretty big shoes to fill on that stage. And The Rattlestick (who is producing the play) is known for bold and edgy work, so it’s an interesting balance, and one I am excited to tackle. I do love film and TV, but there is something special about theatre – energetically – in the same way that seeing a band live is completely different from listening to their album at home. It’s immediate, it is visceral in a way that something that’s been spliced onscreen together by an editor and which ten “higher-ups” had to sign off on… just cannot be. There’s room for true magic to happen, because there is room for failure as well.

MG: Tell us about your supporting role of Helen Black in “Norman”?
CM: Oh, it was a blast playing “Helen”. She is pretty much antithetical to “Asuncion”. Where Asuncion is vibrant and confident and the object of mens affections, Helen is insecure and neurotic and as awkward as can be. They dressed me head-to-toe in Hot Topic garb and I am the only character in the entire school who is more of an outcast than “Norman” is. And him being an outcast is kind of the whole thrust of the story, so that’s saying a lot! I have a fun role and get to have some moments of levity and comic relief to what is at times a very heart-wrenching and beautifully dark film. Adam Goldberg plays our English teacher, Richard Jenkins (who is always phenomenal!) plays Norman’s father, and Emily VanCamp plays the love interest to Dan Byrd’s Norman. Oh, and extra credit points for Andrew Bird doing the original score! They are releasing a soundtrack in October, I cannot wait. It’s a pretty amazing film. I am extremely proud to be a part of it.

MG: We recently interviewed Colin Hanks, tell us about working on “High School”?
CM: “High School” is one of the few teen comedies that has come along in a while that adults may like even more than kids. It was extremely well-received at Sundance and dare-I-say-it, but comparisons were even made to “Fast Times at Ridgemont High” (I know, gasp). It has a sprawling cast of thousands, but funny you should ask, because I would have to say Colin Hanks is pretty standout in it. It’s really fast-paced and has a very cinematic and edgy look to it. I think kids and adults will enjoy it. I had a blast working on it.

MG: After the play, what do you have planned next?
CM: I will be most looking forward to coming back home to 70 degree weather! I am more frightened about the New York cold than pretty much anything else…

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Filed Under: Film Interviews Tagged With: camille, interview, mana

Interview with James Hong

James Hong is best know for his role of Lo Pan in “Big Trouble in Little China” and Hannibal Chew in “Blade Runner”.  Kids might know him as the voice of Mr. Ping from the “Kung Fu Panda” series.  Movie Mikes had a chance to chat with James about his classic roles as well as what he is currently working on.

Mike Gencarelli: Did you enjoy voicing Mr. Ping in “Kung Fu Panda” series?
James Hong: Yes I did, very much.  There is one scene I liked the most where Mr. Ping says to Po, that “You will be gone, you will go to a place with strange noodle, strange people…don’t go”.  He encourages him to go and then names a whole bunch of circumstances not to do.  That was funny scene.

MG: You are also reprising that character again in “Kung Fu Panda: Legends of Awesomeness”, what can you tell us about that?
JH: I am working on that now.  I just finished three episodes.  They are all very good.  I think people are going to be very pleased.  Some of the episodes has a lot of Mr. Ping in it which I am very thankful for.

MG: You are no stranger to voice work, you also voiced Chi Fu in Disney’s “Mulan”, how was it voicing a character for Disney?
JH: I am another kind of crabby old guy, who is very fussy and so forth.  I actually saw some of it throughout the drawings.  I thought it was some of the best graphics I have seen in animation.  Each frame was like a painting.  They incorporated a lot of the Asian feeling as well.  I am very appreciative that I was involved with that project.

MG: You are known best for your role of Lo Pan in “Big Trouble in Little China”, can you believe this film is still around and finding new audiences?
JH: I just has this huge cult following.  Lo Pan still lives.  Never dies! [laughs].  He is still floating around in the universe…looking for the girl with the green eyes.  When I find her I shall marry her! [laughs].

MG: What was the best part about working on that film?
JH: One day I was walked on the set and I saw the underground tunnel set with the water channel running through it and the monster jumping out.  It was a fantastic set.  In those days, it wasn’t popular to use a digital sets.  That set was an actual set and what amazed me is that each arch that was in the tunnel got smaller and smaller and smaller so that it looked like it went really long.  Actually though it was a series of hand made smaller arches leading into the distance.  I was amazed at the wonderful work the set director had done.  I said to (John) Carpenter, “Wow, this set should win an award”.  He said “Well how about you”.  I was very impressed what he thought of my acting as Lo Pan.  Of course none of us got any awards from the film [laughing].  But the award I think is with the appreciation of the fans.  The fans somehow latched onto that character and the whole film.  That has rewarded me 100-fold for my performance.

MG: You are in another cult classic, “Blade Runner”, playing Hannibal Chew, can you reflect working that film?
JH: It was a totally different feeling working on this film.  To me that was a memorizing film.  It just hypnotizes you.  You watch each frame and you get drawn into it.  Ridley Scott has that know-how of just sucking you into his film.  People really got into that film, almost like its part of their souls belongs to that film [laughs].  My character created the replicants in the film.  To make the eyeballs was something the character dreamt of doing.  Once he saw his children wearing his eyes, he was flabbergasted.  Even though he dies at their hands, still they were his creation.  He died in his glory in a way.  I enjoyed working on this film for sure.

MG: What other projects do you have planned upcoming?
JH: I just did another film called “Safe” with Jason Statham.  That movie is being released in October or November, I believe.  I am the head of the mafia in the film.  It is all done in Mandarin.  It is a fun evil part [laughs]. Another film I did, is a younger teen adventure called “The Lost Medallion”, which is going to also be released really soon.  In another month I will also be on “Funny or Die”.  That is really cool, you will love it.  It is a segment called “Fleshlight”.  Of course I also have the TV series “Kung Fu Panda: Legends of Awesomeness”, which should be airing in November.  I am actually looking to produce my own films.  I want to produce an anthology series called “Dark Tales by James Hong”.  If you or any of your readers have any good stories feel free to forward along a synopsis and we will go from there.  I would even encourage any filmmakers if they would like to make their own short film, I would consider incorporating it into my series.  So that is pretty cool!  I will be sort of like the Asian Vincent Price [laughs].

 

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Filed Under: Film Interviews, Interviews Tagged With: hong, interview, james, with
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