Craig B. Warmsley [Interview]

Today’s interview subject is a one of a kind class act type of gentlemen, that I have to admit…I wasn’t entirely aware of until recently. Or maybe I was, but hadn’t really put the pieces together to truly figure it out. I was simply scrolling around and trying to find the end of IMDb one day when I stumbled across a man who had worked in some capacity on a couple of classic Sega released video game adaptations of two of my favorite films from the early 90’s, which would be Aladdin and Demolition Man, and a guy who also happens to be a star in a little indie-gem of a film that had crossed my radar in the last year or so entitled Stronghold. The latter is a film that I am very intrigued to get to check out and eventually share with you fine folks. The first two, well, wade your way through the sea of nostalgia and check that shit out!

That man is Craig B. Warmsley, and I will be damned if he didn’t turn out to be an extremely intriguing individual with some pretty incredible stories to tell. He has been in and around the world of show business in one capacity or another, and is a prime example of the type of person we are so fortunate to get featured on TWS. So Ladies and Gentlemen, please gear up for some pretty amazing words from the insanely multi-talented individual, Craig B. Warmsley!

In doing a bit of research, I have noticed that you were involved in the world of Sega Genesis in the 90’s, including one of my favorite games from the time, the video game adaptation of Demolition Man. So, what were you doing with Sega at the time?

Great question! Actually, I was working for Virgin Interactive Entertainment (VIE) as an Assistant Producer, VIE was a subsidiary of Virgin Enterprises. VIE functioned as an in-house video game Developer and Publisher, Demolition Man was developed and published by VIE for the 3DO video game system, but was released on several platforms including the Sega Genesis under a different Publisher. In 1993, I had a video game idea Bionic Diva which I pitched to several developers in Southern California, I left a copy of Bionic Diva with a Producer at VIE and received a call from the Executive Producer later that night. The Executive Producer said during our conversation (I’m paraphrasing) “I think your game idea is shit, but I like your initiative and knowledge of the gaming industry. We have an opening for an Assistant Producer. Would you like the job?” And the rest is history. I was 19 y/o at the time and remember having trouble renting a car to present games at Comic Con, so the Accounting department had to act as my “Guardian”, it was hilarious. As you can imagine, this was a dream job for me, and I had to grow up fast and learn how the business world functioned.  My creativity really blossomed during my time at Quicksilver Software in the mid-nineties. Quicksilver was a Computer Game developer and didn’t have the financial prowess of VIE, so they gave their employees freedom and autonomy to learn many different things in regard to game development. Quicksilver is where I learned Sound Design and Multimedia.

When did you first discover that you had a passion for the world of the arts? What made you want to join this world?

I’ve always been a creative person since I was young. In Junior High School, I played the Trumpet and had an interest in Music. The contrast is that I am a very large and physical guy, so my interest in the Arts always was in conflict with my physical interest, for example; (Music / Football) and (Multimedia / Security). At the moment, the same contrast exists as I am ending my career as a Protection Specialist / Bodyguard of 17 years and going back into the Arts as an Actor. The Security industry is the antithesis of creativity; so the Arts called me back! I have a mind that is filled with ideas and concepts, and the Arts / Entertainment industry is the perfect vehicle to express myself.

I’ve noticed that you have recently appeared in some music videos for artists like Chris Brown and Justin Bieber. I don’t believe we have spoken with anyone who has worked in the world of music videos, in front of the camera anyway. So, how is this experience as an actor? How does it differ from working on a film? Considering the time constraints and what not?

In my experience, the energy on a Music Video set is more intense due to the time constraints that you’ve mentioned. The sense of urgency is much greater and the budgets are a lot smaller, so I have a responsibility as an Actor to understand my role and stay focused since there aren’t a lot of takes. I really enjoy the diversity on Music Video sets! Because the Music Video has to tell a story in a short period of time, you get Actors and Actresses from different scenes crammed into a single area. I’ve met people from all over the globe and had some interesting conversations.

Can you tell us a bit about one of your recent projects, Stronghold, that recently appeared at the Las Vegas Black Film Festival. What can we expect to see you doing in this film? What is the film about overall? What was the on set life like on a project like this?

In Stronghold, I am playing the role of “OG (Original Gangster) Fat Rat” who is in an opposing gang to “Rooster”, the protagonist of the story. Rooster has done something against my gang that requires retaliation, and as an “OG” of my gang, I must test a younger member “heart” by giving him an order he cannot turn his back on. Stronghold is the story about Rooster, a gang affiliated young man from Compton who is a major money maker for his gang set. Rooster will come to a crossroad in his life after he meets “Tisha” a beautiful witty lady who introduces him to a new lifestyle as a Christian. Now Rooster has to make a decision to follow God or the Hood. What impressed me most about Stronghold is the realistic portrayal of gang life from the fast money and women to the hardcore daily violence and stress. Some “religious” based movies take a puritan approach to making movies where the language and content is censored to reflect their allegiance to a new found faith. Stronghold doesn’t take the puritan approach and instead tell the hardcore truth about the realities of gang life. I believe this movie will change a lot of lives because those involved in gangs will respect the sincerity of the movie and be willing to change for the better.

What does the future hold for you? Anything you would like to share with our readers?

The future is looking pretty bright for me at moment. I was recently cast as Eric Garner in a politically charged music video for a major Hip Hop Group. And I’ve been busy putting together a trailer for an animated short I’m creating called Desires of the Fallen™. My name is getting out there, and I’m excited about the opportunities coming my way.

What was the last thing that made you smile?

I’m sure it was a meme on Instagram. I’m officially addicted to it.

Matthew Moy [Interview]

I am very excited to share this interview with you fine folks, and not only because it may be the last one we get to share with you all for a short while. I’m very excited about it as this turned out to be one of those amazingly sweet surprises to enter the TWS world. I have always thought Matthew Moy was a funny guy as I watched him on the hit TV show 2 Broke Girls. But I was generally unaware of what the rest of his career has had to offer us. And since getting to know a bit more about Matt, I have become increasingly more impressed with what he has given to the world and even more excited about what he will give in the future.

Matthew Moy is an extremely sweet human being and we are so excited to share some amazing words from this extremely cool dude. So lest we forget that this is all about Matthew, I shall end my rambling, and let Matthew speak for himself. With that, please enjoy some amazing words from the brilliant Matthew Moy!

When did you first discover your passion for the world of acting? Was it something that started at an early age? Or did you just sort of land into this world?

I discovered acting when I was a sophomore in high school. I noticed a lot of my friends were in the theater program, and I wanted to do a fun extracurricular activity with them. But after high school, I didn’t do much acting at all. I majored in Japanese and minored in Linguistics in college. Eventually, however, I became unhappy in my Japanese major and decided it wasn’t for me. I finished the major, but in my senior year of college, I asked my mom for her advice on my next career path. She recommended voice acting because I loved animation and had previously liked acting and had been good at it. I followed her advice and fell in love with voice acting and studied intensely. I worked for a year at a pet hospital and saved all the money I could. Money in tow, I moved to LA in 2008 with the intent of being just a voice actor, but I wasn’t making enough money to sustain myself as a voice actor even with the money saved (LA will eat you alive if you’re broke), so I decided to diversify myself with my remaining funds and learn on-camera as well. I’m glad I did!

What was it like the very first time you saw yourself on screen? Was it a surreal experience? Do you remember what you were doing the first time you saw something you worked on go live?

The first time I expected to see myself on screen was in a skit on a show called Mind of Mencia. My roommate I were on the couch, giddy and excited to see my first performance on television. Then the skit came on, and I was nowhere to be found. My roommate and I thought, “Maybe I’m at the end of the skit!” But then the skit ended and cut to the title sequence of the show. I was so disappointed (mainly at myself), and that’s when I decided I needed to take on-camera acting classes. My actual first time on TV was on a game show called Cha$e. It was like a game of tag where “agents” have to “catch you,” and you could win up to $50,000. I said I would buy a hypo-allergenic cat if I won, and I got tagged out first. It was such a silly show. Good times.

You had a long run in an absolutely brilliant role on the sitcom 2 Broke Girls. I am curious to know what the atmosphere was like while you were on set as a part of a very talented group of individuals? Was it as fun to work on as it was for so many of us to watch?

2 Broke Girls was such a big part of my life, and will always be. I learned so much since it was my first sitcom and series regular role, and I had so much fun, and all the cast mates and crew and writers are like family to me. Kat Dennings is a genius and sometimes I’m convinced she has a near photographic memory. Her ability to memorize changes on the spot was insane. Beth Behrs is so adaptable in any situation.  Jennifer Coolidge is a magical being that would make me break in laughter almost every time I had a scene with her. Garrett Morris is electric and has so many jokes and stories. Jonathan Kite is an amazing impressionist and comedian and one of my best friends. Every single person was so talented in different ways—I always compared us to being like a great football team, where every person had their specific part to play and was damn good at it. I just had lunch with Garrett last week and am flying to New York to see Jonathan in a play. We keep in touch a lot.

You have worked quite a bit in the world of voice over gigs as well as on screen work. We’ve spoken to several folks who have worked in this world, especially when it comes to video games. And I am always curious to know how an actor enjoys this gig over on screen work? What would you say are the pro’s to voice over work to being on screen?

Well, I moved to LA with the intent of just doing voice over work! That is what I was trained to do and had gone to school for. I love voice over work, and I love on-camera work—both for different reasons. Voice over work can stress out your voice occasionally if you’re doing a lot of video game gigs that have you screaming, but normally it is the most laid back job ever where you can finish recording within four hours. Then you get to go home and have nachos, you know? Don’t get me wrong, though, you still have to be prepped and disciplined at any job you do—so I’m saying it’s laid back if you are reliable and a disciplined hard worker! On-camera work can have you working 12 hour days and then you have to do the same routine the next day, but the people you meet, the experiences, and the pace you work at is fast and fun. Both careers have stretched my mind so far now that I love doing both! And it’s a great feeling that I’m able to do what I moved to LA to accomplish!

What does a guy like Matthew Moy do for fun? When you find yourself not hard at work, what would one find you doing for a little “me time”?

Most of the time I am fixing stuff around my house, but I like to draw, go to painting class, cook, work out, go to spin class, hang out with friends and eat sushi…occasionally I’ll travel, but most of the time I like to be at home! Me time is the best!

What does the future hold for you? Anything you would like to share with our readers?

Well, I’m filming a guest spot for The Guest Book on TBS soon, and you can still hear me as the voice of Lars on the animated show Steven Universe. I am part of a new Marvel show called New Warriors that is still in production. It’s Marvel’s first half hour TV comedy! I play Zach Smith aka Microbe on it who has the powers to talk to bacteria and germs. It’s always fun being a super hero. I hope to produce and write more in the future, but we’ll see!

What was the last thing that made you smile?

Seeing and talking to my friend whom I hadn’t seen in a long time. We had the best time chatting! Also we were having coffee, and coffee always makes me smile!

Brooke Bundy [Interview]

Hello there dear readers! We are back with another exciting interview, this time somewhat going back to the well of amazing folks involved with one of our most prized genres….the world of horror. Yes, die hard horror fans will automatically connect the great Brooke Bundy to some of the most fascinating chapters of the A Nightmare on Elm Street franchise. She was of course Elaine Parker from the Dream Masters inclusion of the series. The ones I enjoyed the most, if not only for the much needed inclusion of the band Dokken and Tuesday Knight.

But, Brooke Bundy has been a staple of the silver screen, television, and the theatre for over 50 years, and has been on just about every TV show you can shake a digital stick at. Including other projects that we have regularly featured here at Trainwreck’d Society like the gem of a Soap Opera, General Hospital, right around to Star Trek: Next Generation. Throw in some appearances on classic shows like The Brady Bunch, The Mod Squad, Charlie’s Angels, Lassie, and on and on, she is a freaking American treasure! And we are so excited to have gotten a few nice words from her to share with you all today. So ladies and gentlemen, please enjoy some words from the legendary actress, Brooke Bundy!

When did you decide that you wanted to join the world of acting? What initially drew you to this world?

I never wanted to be an actress. I was modeling in NYC and went to a school for young professionals, my class mate was Christopher Walken who suggested I audition for a Broadway Play he was in and I did and I got it.

What was it like the first time you saw your name appear in the credits of a project you worked on? Do you remember what you were doing at that time, and how it made you feel?

Great question I have the same feeling every time, it’s very out of body and I look at it and think this was serious this was real.

Your involvement in the legendary A Nightmare on Elm Street franchise with Dream Warriors and The Dream Master, was an absolute highlight of the series for sure. How was your experience working on such a legendary film series. What was the set life like on such frightening tales?

I had always turned down horror scripts, I didn’t want someone sitting in a dark theater to think “hey that looks like a good idea” and do something awful. But my wonderful agent talked me into it and it’s the gift that keeps giving. The set was great I think that starts from the top and Robert Englund is the consummate pro, a gentleman and a cool dude.

Beyond just the Nightmare series, you have done an extensive amount of work in the world of television, appearing on just about every major TV show there was, regardless of genre, for a very long period of time. What was it about the world of television that made you enjoy working in it?

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According to IMDb, you added the title of “associate producer” to your resume with the 2006 film Amber Benson project, Lovers, Liars and Lunatics, which I have not seen but am very interested in. How did you find yourself involved with this project? What drew you to it?

Tuesday Knight discovered Amber and I was a young actors’ agent and Tuesday sent her to me, I fell in love with her such an amazing actress booked her on a lot of projects  and she generously gave me screen credit.

What does the future hold for you? Anything you would like to tell our readers about?

Opportunities to meet fans and I do private coaching.

What was the last thing that made you smile?

I like to think of smiling as a cause not an effect. Smile all the time.

Brea Bee [Interview]

Today we are oh so fortunate enough once again to share some amazing words from a brilliant and insanely talented actress who is steadily making waves in her industry. Her name is Brea Bee, and she may very well be one of the nicest people we have ever had featured on this little site of ours!It has been 6 years since a little “indie” film came out that has become forever imbedded in my movie muscle memory as a brilliant story, the likes of which we only get to see every other year or so. That film was Silver Linings Playbook, featuring Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence and……Brea Bee!

While Brea’s appearance within the film are actually rather short, her role is one of the most important pieces of acting within the film. She’s the one who officially turned Ole Coop into a psychopath. And I will be damned to hell if Brea didn’t pull off her role with so damn much charisma and skill that had the ability to leave this viewer completely conflicted with the situation at hand.

Brea is an absolutely brilliant actress who has done some amazing work in the business, and I am so excited that we ca share a few words from her with you all today. So check it out!

When did you discover that you had a passion for the world of acting? What drew you to this life?

Yuri Lowenthal [Interview]

Hey Folks! We are back with a brand new interview with an incredibly talented cat that we are so excited to share with you all today. And guess what? It’s another audio based interview! Just as you may remember from a few weeks ago with our new and dear friend Bill Holmes, we are speaking with another amazing voice over actor, who chose the obvious path of sending us his answers in this manner. And we are so damned grateful that he did!

Mr. Lowenthal is not only a mastermind within the voice over world, he is also a brilliant mind in the world of on screen performance, podcasting, and just so damn much more. We have some amazing words from him awaiting you below. So how about we just let him get into it? Ladies and Gentlemen, Yuri Lowenthal!

And once you have enjoyed this wonderful interview, head on over to monkeymayhemhub.com to learn more about this gem of a man!

What was the last thing that made you smile?