Kristin Minter [Interview]

Hello Folks! Welcome to our last interview of 2018! Can you believe the year is just about over? And as we stated yesterday, we are getting a bit more festive around here. So much so that we have yet another member of the McCallister clan from the beloved holiday film, Home Alone. Although we would rather think of Kristin Minter has an amazing actress who has done some pretty amazing work, one project of which happens to be a beloved holiday gem. Which is true. But, of course, we need to be more festive.

That being said, Minter is indeed an absolutely wonderful actress who had some amazing answers for us. We talk about her time on the legendary television show E.R., her work in our favorite genre of films, the world of horror, and yes, we dig into a Home Alone a little bit, as it is the holidays after all.

So Folks, please enjoy an absolutely wonderful interview with the brilliant Kristin Minter!

What inspired you to get into the world of acting? I know you got into the business at a pretty young age, but what was it that made you personally want to do this work for a living?

I didn’t initially know I wanted to act. I had modeled a bit around the world and then got quite sick. I abruptly quit and decided to audition for Philadelphia College of Arts, which I got into for dance. I actually hated acting class when I went to PCA. I broke my foot and saw a tape of my dancing and decided I wasn’t good enough. I went back to modeling which brought me to LA.

I didn’t know I loved acting until I learned how to act and I was so lucky, I had to learn very quickly. I got work quickly. They say work is the best teacher and when you aren’t working, live so you have something to draw from. I have been doing a lot of living lately!

What was your very first paid gig in the world of acting? And were there any kind of lessons learned from this experience that still affects your work today?

It was The Outsiders.  I found it very uncomfortable and extremely nerve wracking because I didn’t know what I was doing. I didn’t know to listen and respond. Everything was planned and rigid. I knew if this is what acting felt like no one would want to do it. I soon went to a wrap party with a boyfriend and met Jeff Goldblum. He gave me advice and suggested I go to a Meisner class. I knew immediately while auditioning from that class, it was the right thing for me. I went to 4 classes a week. I loved every second of it!!

You are a member of the now legendary fictional family that once flew away without one member of the family being left behind. That family is the McCallisters. And the film was Home Alone. The film has since become one of the most acclaimed holiday films of all time. I am curious to know how it feels to be a part of something so historic? And what was the set life like on this project? Where you aware at the time that you were a part of something very historic?

It was my second real acting job so I didn’t really know what to expect at the time. Most people don’t think I know how to count. LOL TO BE CLEAR….I count the wrong kid. The set was great, the kids were great. We watched movies in my room. Mac and Kieran were sweet normal kids working on a movie. Corey was teeny tiny and their mom was lovely. When I wrapped, Everyone came to my room including the Culkins to say goodbye. I have photographs to prove it. No one has seen these…lucky I was cleaning stuff out and found them recently! (See above)

Another very historic project you worked on was a solid 8 year run on one of the most popular television series of all time known as E.R. I truly loved your performances as Randi. Sort of the same question as before I suppose, but how was your experience working on such an iconic series?

NERVE WRACKING lol. A lot of pressure with long, one camera, 8 page scenes. ONERS they are called. It is like a choreographed dance. Every character leads you to the next character. A lot of moving parts. My character was a bit comedic and I actually think the pressure helped make me more funny or odd at times. I would work on my scene know my lines back and forth but, had no idea how they would come out. So much happened in every scene and your moment was in the moment. Did you catch my elbow in the live episode, lol. Thats acting. It taught me to act fast. I need to learn to slow down now a bit. When I go to work, I go to work. I don’t think about who will see it or if it is historic. I have to have something to offer the audience. Something that is authentic. I work towards having an experience as that character and that is really my focus. And in the case of E.R., I also had to make sure I fit into my costume. LOL.

You have also given some amazing performances in a genre that we cover a lot here at TWS because we love it so much, which is the world of horror. Especially films like Fire City: End of Days. So, I am curious to know how you enjoy working in the world of horror and thriller projects? What sets these apart from the plethora of other genres you have worked in?

Fire City was so fun. I got to be so ugly and raw. Every time I was mean to the little girl playing my daughter it would make me cry. Then I got to be “together” and then in recovery. It was so much fun to be so hugely different in almost every scene. It was so fun to just let go and who knew I was so mean lol. I am dying to do a real  bloody horror movie. I guess what sets it apart is…. I was free to be HORRORible, looks wise and behaviorally. I really got to be a character and I hope I get to do that more in other genres as well. I did get to play a drug addict on This is Us. That was really fun as well!

If you were handed the opportunity to portray and legendary figure in American history, who would it be?

Hmm, I am not sure…. I think most legendary people are very interesting or they wouldn’t be legendary. The more I know the more I would be intrigued by any of them.  Camille Claudelle? Maybe she isn’t considered legendary? I relate to her expression of pain, disappointment  and her bad choices in men. LOL She just had to express herself in her art. My Aunt is a famous visual artist. I loved visual art as well but I am too hard on myself. I just don’t like my art. I much prefer becoming other people.It is an uncomfortable that I am comfortable with.

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

Things change so quickly. I was getting ready to do a movie I had been working on for 3 years and then it went away. It was very disappointing. I don’t really mention anything until I have seen it and I know what to expect. I have a couple things in the can but haven’t seen the yet.That may change. Right now, I like to try and live in the moment. Life can be difficult and again this moment is all we truly have.

I am in a movie called We are Boats that is written and directed by the great James Bird.

What was the last thing that made you smile?

My dogs Oskar and Tank. It has been hard to smile I just lost my lady dog Mimi Gray and White one in the photo.

Senta Moses Mikan [Interview]

Hello Folks! As you all are aware, the holiday season is upon us. And avid readers here at TWS know that we are not the most festive blog in existence. We’ve even gone as far as to, in a somewhat passive aggressive manner, showcase artists and films that are deliberately the exact opposite of festive. See last year’s “12 Non-Holiday Films for the Holidays”. But, we are trying to lighten up a bit over here. Why not? Life’s too short to be so pretentious and aggressive, right? So we decided to show a bit more holiday spirit this year. Okay, not too much though. Baby steps, Everyone.

Today we have some amazing words from a brilliant actress who has been working in the world of performance for almost literally her entire life. We are talking about someone who started as an infant! And she happens to be have appeared in one of most beloved Christmas films of all time. That film would be Home Alone. And the amazing actress we are so fortunate to have grace our digital pages today is the great Senta Moses Mikan. And while we are trying to be more festive around here, we did ask a Home Alone related question. But, we are more excited about the work she has done more recently, as well as her stand out performance in the amazing series My So Called Life that left us far too quickly! I can vividly remember my pre-teen devastation  when the show didn’t come back around the following year after it aired, and being just oh so pissed!

Senta has continued to work on some pretty amazing projects over the years, and even has a new web series coming out that I hope you all check out as you are sure to enjoy it! We discuss this project and more in the wonderful words below. So Folks, please enjoy some wonderful words from the amazing Senta Moses Mikan!

You began acting at a very young age, and have been doing amazing work ever since. With that, what inspired you to continue to work in the world of acting? Having been doing it since before you can physically remember, did the job just sort of become a part of your personality in a way?

Hmm…I think the simplest answer is that I still love it. Being on set is my happy place and I’m so grateful for every job that I book. I feel like I’m getting away with something. Like, I can’t believe people pay me to do this! Do they know how fun this is??? And I find something in every role that inspires me or speaks to me in some way. A lot of times I play characters that are a little “off”, so it’s challenging to figure out what makes them tick. Why do they do what they do? Or how do they go about getting what they want. The investigation of the character is what inspires me. Or the talent of my cast and crew. Nothing is more inspiring than talent, right?

And to answer your last question, it’s absolutely a part of my personality. I’m an actor. I grew up on sets. Acting is how I earn my living, and frankly, I’m not qualified to do anything else. No seriously, not qualified to do ANYTHING else. When I look back on my childhood, I can see that it wasn’t typical, but I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way. And that’s probably why I’m still in the entertainment industry. I absolutely love it…and I don’t have a “Plan B”. I’m almost a cautionary tale.

What was the very first paid gig you can remember doing? And was there anything from this experience that you can remember learning from that still affects your work today?

Oof. I have such a bad memory. I think I’ve trained my brain to remember lines quickly and then forget them as soon as I’m done with the scene and unfortunately that pattern has carried over into the rest of my life. The first paid gig I can remember is The Blues Brothers. I was four or five, I think. It was freezing cold. We shot in the middle of winter on a street in Chicago. I remember warming up in my Mom’s car in between setups. I also remember having to pee during the dance sequence on the Blues Mobile and not wanting to tell anyone. So I did what any 5 year old would do, I peed on the car. Through my wardrobe. Not my best moment, but hey, when you begin your film career peeing on the Blues Mobile, it’s all downhill from there. So I guess the thing I learned from that experience was to speak up. If something is wrong or if I need something, I say something. That’s not always easy to do as an actor, but it is absolutely necessary.

You are a member of one of the most infamous families in holiday film history, the McCallisters of the legendary film Home Alone, and it’s wonderful sequel. What is it like to be a part of something just absolutely legendary? The holidays must be exceptionally insane for you after appearing in this holiday classic, right? How has the fan interaction based around the Home Alone universe been?

First of all, I’m very proud and grateful to be a part of those films. I know they’re a holiday tradition for a lot of people, and it’s fun to reminisce about that moment in my life. I’ll never get over the fact that I worked with John Hughes. It seems kind of surreal since his other films were such a huge part of my childhood. I only regret that I didn’t speak with him more about it. I’m sure I was just scared of geeking out, so I kept my enthusiasm under wraps. I’m not super eloquent around people that I admire, but who is? When we were making the first movie, I was very young and I don’t think any of us knew we were making a holiday classic. We were just making a movie with a bunch of fun people. And the second one was the same, but with a little more security and a fancy trip to NYC. So I guess what I’m saying is that it hasn’t affected me as much as you think it would. It’s only around the holidays that people mention it to me. Or want to interview me. Or post on social media a snap shot of me, in all my frizz and teenage awkwardness, with Joe Pesci. Talking about “Home Alone” has become my holiday tradition, and I don’t mind it at all. It’s very cool. I’m very blessed. I only hope someday to run into Peter Billingsley from A Christmas Story, so I can tell HIM what a huge part of my Christmas he was…and still is.

Another infamous project that worked on that was sadly taken away from us far too quickly was the absolutely incredible series My So Called Life, in which you were superb as Delia Fisher. I am curious to know what you think your character would have developed into had the show not been prematurely removed from us? And what do you think Delia would be doing today? 

Ohhhh, I loved doing that show so much. And that character? C’mon! What an absolute gift from God. I’m ready for a reboot, are you? I’ve read interviews with Winnie Holzman, the show’s creator, and she mentioned that if the show went on, Delia would have gotten back together with Brian. She would have forgiven him??? WTF? But I get it. He was a catch. A little misguided, but we’ll chalk it up to his youth. And I would have loved to see how their relationship played out. Eventually, after a bit of back and forth with Angela, I believe Brian would have realized how great Delia was. He would have asked Rickie to teach him some moves on the dance floor and there would have been some grand public gesture in front of the whole school. They’d be married now with two curly-haired kids and a sensible, well-researched Volvo. I don’t know. But I do know that I’m a sucker for a happy ending. And I feel like Delia would own a cupcake shop, but maybe I’ve been watching the Great British Bake Off too much. Anyway…

In the world of television, you have performed in just about every genre and/or brand of show possible. From soap operas, to dramas, to teen dramas or shows geared for children, sitcoms, etc., you’ve done them all. So with that, I have a very serious question to ask: Of all the television sets you have worked on, which type of show provides the best craft services overall? And is there any one project in particular you can think of that had some bomb snacks?

Nice misdirect, but I can roll with it. My favorite crafty was on Faking It, a single camera comedy on MTV. Will Garcia, our fabulous crafty, is not only one of the nicest guys you’ll ever meet, he’s outstanding with snacks. Just outstanding. And I got so spoiled. Now I walk around my house like, “Where are the snacks? I’m hungry! Where’s Will?” He created a monster. A PB&J, cookie-eating, monster. As far as the type of show with the best snacks, that’s hard to say. It’s not really about the type of show, but more about the type of person who runs crafty. That might be symbolic of the rest of the entertainment industry too. It’s all about the people!

I am very curious to know more about a project you are currently working on entitled Badge of a Quitter. How did this project come to life? And how did you come up with the story itself?

Badge of a Quitter is a web series that I wrote and created with Carla Cackowski. We met at Second City and Carla came to me earlier this year with the idea of a grown woman going back to girl scouts. I loved the concept, and jumped at the chance to work with kids that were shorter than me. Not an apple box in sight! We took about 4 months to write the six episodes, flushing out the “why’s”, the characters, the plot, etc. then we shot it in early October. Carla directed it and I starred in it. My sweet friends, Kendra Shay Clark and Helen Geier, cast five incredible little girls to play our scouts. My husband, Joe Mikan, is editing it together right now and hopefully we’ll be streaming on Vimeo sometime early next year.  It was so much fun and such a blessing to be in creative control of a project. We wrote the show we wanted to see and we shot it, using as many friends as we could. It was a blast and with any luck, we’ll need to shoot a second season! I really hope people love it and want to see more. You can follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram @BadgeofaQuitter or on our website: www.BadgeofaQuitter.com

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

I’m auditioning now, looking for my next gig (Ah, the life of an actor), so hopefully I’ll be cast in another show real soon! Until then, I’ll keep writing and creating projects for myself. I’m not real good at sitting around and waiting for the phone to ring. I’ve taken up watercolors, which is super meditative and somewhat daunting. I have a bunch of home improvement projects on my slate, I’m in denial of my 4’11” stature and completely addicted to HGTV. I’ll continue volunteering with organizations that help the homeless in our city. But most of all, I’ll spend time with my husband, my family and my friends. Because without them, what’s the point?

What was the last thing that made you smile? 

My husband’s face when the Chicago Bears beat the Green Bay Packers and clinched the NFC North. His whole face lit up and that made me smile! HUGE!

Wes Johnson [Interview]

Hello Folks! We have an absolutely wonderful interview for you fine folks today! As avid readers here at TWS may know, we are obsessed with the world, lure, and creativity of the world of Fallout. From Fallout 3 to the latest release, Fallout 76, it has been a wonderful world to literally play around in. So fun it is, that we have showcased several of the fine voice over actors who have worked on these projects. The number of how many we have spoken to escapes me at the moment, but they all have been wonderful.

And today I feel as though we have hit the proverbial mother load! Today we have some words from the brilliant Wes Johnson! Wes is so great that Fallout may not be his greatest accomplishment as a performer, but it certainly tops our list here at TWS! You know and love him as The Silver Shroud in Fallout 4, as well as so many other amazing voices over the last 10 years. D.C. residents, and basically hockey fans alike, will probably recognize this genius even more for his close to two decades of announcing for the Washington Capitals. And, well, just SO MUCH else.

Wes is genuinely wonderful human being, and we are so excited to have him grace our digital pages today. So without further ado, I will end my babbling and turn it over to some wonderful words from the man of a thousand voices, Mr. Wes Johnson!

When did you realize that you wanted to join the world of the performing arts to make a living? What initially drew you to this world?

I was called up onto the stage during a magic show while I was in grade school by a magician. I’m not sure if he was any good really, I was just a kid. As a magician, he could have been truly shite, but real magic DID happen that day. I got a few laughs from the audience, and it changed my world. We started putting on shows in the neighborhood, and I would write in to the local horror movie host Count Gore De Vol on a regular basis, thrilling when my letters on toys I sent in made it on the air. It wouldn’t be until my freshman year in high school that I’d set foot on a real stage in front of a packed house, but the moment I stepped on that stage playing a physically comic role and got big laughs, I was a goner. There was nothing else for me in this world other than performing.

I understand you started your career working in the world of stand up comedy and improv. I am always curious to know what folk’s early years are like in these types of performance. So how did you get into this world, and what were those early years like?

Stand-up comedy for me was a way to find a stage and perform characters and voices in front of a live audience. My start was not the smoothest. On my very first Open Mic Night in Washington, DC, I followed a juggling comedian named Kevin Lee up onto the stage. Kevin had just KILLED IT. The audience was primed when I got up, and the host set the egg timer to 5 minutes – that’s all the time I would have. I ran out of material and ways to handle drunk hecklers after about 40 minutes (it was actually only about 2 minutes in). After another minute of struggling, which took a sweaty lifetime, I grabbed the egg timer, forcefully turned it to 5, heard it ding and said “Oops! Looks like my time is up. If anyone if looking for me, I’ll be home hanging in the closet.” It was my first real laugh of the night.

I would go on to do sketch comedy with comedy and improv troupes Fresh Victims, Gross national product and The Loyal opposition. One of our Fresh Victims sketches, “The William Shatner School of Acting” made it onto Funny or Die. Willian Shatner saw it. His reply? “Sounds more like Cagney.”  ☺

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z7tqfrzx6WE

In 2004 you appeared as the hilariously named “Fat Fuck Frank” in John Water’s brilliant comedy A Dirty Shame. Waters is a renowned mad genius in the world of film, who has created some very original and enlightening films. So, how was your experience working under the guise of one of the kings of weird? What was it like to work on a project like this?

That was one of the best experiences of my life. It was such a friendly set, and having a chance to work with John Waters and legendary Dreamlanders was, well, a dream come true. I absolutely adored Mink Stole, and getting a chance to work with Tracey Ullman, Johnny Knoxville, Chris Isaak and the amazing Selma Blair – what’s not to like? How many people have been blessed to inhabit a character created by John Waters and designed by the legendary resident Ugly Expert Van Smith? The atmosphere on set reminded me most of high school drama department days. I couldn’t wait for each new day (or night) to begin so I could come out and play with my friends in John Waters amazing sandbox full of sex addicts. I count so many of them as my dearest friends, especially Susan Allenbach who I’ve known since we were just starting out as wait staff in a performing night club. And really, now many people get to say they were Selma Blair’s biker boyfriend in an NC-17 film? Good times  ☺

We have showcased several VO artists from our beloved Fallout franchise. You’ve done several roles in both Fallout 3 and 4. So how has your experience been working with Bethesda in the Fallout universe?

I’m rarely happier than I am behind the microphone in a small darkened studio bringing characters to life created by the feverish minds of developers at Bethesda Game Studios. From the early days of The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind to Fallout 76, it has been a working partnership that I cherish. Todd Howard has assembled such a remarkable group of creative minds and talents there. Getting to work with sound designer Mark Lampert, writer Emil Paglurilo, and so very many other talented souls there is simply a joy. The characters I’ve played remain near and dear to my heart. In the Elder Scrolls I love Sheogorath, Lucien Lachance and Hermaeus Mora… I feel very close to them. Love EVERY character, but those are special. Playing the Arena Announcer in Oblivion actually helped change the way I call Washington Capitals games for the NHL as their Arena Announcer. As to Fallout, it’s been so much fun playing Protectrons, Super Mutants (especially Fawkes), Moe Cronin, The Silver Shroud and so many more. I loved Fallout 1 and 2, so when Bethesda took over, it was a real honor to be involved in the new incarnations.  I take it very seriously (and yet, have so much fun).  I actually play many of the games I voice, so it’s a weird extra level of involvement in games that are already super immersive. Can’t wait to start playing Fallout 76  ☺.

While on the subject of the Fallout franchise, I know that this world has some very devoted and die hard fans. I know this because I am one of them. Anyway, I am curious to know what your fan interaction has been like over the years? Whether it is at conventions, or just possible random encounters, how has your experience been with the Fallout fans?

I’ve had a GREAT time interacting with fans of all of the games I’ve voiced.  It’s such a solitary job when voicing, just you, the director, perhaps a writer.  Then you play by yourself to experience the in-game world.  So when you finally get a chance to meet people who have SHARED that experience, it’s a beautiful thing. It’s fun to see the look in someone’s eyes when a voice they’ve heard on a daily basis for years on their consoles starts coming out of me. It seems very weird, I’m sure. I’ve had people who seem far too old to be saying that they grew up listening to me in Fallout, or Oblivion, or Skyrim. I mean, I’m way too young for that, right?  Haha. But it’s super rewarding. And it’s always the best when someone shows up cosplaying as one of your characters. I’ve seen a good number of Silver Shrouds in the past few years. Not many Protectrons or Sentry Bots. Perhaps that cosplay is a bit pricey, haha. But I’ve seen some remarkable Sheogorath and Lucien Lachance cosplays. Erin and Paul Clark do a great Sheo and Dark Seducer combo, and @britishcosplayer does a cool Lucien on Instagram. Just one word of caution – don’t get too authentic when playing Lucien AFTER Applewatch (spoilers).

I understand you are also a current and legendary figure in the world of sports announcing in the D.C. area. How did this work come around? And how have you enjoyed the work? Were you a pretty big sports buff prior to taking on these gigs?

I’ve always been a big fan of the DC sports teams, and in a way, even though I’m in my 19^th year as the Arena Announcer of the NHL’s Washington Capitals, that’s still what I am. A big fan. Although I get to be louder because I have a mic ☺. And now of course, I have a championship ring after the Caps won the Stanley Cup Championship last season. 18 years wait for me personally and it was so worth it! A magical time for the entire city, and I was right there singing “We Are The Champions” along with them. Good times.

I have called Washington Bullets then Wizards seasons in the past as well, and have three Championship rings from the Washington Kastles, DC’s professional WTT Tennis team. I consider myself very fortunate to be doing this, as I never started out to do it.  I was doing morning radio in the DC area and took an award certificate that our show received into the Washington Bullets office for Juwan Howard, who was a regular on our show. As I was leaving I jokingly said “Hey, let me know if you ever have an opening at PA Announcer.” I was joking because I grew up listening to the guy they had calling games for the past 20 years. I wasn’t expecting her to respond with “The guy who was doing it just retired and we are doing auditions next week – do you want to sign up?” Right place at the right time with the right question. I auditioned, got the job, and never looked back. It turned out to be a great occupation for me, and I love UNLEASHING THE FURY at Caps games.

https://www.facebook.com/wesjohnsonvoice/videos/vb.1186502437/10217049765974770/?type=3 

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

More hockey games. More video games. More films. More TV. More announcing for the National Hot Rod Association. More writing and cartooning. Finishing my children’s book. More of being a husband, Dad, and pet couch to a shedding Himalayan cat and a spoiled rotten Chiweenie. I love my life, and I’m not ready to give any of it up. No matter how many aspiring PA Announcers keep cutting the brake lines on my car.

As to appearances – I plan to be at MAGFest in Washington DC January 3^rd through 6^th (www.MAGFest.org), and NOT CON AT SEA in the sunny Bahamas with Duke Nukem, GlaDOS, Sniper, Spock and Gob February 15^th through 18^th (www.NotCon.us ) and hopefully AWESOMECON in DC come April, but that has not been confirmed. But even if I’m not there, you should go because TIM CURRY WILL BE THERE. The antici…PATION is killing me! (http://awesome-con.com/ )

What was the last thing that made you smile?

My son Max’s animations that he creates at the Savannah College of Art and Design. I see big things in his future. And big laughs for us all.

Vas Saranga [Interview]

Hello Folks! We have a very exciting interview for you all today with a brilliant young actor who is taking over hearts and minds on a daily basis. His name is Vas Saranga (or “Sarah” if you’re autocorrect won’t just let it go, haha), and he plays opposite Hayden Christensen in the  upcoming film Little Italy that is truly intriguing. I was immensely pleased to have Vas on the site to learn a little bit more about him and will definitely be following his career even closer in the future. In fact, I was just catching up on Season 2 of The Handmaid’s Tale…and who do you think I saw! Very exciting stuff. He is such a kind and talented actor, and we are so excited to have him grace our digital pages today!

So without further babbling from me, please enjoy some wonderful words from the brilliant Vas Saraga.

When did you first decide that you wanted to work in the world of acting? Was it an early ambition, or did you simply find yourself in this world one day?

The first time I saw Back to the Future I knew wanted to be in movies. I gave it more thought in high school when I started making student films, but I didn’t really jump into it until college.

One of your earliest roles was actually in part of a wonderful franchise that I have followed since its inception (almost 20 years ago!), which is American Pie. You were in 2007’s Beta House. How was your experience working on this project so early in your career?

The experience was one of the most memorable of my career because it was such an extravagant over the top comedy, so I got to improvise a lot, and just really have a ton of fun on set. Working with Eugene Levy was the icing on the cake.

If you were handed the opportunity to create and/or star in a biopic about any person of note in world history, who would it be?

I would absolutely love to play Preet Bharara, the former US Attorney for the Southern District of New York. He was known for prosecuting nearly 100 Wall Street executives for financial crimes. I think his life story would be riveting on film.

I understand you will be appearing in a very interesting film coming out soon entitled Little Italy. Can you tell us a bit about it? What can audiences expect to see from you?

Little Italy is a modern take on Romeo and Juliet set in the world of rival pizzerias. It’s a romantic comedy that brings the laughs, but with extra heart. It stars Emma Roberts and Hayden Christensen as well as a talented ensemble cast that includes Andrea Martin, Danny Aiello, and Alyssa Milano (among many others). I play a character named Jogi who works at Vince’s Pizzeria with Hayden’s character Leo. I’ll just say that Jogi gets into some really funny situations because of the rivalry between the pizza shops and his desire to be a ladies man!

What does the future hold for you?

I’ve co-written a feature film that’s currently in development, I’m pretty excited for it to get made. I’ve set my sights on acting in projects that I’ve written so hopefully the future holds lots of movies and maybe a TV show of my own.

Anything else you would like to plug to our readers?

If you’re catching up on The Handmaid’s Tale I have an appearance this season.

7) What was the last thing that made you smile?

My dog Freddy!

Alana Johnston [Interview]

Hello Folks! Today is a one of the classically amazing types of interviews, in which I immediately become a huge fan of somebody and their work. Today that somebody is the absolutely hilarious Alana Johnston. And she is amazing.

I have heard feedback from some of you fine regular readers in the past about how we manage have truly unique people come to be featured on the site and we manage to ask about one very specific project that they may have worked on, and then a few more very general questions. While others we ask about multiple projects and get a bit more specific. And this is a valid opinion. Facts, really. Sometimes we (or “I”, if I’m being candid) here somebody on a podcast or see that somebody showed up on a show or film that was absolutely amazing, and want to know more about it. So we reach out to the people involved. Today happens to be that very case with our new friend Alana Johnston, who was involved in the latest comedy special for a person we have revered many times over the years, one Trevor Moore. This was how we learned about Alana as she was hilarious in it, so we reached out.

This is simply evolution, Folks. See something, say something, right? I know that’s not the right reason for that phrase, but it sorta works! We saw Alana’s amazing performance, and wanted to learn more about who she was. And, as it tends to happen just about every time, we became huge fans of Johnston and the amazing works he has done and just her wonderful spirit as a person. It always tends to be that if they were willing and had a whole damn wanting to be a part of a project created by somebody else that we already know and love, the chances are high (about 100% at this time) that we are going to be digitally meeting somebody very cool.

And such is the case today! Alana Johnston is absolutely hilarious in this interview, and with her constant work in the Upright Citizens Brigade, and we are so damn excited to have her here today. So Folks, please enjoy some words from our new friend and TWS family member, Alana Johnston!

When did you first discover that you were a hilarious human being, and that you were destined to make a living by making people laugh?

I grew up in a very funny, over the top household so comedy has always been a part of my life. Everyone in my family is funny in different ways so I had to work extra hard to get laughs out of people because it was tough competition! It was my older brother Jason (quite possibly the funniest person I know) that officially got me into comedy in high school when he started the improv team at our school and I joined it a few years later. After that I knew comedy was a done deal for me and I could never turn back. Who doesn’t want to get paid to act a fool and make others laugh????

What was your very first paid gig in the world of comedy? And was there anything from that experience that you learned that still sticks with you in your work to this day?

My first paid gig in the world of comedy was in an interactive dinner theatre show called Tony and Tina’s Wedding and it was actually my brother who got me the job! I guess I owe him my life??? I played one of the caterers and really milked it even though it was truly the smallest part in the entire show. Classic Alana move. That show really taught me how to make the most of any role no matter how small (which is why I could never be a background actor because I am WAY too much with no apology!)

We have spoken with quite a few folks who have worked in the legendary UCB universe, specifically in L.A. and experiences have been varied. I am curious to know about your involvement with UCB. How did you begin working with this illustrious sketch company? And what have you enjoyed while working in this world?

I’m currently a regular performer at UCB doing sketch shows and solo characters as well. I got involved a few years ago when I first moved here. I basically took a class and then auditioned to be on one of the sketch teams and was lucky enough to get on. I then went on to write my own solo shows, host some shows and produce some variety shows as well. Wow seems like I really love to say the word “show”. The thing I’ve enjoyed most is the friends I’ve made because a) Funny people are the most fun and b) Those funny people will go on to get paid to do funny things and then they will give you a job. EVERYONE WINS!

Recently you appeared in, and were fantastic in, Trevor Moore’s special The Story of Our Times. This entire project was so damn fun to watch. I am curious to know how your experience was working on it? Was it as fun to be a part of as it was for the fans to watch?

I had THE BEST time working on the show! Trevor is so talented and funny and really let me run wild with my character. I had worked with the director Nicholas Goossen before so he really knew how to pull the best performance out of me. We shot all the interstissals in one day and got a lot of hot inside jokes rolling on set which is always the best part of any shoot. I was so happy with how it turned out and think Trevor should have a million of his own TV shows!

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

Well I was thinking of going for a walk later to get a roasted chicken so I guess my future seems pretty promising at this point. I’m guessing I’ll be the star of all the shows on tv within the year so GET READY. Maybe I’ll replace the lead in The Good Doctor and they’ll rename the show to The Bad Doctor and my character will be a doctor that refuses to take off her leather jacket with a hot catch phrase like “I don’t play by the rules, I AM the rules”. I post most of my show promos and character vids on Instagram and twitter so I guess I’ll plug those? Is that what people are supposed to do?? My Instagram is @theonlyalanajohnston and my Twitter is @alana_johnston. Prepare to be underwhelmed!

What was the last thing that made you smile?

The last thing that made me smile was my 2 yr old niece (baby Elise) on Facetime. She loves to hold the phone and put it so close to her face that I only see her eyes and forehead. Seems like we’ve got another future comic on our hands…

Pat Proft [Interview]

Happy Monday Folks! It is another legendary day here at Trainwreck’d Society, as we have a man on the site today that is so legendary I dare use the same word in the same sentence like the clown that I am. It’s the great Pat Proft! First off, this is a guy who just KNOWS what it means to be funny. For as long as I can remember, I knew this man’s name to be in the beginning credits of so many of the movies I knew and loved, especially when I was “coming of age”, or of the “age when you’re always coming”. Seriously Folks, the term “spoof” would be meaningless if this guy wasn’t around to keep the genre going over the last 30+ years. He’s one of the best in the game.

I feel it is only right to say that Pat has actually brought so much more joy into my life than I can truly express. Just last week we had an interview go up with the brilliant actress Brenda Bakke, who was one of the stars of a film that Pat help create that was entitled Hot Shots! Part Deux. This film, and so many others that he has done have always been very special to me for a couple of reasons. One: because they are funny as hell. Which is a term I will never understand, but I like it. Two: My Dad. My father has always been one of the most hilarious people I have ever known. And since I was old enough to actually even remember timelines of events, I have trusted his judgement on what was funny. And as the years progressed and I started to become a fully formed human being, I would learn that he was always right on with what I thought would be hilarious. It was because of my dad that I saw films like Hot Shots and The Naked Gun and Kentucky Fried Movie and knew that THIS was what it means to be funny. And Folks, it was Pat Proft who managed to write these amazing stories that built the bond that I have with my father.

That’s some deep shit, right? I promise you it is all true. So believe me when I say that I am very excited to share with you all these words from the brilliant Pat Proft that I am so damn excited to have grace our digital pages. And I don’t know why I didn’t expect it, but I learned prior to doing this interview that Pat was actually a stand up comedian prior to becoming one of the greatest comedy screenwriters in the world. Fuck yeah, right? So let’s get into it!

So Folks, please enjoy some wonderful words from the brilliant Pat Proft!

What was your experience like the first time you heard your words/ideas brought to a screen, be it television or film? Was it eventful to you? Do you remember the first time you saw your work almost literally come to life?

Neal Isreal and I pitched Police Academy to Alan Ladd Jr. at Warners. Alan took us into the head of the studio, “We’re making this movie!”  No script yet. But he wanted it. In fact he put it on the calendar and gave it a release date. My first screen credit was amazing to see. Comedy is all I ever wanted to do…ever. And here my name was on a film. A world wide hit. Cool times 100.  I am a comedian who writes comedy. At the opening of Naked Gun the laughs were amazing. They rolled over the audience. It felt like I was up there saying those words. Weird, but wonderful feeling.

An extremely reliable source (Wikipedia) has told me that you began working at The Comedy Store in the early 70’s. For comedy fans, we all know this the Mecca of west coast based comedy, but was it always so? What was your experience like working there during the club’s early stages?

The Comedy Store was a great place..wonderful place..to be seen showcasing comedy.  In the beginning the room was raw, raucous, fabulous. I was on stage three times a night. Doing my solo stand up. A double act. And improvise with the Comedy Store Players. And on several nights I’d MC. This place was a test for me. Scope out if I’m as funny in LA as I was back in Minneapolis. And I was.  So this boasted my confidence big time.  I miss those days.  Made a lot of good friends. And so nice to see so many of them go on to mountains of success. Huge thanks to Sammy and Mitzi Shore. And Rudy DeLuca.

You were also involved very early with the Zucker Brothers and Kentucky Fried Theater. How did you become involved with them? And what were those days like? Any good stories to tell?

Met ZAZ at the Comedy Store. A fourth member had quit the group. They were scouting comics to see who could join Kentucky Friend Theater. They liked me. I joined the theater.  KFT was one of the hottest comedy tickets in town. Revue comedy is what I did at the Dudley Rigg’s Brave New Workshop in Minneapolis. It was an easy fit. We worked together a lot over the years. Same senses of humor. Midwestern humans not tainted by either coast. Working with them as ZAZ or David and Jim on scripts was a shit load of laughs. At the end of the script I felt great that now the director, Jerry, Jim, or David, would be someone who could put this on the screen.

The masterpiece of a comedy Bachelor Party, which you co-wrote with the Israel Brothers, is absolutely astoundingly funny  and it was actually my first interaction with sexuality in any way as a young child. That last bit has nothing to do with the question, I just felt you should know that….anyway, what are you thoughts on the impact that this film has had on the world of comedy? And what were your thoughts on the final outcome of the film brought to the screen?

I wrote Bachelor Party with Neal Isreal. Bob Isreal didn’t write. He was given story credit.  And produced it. The film has a nice spine, “am I really ready to marry?”  The stuff we hung on it were incidents that attack Rick’s readiness..am I really mature?  That was kinda cool Neal and I went after as many situations as we could that would give us laughs. But stay within the lines scratched out for each character. Tom Hanks!  Two words that made the movie work. He legitimized the plot, and outrageous moments in the film.  I’m always taken aback a bit when someone says a moment in a, or the movie I’ve written changed them in some way.  I get that a lot for another script I wrote with Neal Isreal, Real Genius.  The time the film came out it was a “young time”  MTV had just come out.  New music. Uninhibited behavior.  The film speaks to that time.  And it’s funny. You got to be funny or none of this means jack.

You are also obviously a one of the great knights of the round table when it comes to film spoofs with your work on franchises like The Naked Gun, Hot Shots!, and Scary Movie (Not to mention High School High, which is another amazing masterpiece that doesn’t receive enough credit, I believe), so how do you do it? How do you decide what is going to work in a “spoof” film? Basically how do you know that you have some golden hilarious mockery on your hands when you are writing a film like these?

It’s hard not to see an action genre without coming up with jokes for it.  Naked Gun was cops. Tons of cop films. Tons of cop TV shows. It first was a 6 and out tv series, Police Squad. Which was a take on the detective shows all over the place on tv. Iconic scenes in all of these shows. That lured us in with comedy bits. The tough talk. The loner cop who needs love. I always wrote Frank Drebin as if her were Bogart.  A great character. Played by the great Leslie Neilson.  This show was better suited for movie screens. Naked Gun had the same feel plus a bit of Bullitt. And Eastwood’s tough assed Dirty Harry series of films. And always one step behind falling in love. Finding the right woman. Hot Shots! After seeing Top Gun was a comedy no brainer.  That movie was perfect to spoof. Jets. Pilots. Love triangle. Sadam Hussein. Ships.  Every joke we ever had watching any of the war films. Loved these two films.  High School High was in response to an abundance of teens in trouble movies. Several set in High Schools. Interesting world to tackle comedically.  It always easier to spoof a film that takes its self way too seriously.

I don’t worry about what’s being written. I write everyday. I focus on my ideas, and scripts. I work on many things at once. I just love to write comedy. Been a huge admirer of Rowan Atkinson. And others in the UK, French and Saunders. Shows like The Young Ones. Monty Python. Physical humor. And done to perfection.  Silly, funny, belly laughs.  Nothing wrong with silly. Silly is missing. As is physical humor. So there to that.

What do you have coming up in the near future that we should definitely be wetting ourselves with excitement over?

David Zucker, Mike McManus and I are trying to get another Naked Gun going. Script is in the works.  It has the world of silly, belly laughs, and physical humor. I wrote a tv idea for myself. I’m going to pursue that. More comedy stuff on the way.

What was the last thing that made you smile?

Alot of things make me smile. Right now I’m listening to the Beatles…I’m smiling.  Waiting for the Stand Ollie movie, makes me smile. My wife. My son.  Grandsons.  A residual in the mail.

So there to that.