Jack Sholder [Interview]

Welcome to grand finale of Trainwreck’d Society’s Annual Month of Horror Showcase! We have a fully loaded month of all things horror for you fine folks! October is our favorite month for this very reason, and we are so excited to share 31 full days of film showcases and interviews with some of the finest folks from the world of horror, just as we have been doing for the last 6 years. What started as a simple 5 day showcase, has now blossomed into a full blown month long event. You’re going to love this! Enjoy!

Well here we are, Folks! We done did it! Welcome to Day 31, our final day of our Month of Horror for 2019. And we have an absolutely incredible interview to share with you all today. It’s Jack Sholder, Everyone! Jack has been working for quite a long time in the world of horror, writing and directing projects you know and love. In fact, this is personally a pretty huge moment for me, as Jack is actually the man who brought to the world what I consider to be my personal favorite horror film of all time. And that would be the brilliant second installment of the A Nightmare on Elm Street franchise, Freddy’s Revenge. As he will even say in the words below, I found this to be one of those rare occurrences (although less rare in the world of horror) that the sequel was actually better than the original. It’s a real Godfather (or Critters?) moment in this respect. I fucking love this film, and always have. I’ve even had a burning desire to ask one very specific question, which I do below, that has been burning at my soul for damn near a lifetime. And I finally got to ask it!

Yes, I am so happy that Jack was able to take some time out of his busy schedule to headline our 2019 Month of Horror series. He is a damn fine person, and this absolutely marks a highlight here at Trainwreck’d Society. We love all of our guests equally, of course, but of the 500+ we have had, Jack ranks up there as a true inspiration and the person behind a project that I have been in awe of for as long as I can remember.

So Folks, please join me in welcoming the absolutely legendary Jack Sholder to the TWS family. Enjoy!

 

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What inspired you to get into the world of entertainment and filmmaking? Was it an early aspiration you can always remember having since your youth, or did you just find yourself in this world one day?

I always loved art. In the beginning it was classical music. I studied to be a trumpet player, and if I’d been just a little bit better that’s what I would have done. Then it was literature, mostly poetry. I dropped acid while a student at the University of Edinburgh and decided that words were meaningless, so that was the end of writing. My girlfriend loved movies and we saw a lot. The good ones really affected me, and I thought it would be great to be able to make them. It never occurred to me that this was a nearly impossible dream. It still surprises me that I actually succeeded through some talent and an equal measure of luck.

What was your first paid gig in the world of entertainment? And were there any kind of lessons learned from this project that still affect your work today?

I think it was playing trumpet in the Philadelphia Accordion Orchestra, an organization run by an accordion school where every instrumental part was play on an accordion except, for some reason, for trumpets and timpani. I was around 14 and got fired because someone heard me say I thought the accordion was the worst instrument ever invented. I guess you could say I learned not to bite the hand that feeds you, though I’ve bitten a few since. I did a lot of performing when I was young and into my 30’s, and I loved the fact that the trumpets sit in the back of the orchestra, or sometimes we’d play in a pit if it was a show, so everybody could hear me but almost nobody could see me. That’s a lot like what it’s like being a director. Unlike an actor, I can go to the supermarket or the mall and nobody knows who I am.

In 1985, you directed the second installment, and hands down my favorite one, of the legendary Nightmare on Elm Street franchise. I am curious to know what intrigued you about this franchise, and what it is you believe that you did differently in your installments?

Many may disagree, but I was never that impressed by the original and I felt I could make a better film, so I wasn’t intimidated in that respect. The main thing that scared me was how the hell to make it. It had a great many special effects, none of which I had the slightest idea how to do, and I only had 6 weeks to prep the movie since Wes Craven had just quit and I had to take it over. Fortunately, I had an experienced special effects guy, an old timer, and a terrific director of photography, Jacques Haitkin, who had shot the original Elm Street and knew how to do everything.  The only rules I was given by New Line were to keep Freddy dark and to make it scary. Also, keep in mind there was no franchise at the time. Elm St 2 was an attempt by New Line to wring a little more money out of the original and, if all went really well, to do an Elm St 3. Fortunately for both New Line and me, it went well.

 

 

One specific, and not entirely scary even, moment always stands out to me in Elm Street 2, and I am dying to ask you this question: There is a moment when the teacher drops a human heart onto a table, and some kid yells “YEAH!”. It makes me laugh so hard EVERY time I watch it. Was this scripted? Was this a bit of the Jack Sholder touch?

It was in the script. With so little time to prep the film, and with a script New Line was happy with, I pretty much shot what was on the page. What I will take credit for is my point of view, namely, what is the real story the motivates the plot and all the characters? For me the movie was about teen sexual anxiety which Jesse is in the throes of and which Freddy represents. I know the film has developed a reputation as an icon of gay cinema, and that interpretation is certainly valid and interesting. But that is not what I was going for even though that’s certainly one aspect of male teen sexual anxiety. I will take credit for the casting, performances, the way it was shot and edited. I feel the most important part of a successful horror film is to create characters the audience care about, otherwise it’s just an exercise in empty scares and special effects. Hopefully I did that.

In your own personal opinion, what do you believe it is that makes the horror genre special? What sets it apart from other genres you have worked in?

I’m not an expert on watching horror films, only in making them. But I think the good ones deal with people’s deep-seated fears and insecurities. And it presents those things in a way that is essentially safe. You’re sharing it with others, whereas you face your own fears alone. There’s almost always some laughter, at least in my films. And it’s only a movie. It’s over when the lights come up. Kind of like a rollercoaster: one moment you’re plunging to your death, then you’re not. It also is a genre that really makes use of the language and tools of cinema in a way that, say, a rom com does not, so it’s fun to watch on that level.

What is your favorite scary movie?

The one that scared me the most was Wizard of Oz when I was about 5 years old. I was terrified when the witch melted. Horror films in general don’t scare me since I know they’re not real, and there are things in life that truly do scare me.  But I did find The Exorcist pretty scary. And also the Spanish film Rec, not the mediocre American remake.

Do you have any plans for this coming Halloween? And fun traditions that you try to stick to every year?

It was fun to take my kids trick or treating. But they’re grown now, and I live on a somewhat remote road, so no kids ever show up. I certainly don’t dress up. I leave that to the actors and the fans.

 

 

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

I’ve got a vampire movie very loosely based on Carmilla, a novel written ten years before Dracula, that I’m hoping we can put the financing together for. Like any good vampire movie, it’s about a lot more than vampires, and the script is terrific. I’m also involved in a bio pic about a woman, child of British parents, who grew up in Calcutta in the worst kind of poverty and deprivation, lost five of her sibling in childhood to malnutrition and disease, who worked her way out of poverty, moved to the UK, became wealthy, and went back to Calcutta to set up charities to help people who are in circumstances like those she grew up with. She won the Mother Teresa Award a few years ago. It would seem like quite a change for me, but it’s actually the sort of film I thought I’d be making when I first dreamed of being a filmmaker.

What was the last thing that scared the hell out of you?

My Great Pyrenees, Beau, almost dying of accidental poisoning.

What was the last thing that made you smile?

Beau coming home, healthy again.  And a few episodes of Seinfeld I’ve been catching up on. Particularly the one where George and Jerry take someone else’s airport limo and end up in a Nazi rally and the Yada Yada episode.

 

 

Mark Torgl [Interview]

 

Welcome to Day 30 of Trainwreck’d Society’s Annual Month of Horror Showcase! We have a fully loaded month of all things horror for you fine folks! October is our favorite month for this very reason, and we are so excited to share 31 full days of film showcases and interviews with some of the finest folks from the world of horror, just as we have been doing for the last 6 years. What started as a simple 5 day showcase, has now blossomed into a full blown month long event. You’re going to love this! Enjoy!

 

Happy Halloween Eve, Folks! We are reaching the end of our 2019 edition of our Month of Horror. And if there is one aspect of the world of horror that we simply can not stress enough to be absolutely wonderful and exhilarating, it has to be the world of Troma! Over the years we have featured dozens of key players who have done some absolutely amazing work in within the proverbial love child of Lloyd Kaufman. Therefore it seemed only fitting that when we were handed the opportunity to talk with one of the most legendary figures from the world of Troma, it would have to be during the grand finale of this whole event. We have showcased Troma figures in and out of the Month of Horror for years now, but this one is HUGE! It’s the motherfucking Toxic Avenger himself, Mark Torgl!

Mark is a delightful human being who portrayed the ultimate nerd turned superhero(?) just 35 short years ago in what could arguably be Troma’s best film, The Toxic Avenger. The cult following behind The Toxic Avenger and Troma in general is hands down one of the most fanatical groups of people the world will ever know. Loners and shut-ins, gore porn junkies, and comedy horror aficionados all know and love this film and production company for obvious reasons. It is a masterpiece of a B-Horror film. When one wants to even begin to have a conversation about the best B-Horror films of all time, it is practically a crime to not talk about this masterpiece of indie horror cinema. And Mark Torgl is a key figure behind it all. And what an absolutely fascinating figure he is in and out of the world of horror. By weekday Mark is an award winning television editor who has worked on some damn fine programs. And then comes the weekend where you can catch him at any given Con anywhere in the country keeping the spirit of The Toxic Avenger with very personal and forthright appearances.

Mark is a truly incredible person, and we are so excited to have him grace our digital pages on the second to last day of this year’s Month of Horror series. Also, I would implore you to check out the incredible documentary Mark has put out recently entitled The Toxic Tutu, which he will discuss below. It is actually available on Amazon Prime, so if you are up on that, it’s free! You have to see this incredibly unique and so much fun documentary that is detailed and again, just so much fun.

So Folks, please enjoy some wonderful words from the brilliant Mark Torgl!

 

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What inspired you to get into the world of entertainment and filmmaking? Was it an early aspiration you can always remember having since your youth, or did you just find yourself in this world one day?

I was a completely normal kid, I liked to capture flies and tie a string around their necks and fly them around as my pets. I had a large mayonnaise jar where I kept my collection of toenails like all kids have. I was inspired by Surreal filmmakers like Bunuel and Dali and Lynch while attending Michigan State University. I loved the way they stretched the normalcy of life into fantastical ideas. Bunuel’s “Un Chien Andalou” especially made me want to pursue film in some way.

 

 

 

What was your first paid gig in the world of entertainment? And were there any kind of lessons learned from this project that still affect your work today?

I worked with Troma on their film The First Turn On the previous year before Toxic Avenger. I was going to New York University Film School and Troma put a notice on our Job board to come work on a real feature film, it also said there was no pay, just good experience.  I met with Lloyd Kaufman and Michael Herz and they asked me what I wanted to do on the film?  I said I wanted to be the Script Supervisor so I could work with the director. Lloyd said ok you can be the Script Supervisor, what else do you want to do? I said, “I like writing”, Lloyd said, “Ok you can write some additional scenes, what else do you want to do?”  I said, “Can I direct?” Lloyd turned around pulled down his pants and said, “Only if you tickle my ass with a feather”. So I just did script super and additional writing. I didn’t sign on as an actor, but typically everyone on the crew of a Troma film ends up in the movie somewhere.  When the actor who was hired to play a major role, Dwayne a socially awkward super nerd, didn’t show up, Lloyd said, “Mark you go in and do the part”. The rest is history.

Dwayne was the obnoxious boyfriend of the sexy sleep away camp counselor. I had a famous scene where I met her parents and spread mashed potatoes and gravy through my hair, and fellated a corn of cob at dinner. I learned later that they had auditioned Madonna to play the camp counselor before she hit it big and they rejected her. It would have been epic to act with Madonna, oh well. The next year when they were auditioning for Toxic Avenger, after auditioning, they said hundreds of kids; Lloyd and Michael said what they were looking for  was the super geek nerd character like what I did in The First Turn On. They called me up and said, “If I want the part of Melvin, it’s mine.” I accepted and also did the script supervising. I still couldn’t bring myself to tickle Lloyd’s ass with a feather.

Working for Troma on my first gig has definitely affected my work in entertainment today, I now like to get paid.

 

 

In your own personal opinion, what do you believe it is that makes the horror genre special? What sets it apart from other genres you have worked in?

That sounds like an essay question worth 50% of my grade. Horror is the ultimate thrill escape! The same way people like roller coasters, they like to be scared and then to survive. I think that is what makes horror so repulsively appealing.

 

 

 

We are huge fans of the world that TROMA films has assembled over its time. You have appeared in several TROMA projects, including possibly the most renowned one of them all, The Toxic Avenger. So how do you enjoy working in the TROMA world? What makes it unique in your opinion?

 

Working on the set of Toxic Avenger was about as surreal as it gets! The sheep I had to kiss in the humiliation scene in the gym was full of jumping gnats and fleas and other unsightly bugs and worm like things.  After the transformation scene, the makeup I was in would not come off, after the makeup department tried unsuccessfully to remove it, they took me to a nearby YMCA where I went to scrubbing at the makeup in the shower they used for the swimmers. When a group of young boys went to the showers after their swim lesson, they came upon me, a naked 20 year old man violently scouring what looked like melting skin. I’m sure they were tromatized for life after seeing me. 

Troma movies are shot on a shoestring budget so there’s always some problem to overcome. When we shot the scene in Shinbone Alley where Toxic beats up Cigar Face, we disrupted a street person’s living area and he started waving a gun at us. The car in the chase scene when it flipped on it’s top, the roll bar protecting the stunt driver collapsed. We all ran to the car and saw only the passenger side collapsed, the driver was ok. Lloyd said if the driver died it would have been the end of Troma.  As far as I know no one has ever died on a Troma set. But stuff like this happened all the time; I could go on for pages.

 

 

 

What is your favorite scary movie?

The Toxic Avenger of course.  I’m also a huge Stanley Kubrick fan.

 #1 A ClockWork Orange A life changing journey.

#2 2001 A Space Odyssey An inspirational journey of evolution.

#3 The Shining. Redrum.  Are some of my favorites.

 

 

 

Do you have any plans for this coming Halloween? And fun traditions that you try to stick to every year? 

I might be doing a convention in New Jersey. I used to enjoy the parade in NYC, I now attend the West Hollywood parade or have a party at my house. I hear they are trying to make Halloween a holiday that always falls on the last Saturday in October, I think that is a great idea. 

 

 

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

I’ve been working on an homage to Toxic Avenger called Toxic Tutu.

It’s the almost true story ff whatever happened to Melvin The Mop Boy, Mark Torgl of Toxic Avenger. I made this film with director Joe Nardelli. Joe and I went to film school together. So I’ve known Joe for over 30 years. 5 years ago I was contacted by the Mad Monster Party Convention to make a guest appearance. I called Joe and told him about it.  Joe said, “ I’ll come and bring my camera and we’ll document it”. So Toxic Tutu evolved from a 3-day convention documentary to a 5-year feature length narrative film production. Toxic Tutu is now available world wide, streaming on Amazon Prime, GooglePlay, Vudu, Apple I Tunes, and available on DVD at Amazon, and other outlets.

 

 

 What was the last thing that scared the hell out of you?

I was making a guest appearance at Comic Con sitting in with the Troma Group when a dude showed up and pulled up his pant leg. He had a tattoo of my face on his leg, scared the shit out of me.

 

 

 What was the last thing that made you smile?

My day job as a TV editor. I enjoy working in dark stale rooms with producers looking over my shoulder as I create magic. I love the fact that I have never had to pound the pavement as an actor looking for work. It’s inevitable though that every once in a while I get that call, “Could you do this part for us in our new movie?  We loved you in Toxic Avenger”. I’ve recently done a role in a new movie, The Monkeys Paw and a Mercedes The Muse production of Mopboy I was also in Greetings From Tromaville! And Troma’s new movie Return To Return To Nuke Em High, I have a very disturbing self-pleasuring scene in this movie! Lloyd’s wife the Comish, objected to the scene, and it stops the movie into a freeze frame while she complains. Ha ha ha.

 

 

And a few more photos for you all, courtesy of Mark himself:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lin Shaye [Interview]

Welcome to Day 29 of Trainwreck’d Society’s Annual Month of Horror Showcase! We have a fully loaded month of all things horror for you fine folks! October is our favorite month for this very reason, and we are so excited to share 31 full days of film showcases and interviews with some of the finest folks from the world of horror, just as we have been doing for the last 6 years. What started as a simple 5 day showcase, has now blossomed into a full blown month long event. You’re going to love this! Enjoy!

 

Hello Folks! We have a very exciting interview to share with you all today! We have an incredible actress who we have been yearning to have on the site for quite some time. Pretty much since the inception of the site! And in recent weeks we have also be doting on a project that she was the lead role in entitled Room For Rent, having featured the film itself as well as having the film’s screenwriter and director featured here in our Month of Horror series. It’s the great Lin Shaye, Everyone!

Horror fans would obviously embrace this incredibly talented actress for her work in the Insidious and a plethora of other incredible projects, including our old friend David Dubos’s forthcoming NOLA-base thriller, Bayou Tales. Others will recognize her for her amazing character work in legendary Farrelly Brothers hits like Dumb & Dumber, There’s Something About Mary, and our most prized and personal favorite here at TWS, Kingpin which features our dear friend Vanessa Angel. Lin has amassed such a large body of work both within the horror genre and beyond. She has appeared in some of the most legendary films in the horror genre including A Nightmare on Elm Street, Critters 2, 2001 Maniacs, Wes Craven’s New Nightmare, and just so many more! We are so excited to have an absolute on-screen legend at the top of our Month of Horror!

So Folks, please enjoy some incredible words from the absolute legend, Lin Shaye!

 

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What inspired you to get into the world of acting? Was it an early aspiration you can always remember having since your youth, or did you just find yourself in this world one day?

What inspired me primarily is simple:   l love storytelling!…when I was little, I had no real “neighborhood friends”…(only my big brother Bob who definitely  would not play with me…!….but ironically would tell ME scary stories and also ironically would go one to becoming a champion of story telling himself, as he later created New Line Cinema, and some of the great Horror films of our time!)  …I spent lots of time by myself, with my dolls, and stuffed animals..I gratefully had a voracious and vivid imagination filled with detail and flights of fancy..I loved taking the clothes out of my closet, (much to my mom’s dismay!) and with my imaginary “stuffed friends”  I would dress up in different outfits, and me and my gang would make up stories where I would act out all the characters, and be the voices of all the dolls and animals.  I also loved pretending to be “someone else”…

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

My first “paid gig” was when I was finally doing plays in New York.  I always pursued theater in high school and college though never thought about it as any kind of a career…it was just fun, and something I seemed to be good at….”pretending” to be other people…Most of the theater I did however was “equity waiver” which meant a play would run for 6 weeks, and the actors received NO PAY…I did not care in the least….My first “equity show” was at the Chelsea Theater Center.  It was The Screens:  a 5 hour play by Jean Genet.  5 hours….there was a dinner break for the audience!..I was non-union at the time.  I ended up understudying  the role I had auditioned for and wanted, but did not get, (which was usually the case!) and was given one line as a non-equity member in the ensemble…when I finally got to go on as “understudy” for a wonderful character I had auditioned for, (described as “the ugliest girl in the world,”  who wore a burlap bag on her head, covering it completely for the entire performance) that made me eligible to become a member of Actor’s Equity…the coveted and necessary union to be in, if you were serious about theater in New York…I think then, they “paid me”…the lesson learned?  Never give up, and you never know what will lead to what when you persevere….even if it looks bleak at the moment!

 

 

I absolutely LOVED your performance in the recently released film Room For Rent. I am curious to know what drew you to this delightfully bizarre tale? And how was your experience in making this wonderful film?

Thank you for seeing Room for Rent.  My “experience” with it is long and intense…and I love the character of Joyce almost more than any I have played.  The short hand is:  I had worked with Tommy Stovall the director 2 times before, and always loved and respected him.  He lives in Sedona…not a part of the “Hollywood scene”…a great person and talented artist.  He sent me the script on 2 separate occasions.  I did not like it at the first read…it was about “a psychopathic killer…blah blah blah…”  nothing new or interesting to me.  It did not impress me either on the second read, and as I was “turning it down for the 2nd time…and on the phone with Tommy…I tacked on to my “decline”…” you know?…it would be so much more interesting if this woman is not “crazy” but a victim of her circumstances, stemming from an abusive husband who pretty much “kept her as his ‘maid'” for the years of their marriage, and how, with his demise, she was left with no money and zero skills on how to navigate life for herself in this world…”  ..a woman who would lose herself in romance novels and fantasy because of her pain and loneliness”…bingo…yes…that was a good idea.!!!..and that was how Joyce began to evolve and  decline into a deranged madness when she felt betrayed. I actually wrote all the “romance novel” passages!….trying to marry the ideas in the novels  to the life and problems she was having for real!   I believe there are many women we will never know of,  who are “kept captive” by the men in their lives today..even with all the “me too” awareness, etc. now..and probably always….still all over the world, who are never allowed to experience love, freedom or themselves.

Beyond the world of horror, you also appeared in one of my favorite comedic films of all time, and gave another incredible performance. And that film was of course, 1996’s Kingpin, which also happened to feature our friend and past guest Vanessa Angel. So somewhat of the same question, how was your experience working on this insanely hilarious film?

Kingpin is still my all time favorite.  also truly long story.  The Farrellys did not want to see me for the role:  “the angriest ugliest woman God ever let loose on the planet”…their words…not mine.  I created that entire character…again in my bedroom all by myself !…wardrobe, hair coming out of my nostrils (actually eye lashes!) filthy hair, disgusting smoker, etc. and BEGGED over and over and over again to PLEASE LET ME COME IN AND READ.!!..but the answer was always:  “we love your work, but just don’t think you are right for this.”…..Finally a week before they were supposed to start shooting, I  got one of the producers on the phone and begged!!  BEGGGED!…telling him   “I have an entire presentation I have worked really hard on to show them”  He was in a good mood, liked me from Dumb and Dumber and said “Ok…sure, come in tomorrow”..OMG….Dressed totally as Mrs. Dumars I drove to Santa Monica to their office, sat on the floor (there were no casting chairs left!) for half hour while casting walked by me over and over…finally looking down in disbelief uttering:  “LIN???? I thought you were a homeless woman off the streets…we were just going to call the police!”…I guess I “nailed it”…!….or they were too afraid of me to say “no!”..

In your own personal opinion, what do you believe it is that makes the horror genre special? What sets it apart from other genres you have worked in?

Horror to me is special because it deals primarily with FEAR….experiencing fear with others in a safe place, is wonderful….and especially because it IS all “pretend,” but allows you to delve into your taboo places in public and safety.  Adrenaline is an addictive and  legal drug…

What is your favorite scary movie?

Favorite scary movie?  The Shining.

Do you have any plans for this coming Halloween? And fun traditions that you try to stick to every year?

I have no plans for Halloween….the most I have “celebrated,” since being a Panda and a Flapper as a kid.! ….has been at the Blumhouse Halloween party the last 2 years…!…Being “anonymous” is really fun..That is my favorite kind of costume, generally….Knowing people don’t know who you are is surprisingly freeing!…

 

 

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

Lots of goodies coming:  Grudge …a reboot of the original, produced by Sam Rami and directed by Nicholas Pesce (The Eyes of My Mother)  opens wide on January 6 2020!…I have a fantastic role and you will all be scared to death!..  I am also in the New Penny Dreadful for Showtime….a fantastic series unlike the last 3 seasons….it is all about Los Angeles and the evil and corruption that existed in 1938…a fantastic cast, and fantastic character…Also a film called Gothic Harvest, was released on DVD and Digital on Oct. 15, 2019 and will be on DVD Nov. 5, 2019,…AND.. my brother Bob Shaye who created New Line Cinema is releasing a film he directed,  called Ambition. which will also have a VOD, digital and DVD release later this year…….I gratefully have a cool role in that as well……all really cool stories!

What was the last thing that scared the hell out of you?

DONALD TRUMP.

What was the last thing that made you smile?

My dog…..and this last question…… xx

 

 

John Harrison [Interview]

Welcome to Day 28 of Trainwreck’d Society’s Annual Month of Horror Showcase! We have a fully loaded month of all things horror for you fine folks! October is our favorite month for this very reason, and we are so excited to share 31 full days of film showcases and interviews with some of the finest folks from the world of horror, just as we have been doing for the last 6 years. What started as a simple 5 day showcase, has now blossomed into a full blown month long event. You’re going to love this! Enjoy!

 

It’s Day 28, Folks! Halloween is damn near upon us, and we are still rolling with some incredible interviews. Today’s interview subject is a man who has done some legendary work in the world of horror in the past, and right up to this very day! It’s John Harrison, Everyone! John has done so much incredible work as a filmmaker and composer on so many incredible projects, including the acclaimed Romero 1985 follow up film Day of the Dead, the television adaptation of Dune, 1982’s incredible Romero/Stephen King collab Creepshow, and more recently directing a handful of episodes of the reboot of the aforementioned Creepshow that is available now on Shudder and is getting some damn good reviews for damn good reasons.

John is also an executive producer behind yet another television adaptation of the the legendary tale of Dune that is slated to release next year, and we could not be any more excited about it. He has done some incredible work within the world of horror and beyond, and we are so excited to share his words with you all today. So Folks, please enjoy some beautiful words from the brilliant John Harrison!

 

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What inspired you to get into the world of filmmaking? was it an early aspiration you can always remember having since your youth, or did you just find yourself in this world one day?

I’ve always loved movies and theater. When I was in middle school, our classes were taken to the symphony and theater as part of our ‘cultural education’. At the time, the American Conservatory Theater was in residence in Pittsburgh where I grew up. A fantastic theater company (in residence since the 60’s in San Francisco), doing all kinds of unbelievable work. Everything from Shakespeare, to Pirandello, to Albee and Pinter. I was blown away. I’d never seen anything so good. The experience made me want to be in that world somehow. So I studied theater in boston, then film and TV later in Pittsburgh. My partners and I then put a small production company together, which led to meeting George Romero. The rest is history.

What was your first paid gig in the world of filmmaking? and were there any kind of lessons learned from this project that still affect your work today?

I had an internship for a while at WQED in Pittsburgh, and there were small films we did for that PBS station. But my first professional paid gig came through our small production company my partners and I had. It was a documentary about drug addiction for a local foundation. Relatively low budget. great experience, trying to produce a half hour film, soup to nuts, and deliver on budget and schedule. That kind of indie production was what it was all about in Pittsburgh back in the day, and the skills we developed have always stayed with me.

In 1985 you worked on the now legendary film Day of the Dead. It remains to this day as one of my favorite horror films of all time. I am curious to know how your experience was working on this amazing project?

It was my second time working with George Romero as his assistant director and composer. (the first was Creepshow). It was a difficult shoot. Weeks and weeks in an old limestone mine in the middle of winter. But it was great fun. we were young, and george had a way of making everyone on the crew feel important. Of course, I had the luxury of being next to him the entire time, from prep, to shoot, to post. The best film school I could have ever wished for.

 

 

In your own personal opinion, what do you believe it is that makes the horror genre special? what sets it apart from other genres you have worked in?

The brilliance of the best horror is that it deals with the human condition and all of its rawness in an archtypal and primal way. Horror has existed as a medium for as long as we’ve told each other stories, in all art forms, from Euripides to Dante to Goya to Shelley, Stoker, Poe, and of course, the founders and staples of 20th and 21st century horror – Lovecraft, Cronenberg, King, Rice, Barker, Craven, Romero etc. The fact that it remains a genre used by these artists throughout history speaks for itself.

What is your favorite scary movie?

Too many to list. But one that had a profound effect on me as a kid was Robert Wise’s interpretation of the Shirley Jackson novel, The Haunting Of Hill House. It was a great influence on me. and it’s still scary as hell.

Do you have any plans for this coming Halloween? Any fun traditions that you try to stick to every year?

Since I just directed episodes of the new Creepshow series (on Shudder TV now) I’m going to spend Halloween at Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights where they’re doing a Creepshow homage.

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

Obviously, I’d love everyone to tune in the new Creepshow, executive produced by my pal, Greg Nicotero (The Walking Dead). We tried very hard to honor George and Steve King’s original style, and I think we were successful. it’s going to be a really good show.

A paranormal thriller I wrote is off to publishers at the moment, and we’re hoping it’s out next year. while I wait to find out if Creepshow gets picked up, I’m finishing another novel, this one a supernatural psychological thriller. (i get bored easily, in case you hadn’t guessed).

What was the last thing that scared the hell out of you?

The nightmare I had last night. I really can’t remember it much, but I remember finally realizing it was a dream and had one hell of a time waking myself up. At least I think I did.

What was the last thing that made you smile?

Waking up. I think.

 

 

Robert Zappia [Interview]

 

 

Anastasia Baranova [Interview]

Welcome to Day 26 of Trainwreck’d Society’s Annual Month of Horror Showcase! We have a fully loaded month of all things horror for you fine folks! October is our favorite month for this very reason, and we are so excited to share 31 full days of film showcases and interviews with some of the finest folks from the world of horror, just as we have been doing for the last 6 years. What started as a simple 5 day showcase, has now blossomed into a full blown month long event. You’re going to love this! Enjoy!

 

It’s so hard to believe we just 5 days away from completing another Month of Horror series. It has been so great to share these incredible interviews and features with you all. And yet, we still have so much more to share! Today we are featuring one hell of an actress, who appeared in the best zombie tale of the 21st century. No, I’m not talking about The Walking Dead. and quite honestly, FUCK The Walking Dead. But, that’s just getting personal. No, I am talking about the SyFy original series, Z Nation. It’s so damn good, and 1,000 times better than that aforementioned melodramatic bullshit of a show. It’s so great, and our guest is one of the incredible leads of the program. It’s Anastasia Baranova!

Anastasia has done some incredible work on screen both in the horror world and beyond. She has worked on such classic TV hits like Sons of Anarchy and Malcom in the Middle. She is also an accomplished voice over performer working on such projects as A Good Day To Die Hard and one of my personal favorite video games, Evolve. Just so much great work from such an amazing talent. We are so excited to hear what she has to say about her time spent in the world of horror, Z Nation, Veronica Mars, and beyond!

So Folks! Please enjoy some wonderful words from the brilliant Anastasia Baranova!

 

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What inspired you to get into the world of entertainment? Was it an early aspiration you can always remember having since your youth, or did you just find yourself in this world one day?

 Whitney Houston in The Bodyguard. That was the defining movie of my childhood. I wanted to be Whitney.

What was your first paid gig in the world of entertainment? And were there any kind of lessons learned from this project that still affect your work today?

I think my first paid gig was being a hand stand-in for someone on The Guardian, and that’s how I got into the Union. My first on camera part was a tiny spot on Lizzie McGuire. I remember watching Hilary Duff be really sweet and work really hard and started to understand then the responsibility of the lead cast in setting and maintaining a good energy on set. She was a pro even then.

I’ve really enjoyed your work on the SyFy Original series Z Nation. I find it to be a truly original program. So what was it that drew you work on this show that looks like just so much fun to work on? Is it as much fun to work on as it is for us to watch?

It was definitely as much fun to make as it is to watch, in my opinion. I do think it’s a very unique show, and I think that’s what was interesting about it from the beginning to everyone.  

Beyond the world of horror, you made some appearances on a show that is currently my 14 year old daughter’s new favorite show, so it behooves me to ask you about it. That show was the beloved Veronica Mars. So how was your experience working on this now legendary program? Any fun memories from working on this project?

 Veronica Mars was such a cool gig!! Another example of watching a strong, female lead in action. Originally it was only one episode and then they called me back in during season 2. That was the first (and so far only!) time that’s happened, and it was so cool! I loved seeing it get a revival because of the fans- I think it’s a reflection of how well the material connected with the audience, which is what we experienced with Z Nation as well.

 

 

In your own personal opinion, what do you believe it is that makes the horror genre special? What sets it apart from other genres you have worked in?

Horror fascinates me, though I keep a distance, just because I get scared so easily. I think it makes people feel alive. We’ve evolved so far past hunting and gathering but I think our nervous system is still designed for those high stakes moments- the power of filmmaking takes people there.

What is your favorite scary movie?

Hocus Pocus. (You read that correctly. I am scared and don’t watch horror, and SJP as a witch is as far as I’ll go. However! This year a cinephile friend made me watch Psycho and Rosemary’s Baby, so I now of course understand the brilliance. But I kid you not, I get scared walking the short hallway to my bathroom with no lights on because I just imagine him charging me with a knife.)

Do you have any plans for this coming Halloween? And fun traditions that you try to stick to every year?

Halloween is my favorite time of year!!!!! Candy and costumes and decorations!!!! I start my autumnal decorations on September 1st, so the pumpkins are out as I write this.

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

I’ve got a quick guest spot on NCIS this year, though I’m not sure when it airs, but look out for that! Otherwise, not sure yet what’s on the horizon.  Feel free to invite your readers to start a petition for me to play someone! Twitter magic and stuff!

What was the last thing that scared the hell out of you?

 This “administration.”

What was the last thing that made you smile?

My middle school friend Noah and his partner Dave, and their work with @classroomofcompassion. They create vigils and memorial art installations in cities and towns of mass shootings, honoring the lives taken by gun violence. Their hashtag is #ihopeyouknowhowlovedyouare and they are a shining example of what’s available in humanity.

Scotty Mullen [Interview]

 

Welcome to Day 25 of Trainwreck’d Society’s Annual Month of Horror Showcase! We have a fully loaded month of all things horror for you fine folks! October is our favorite month for this very reason, and we are so excited to share 31 full days of film showcases and interviews with some of the finest folks from the world of horror, just as we have been doing for the last 6 years. What started as a simple 5 day showcase, has now blossomed into a full blown month long event. You’re going to love this! Enjoy!

Hello Folks! It’s coming down to the wire here at Trainwreck’d Society! It has been a fabulous Month of Horror, if I do say so myself. But it would honestly feel incomplete if we didn’t have an appearance from one of our most favorite franchises that isn’t exactly horror per-say, but has managed to make its way into or MoH world several times over in the years we have been doing it, as well as into our regular interviews as well. And that franchise would be the Sharknado series! And hot damn if we don’t have a brilliant exclusive for you all today! It’s the great Scotty Mullen! Scotty has been working on the franchise  since the third installment, and has written and directed in this absolutely incredible franchise beyond that. Thus, it is a real honor to have him join our ranks at TWS and to be a part of our Month of Horror series. He’s also done some other incredible work, which we will discuss below.

I am very excited to have Scotty grace our digital pages today, I just know that you are going to love it. So please enjoy some wonderful words from the brilliant writer/director, the one and only, Scotty Mullen!

 

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What inspired you to get into the world of entertainment and filmmaking? Was it an early aspiration you can always remember having since your youth, or did you just find yourself in this world one day?

When I was in the second grade, my teacher introduced me to creative writing and we could read a story to the class every Friday. I loved creating wild adventures that I would put my friends into – I was even writing in “cameos” at that age. Getting my friends to laugh with the stories I told them got me hooked. I’ve loved telling stories ever since.

What was your first paid gig in the world of entertainment? And were there any kind of lessons learned from this project that still affect your work today?

My first paid writing assignment was for The Coed and the Zombie Stoner – a wacky sex-comedy where everyone (and I mean everyone!) gets naked. I learned the importance of being able to to revise your screenplay for the director and the budget involved. I have yet to get a movie made 100% as I’ve seen it writing on the page – you are always adapting for the director, actors, producers… But that’s also the fun in it. It’s a fun wild game to make the movie as good as possible, while still staying true to the story you want to tell.

In your own personal opinion, what do you believe it is that makes the horror genre special? What sets it apart from other genres you have worked in?

Everyone can relate with being scared. There’s a crazy euphoria you get from a good scare that I think many people secretly crave. And what scares people usually crosses all cultural boundaries which is why a good horror film can play all over the world. Scream and the world screams with you!

For the 5th, and eventually 6th as well, installments of the absolutely wonderful Sharknado franchise, you were able to throw “writer” on your resume. What made you want to jump in on this franchise? Obviously you have been around it for a while, but what made you want to get in on the storytelling part of the franchise?

I starting casting the Sharknado movies starting with the third one, but I was also writing movies at the same time. A film I wrote called Zoombies – about zombie zoo animals – became very popular. For the 5th movie, they were looking for a new writer to take over the franchise. The producers really believed in me, pitched me to the network, and BOOM! Suddenly I was writing for Olivia Newton-John in Sharknado 5, which is one of my favorite films I’ve ever been a part of. Sharknado 5: Global Swarming will always have a special place in my heart simply because it brought so many of my childhood heroes (including Fabio) into my orbit.

What is your favorite scary movie?

That is a very difficult question. I love Aliens and Carrie. But it would have to be a toss-up between the original Candyman and Hellbound: Hellraiser 2. Those movies are so bat-shit crazy and executed with such brilliance by the actors. Because they believe what’s happening, so do we. I find myself watching those again and again and always discovering something new about them.

Do you have any plans for this coming Halloween? And fun traditions that you try to stick to every year?

I live in West Hollywood so the West Hollywood Halloween Parade on Santa Monica Blvd is such a fun time. But a lot of my friends now have kids so I like to spend a lot of time going tricking or treating with them and doing a group costume together (like Alice in Wonderland.) This year, my best friend wanted to go as Colonial Marines and dress his little girl up as Newt…but then we just realized that she would most likely just look like a homeless kid being carried off by military forces. And in this current political climate, we’d probably look more like ICE agents than Colonial Marines. So I think we’ll end up doing something else instead.

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

This December, you’ll get to see my first holiday romantic comedy hit the TV screens (follow my Twitter for more details.) No sharks. No zombies. It’s a brave new world I’m entering. But I do have an original horror movie under my belt I just finished that I’m currently shopping around that I pray every night gets made. So good – and scary! – things are definitely in store!

What was the last thing that scared the hell out of you?

Earlier this week, I was on the set of the Christmas movie I wrote and was absolutely terrified all the lead actors were going to fall into the swimming pool and ruin their wedding outfits before the director and camera called action. I saw the entire shoot day crumbing apart before my eyes. Talk about mind-numbing horror! I couldn’t watch.

What was the last thing that made you smile?

The fact that you asked me to be a part of this. I’m beyond elated that I get to write stories that get made into real, produced movies people around the world can watch. Seeing the story that was once only in my mind get made into something real is something I will never stop smiling about!

 

Chandra West [Interview]

Welcome to Day 24 of Trainwreck’d Society’s Annual Month of Horror Showcase! We have a fully loaded month of all things horror for you fine folks! October is our favorite month for this very reason, and we are so excited to share 31 full days of film showcases and interviews with some of the finest folks from the world of horror, just as we have been doing for the last 6 years. What started as a simple 5 day showcase, has now blossomed into a full blown month long event. You’re going to love this! Enjoy!

 

Hello Folks! We have an absolutely wonderful interview to share with you all today. We have yet another legend of the screen in the world of horror, from one of our most celebrated horror franchises here at Trainwreck’d Society. For those who have been following along over the years, I could only be talking about the Puppet Master franchise. We have spoken with the person who created the entire thing, as well as several folks who have appeared in the franchise or wrote and directed some variation of it throughout the plethora of sequels that have been graciously given to the world. And today is no exception! Today we have the great Chandra West! Puppet Master fans will instantly recognize her as the lead actress in the brilliant 4th and 5th installments of the franchise, in which she plays Susie, and is absolutely fantastic within them.

While the world of horror is not Chandra’s primary focus, her impact to the world of horror is absolutely undeniable, and insanely positive. Beyond the world of horror, West has appeared in just about every TV show you know and love, as well as a smattering of wonderful films. She is an absolute star and we are so excited that she was able to make time to grace our digital pages today in our 24th installment of this year’s Month of Horror series. So Folks, please enjoy some wonderful words from the brilliant Chandra West!

 

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What inspired you to get into the world of entertainment? Was it an early aspiration you can always remember having since your youth, or did you just find yourself in this world one day?

I’m the youngest of nine and was subjected to a lot of ‘advanced’ movies at a very young age- for better or worse 😉 Clockwork Orange at ten may have been a bit more than my young brain could process but at the same time it exposed me to a lot of great films that definitely had a huge impact on inspiring me to get into this business. At the same time I was pretty heavily involved in ballet which sparked the performance aspect.

 

What was your first paid gig in the world of entertainment? And were there any kind of lessons learned from this project that still affect your work today?

My first real paid gig was a movie set in the 50’s called True Confections. It was my first time on location- with perdiem- and to say I made the most of it would be putting it mildly. It was a young cast and we were going out every night, having fun, and then I’d go back to my room and order room service. I think I gained about 10 pounds in a month. My period costume was definitely getting a bit tight by the end of the shoot. So I suppose my takeaway would be that it’s probably not a good idea to hunker down in your hotel room before bed with chocolate milk and fries…

You gave wonderful performances in two installments of one of our favorite horror franchises known as Puppet Master. You came around for the 4^th and 5^th installments. So what was it that drew you to this franchise? Were you a fan of the franchise going into it?

I actually wasn’t aware of the franchise when I auditioned for it. It was my first job when I moved to LA and I was just happy to be working. Pretty sure I had no idea what I was doing but we had a great time shooting them.

 

 

Beyond the world of horror, you also had a reoccurring role on a TV series that shamefully didn’t get its chance to flourish, in my personal opinion. The series also featured our friend and past guest Matt Mauer, and it was John from Cincinnati. I remember being devastated when the series wasn’t renewed. But, as a season alone, I thought it was wonderful. So how was your experience working on this series? Did you enjoy your time on the project while it lasted?

I loved working on John From Cincinnati. It was an incredible experience. It was an amazing cast and of course working with David Milch was an experience I’ll always cherish.  I also had a particular fondness for my character Tina- so that always enriches an experience. I wish HBO had given it another season. Who knows where it would’ve gone… but I think it could’ve been interesting.

In your own personal opinion, what do you believe it is that makes the horror genre special? What sets it apart from other genres you have worked in?

I think what sets it apart is that it’s very visceral. Everybody wants to feel something and never is that more true than going to a horror movie. It’s a different challenge as an actor because often you’re working things that aren’t there. It’s the ultimate suspension of disbelief.

What is your favorite scary movie?

I would have to say probably The Exorcist, though Psycho would be a close second. Carrie also terrified me and also The Changeling with George C. Scott which I always thought was very underrated.

Do you have any plans for this coming Halloween? And fun traditions that you try to stick to every year?

No big traditions but it’s always fun to watch a scary movie and eat popcorn. It’s also the best time of the year with the change of seasons.

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

A horror movie called Z directed by Brandon Christensen (Still Born) and a thriller called Spiral which just premiered at FrightFest directed by Kurt David Harder. Both are produced by Colin Minihan (Grave Encounters and What Keeps You Alive).

What was the last thing that scared the hell out of you?

Would have to be a Trump Halloween mask that my friend snuck onto the couch next to  me when I left the room.

What was the last thing that made you smile?

Looking through the window at the Doggie Day Care down the street from me and all those happy wagging tails.

 

Mark McCracken [Interview]

 

Welcome to Day 23 of Trainwreck’d Society’s Annual Month of Horror Showcase! We have a fully loaded month of all things horror for you fine folks! October is our favorite month for this very reason, and we are so excited to share 31 full days of film showcases and interviews with some of the finest folks from the world of horror, just as we have been doing for the last 6 years. What started as a simple 5 day showcase, has now blossomed into a full blown month long event. You’re going to love this! Enjoy!

 

I can’t even lie to you Folks, I am VERY excited about this interview we have for you today. We have spoken at length about and with folks from the beloved Pumpkinhead franchise quite a bit over the years. But, there has been one person we haven’t been able to get a hold of, until now. Pumpkinhead himself! That’s right folks, we have the brilliant actor and creature creator himself, Mark McCracken gracing our digital pages today! Mark worked on the creatures for, and portrayed the titular character himself, in Pumpkinhead II: Blood Wings.

Yes, Mark has helped create and perform some of the finest characters we have come to know in the world of horror, and we are so excited to have him with us today! He’s an absolutely delight human being who has some wonderful stories to tell about his experience working in the world of film and television, as well as his latest gig with Universal theme parks, which sounds absolutely fascinating!

So Folks, please enjoy some wonderful words from the brilliant Michael McCracken!

 

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What inspired you to get into the world of entertainment and filmmaking? Was it an early aspiration you can always remember having since your youth, or did you just find yourself in this world one day?

I was a class clown from 1^st grade. Loved it. As long as I got good grades, the teachers didn’t mind. Which I did. Was always into pretending/playing characters. Doing everything from Superman (George Reeves) to any movie monster I’d seen. Godzilla, Kong, The Thing. As I got older I knew I wanted to act. So I went to New York. Started there. From there to Miami. Where I started improvising and cut my teeth on film and TV. Then LA. Where I met Rick and the guys at KNB, et al. And the die was cast.

What was your first paid gig in the world of entertainment? And were there any kind of lessons learned from this project that still affect your work today?

First creature gig was Mant in Matinee. Loved the crew. Rick Baker was terrific. Jim McPherson is a genius. And super talented. I guess the take away – other than the mind blowing experience of who I was working with – was I had gone from doing what I was doing as kid, pretending in my yard, to actually being a creature, myself, in a film.

 

 

In 1993 you appeared in the second installment of the beloved Pumpkinhead franchise, as the titular character themselves! So how was this experience? And what drew you to the world of Pumpkinhead?

 It was the best. KNB is top drawer. Greg, Howard, Bob and crew. Amazing. They made everything from the life cast to long night shoots a breeze. Plus, in addition to being crazy talented, they are all bent and twisted and funny as hell. And we were all cracking each other up between takes. Which made the shoot all the more tolerable. What drew me to the world of P’head was a call from Howard Berger offering me the job. I couldn’t say no.

In your own personal opinion, what do you believe it is that makes the horror genre special? What sets it apart from other genres you have worked in?

Horror is our fears, our nightmares, our most secret, personal discomforts brought to life. Which we would never want to happen. Film makes this a reality. And no matter how much we try to divorce ourselves from the story, saying it’s just a movie, that’s make-up, we know how that’s done, some greater part of our psyche still makes us believe. Plus, everybody loves being frightened. A great scare beats anything. Except maybe a great laugh. And when in life are you ever going to be in these situations and come out okay? The stories have us in the pocket of the protagonist, living the terror thru them.

What is your favorite scary movie?

My first memory of a movie that really bent me was the original House on Haunted Hill. I’ve always wondered why it wasn’t Haunted House On a Hill. Because the house was the problem. Anyway, the creepy old lady floating down the hall ruined me. I was a wreck after seeing that. For years. We lived in a big, old, dark house. And that made it worse. The Exorcist came later. And to this day, even though I know how the effects were done and things were shot, it still messes me up. I have a very hard time with it. But I LOVE it. That would be the one I still have to kind of cover my eyes with my hands and peek thru my fingers at.

 

 

 

Do you have any plans for this coming Halloween? And fun traditions that you try to stick to every year?

No plans. I do enough dressing up and performing throughout the year that Halloween could be redundant. When my daughter was little I used to love taking her out and mingling with the monsters. It is my favorite holiday. I kind of wish I could take advantage of some of the great costumes that are out there for the kids now. I used to love making my own costumes and doing my own make up. I love Halloween.

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

I’m currently performing several improvised characters at the Universal theme park. Which is a whole other iteration of the biz I stumbled into. Teaching a lot. Getting gigs for whatever they’re crazy enough to pay me to do. It’s a fun life. Getting paid to do what you love. Just keep your radars up. I’ll probably show up somewhere.

What was the last thing that scared the hell out of you?

Seeing myself in the mirror naked. I think there ought to be a law against such things.

What was the last thing that made you smile?

On a bulletin board on my desk I have a great picture of me holding my daughter when she was a baby. We are facing the camera and have the biggest smiles on our faces. It never fails to give me a grin.