Kevin J. Lindenmuth [Interview]

Welcome to Day 7 of Trainwreck’d Society’s Month of Horror Showcase. Every day during the month of October, we will have a horror related interview and/or film review for your fright-filled reading pleasure! The set up will be the same as usual, but the topics will be far more terrifying. Enjoy!

Today’s interview subject is someone that I would refer to as a “SME” in the world of horror filmmaking. For those of you who don’t recognize such a term, it is actually an acronym for “Subject Matter Expert”. And I can think of no other way to define Kevin J. Lindenmuth! The man has created some of the finest works in the world of indie horror, written several books on how he creates such magic, and he has been writing about horror on the internet long before we knew that the internet was going to take over our lives. He is a guy who has done some amazing work, and he has some wonderful stories to tell and advice to give. And we were so fortunate that he was willing to share a bit of that with us here today!

So ladies and gentlemen, please enjoy some words from the legendary filmmaker, author, & so much more, Mr. Kevin J. Lindenmuth!

What initially drew you into the world of filmmaking? When did the passion begin?

As far back as I can remember, and i have memories as far back as 2-3 years old, I wanted to be involved with making movies. I think this was because I watched a lot of horror and science fiction movies as a kid, from the daytime broadcasts of the original Dark Shadows to Saturday afternoon horror-hosted movies to going to the theater. In retrospect, that’s why my first few movies were vampire-related films (Vampires & Other Stereotypes, Twisted Tales, Addicted to Murder). I always wanted to be involved with creating those stories. In fact, when I was seven years old I remember writing an adaptation of Escape From the Planet of the Apes!

Comics were also a big influence, from Tomb of Dracula to Spiderman. In fact, I created a superhero for DC’S Dial H for Hero comic when I was in high school, so that was cool seeing that published. I was always writing and making short films through high school, and have a few of them listed in film magazines of the time, like Cinemagic. I then majored in Film/Video Studies at The University of Michigan in Ann Arbor and made quite a few weird films broadcast on Public Access TV. Writing and filmmaking were always a focus.

With 30 years experience under your belt, and the massive amount of the changes in the film business these days, What would you say has been the most drastic change in the filmmaking world since the time you started working in it? What have been some positive changes? Negative?

Back when I was making the films, in the early to late 90’s, there weren’t a lot of people making these low-budget films that were shot on video. At the time I was working for a production company in Midtown Manhattan and a perk of the job was having access to their equipment. These weren’t home camcorders—they were state-of-the art Sony television cameras that probably cost 60,000 each. So the first few movies were shot this way and then put through a “filmlook” process that took those video 30 frames and knocked it down to 24 frames so it looked like they were shot on film. It wasn’t until the third movie, Addicted to Murder, that I got into the chain video stores, primarily Blockbuster. I had sent them a VHS screener of the film before I even had the box made and they got back to me six months later saying they wanted to have it in their stores. That was great. And soon after that I was able to get a few other filmmakers into Blockbuster as well, such as Mark Polonia’s Feeders movies and Nathan Thompson’s Contact Blow. And by this time there was a whole group of us filmmakers in NY that helped on each other’s films, such as Scooter McCrae, Jeffrey Arsenault, Ron Bonk—and when we had screenings of indie films in my Upper West Side apartment Mike Raso from E.I, Don May (now Synapes) and Mike Gingold would usually be there. So that was cool. Back then there seemed more comradery of like minded filmmakers. And through this and various indie film magazines at the time I met a lot of filmmakers across the country and got them to work on different anthologies (Alien Agenda and Alien Conspiracy films). You see, back then it was possible to do something you loved and make some income at it. Granted, I did have a “day job” but it enabled me to make films and then with the sales of that film make other films. It was great.

But at the end of the 20th Century the markets dried up. More and more people were making movies because of easy access to quality equipment and distributors no longer licensed films. They wanted them for free and promised “residuals”. There are never any residuals. That’s one of the main reasons I haven’t made a feature in 15 years —although I enjoy it, it’s not a hobby. And it’s an unbelievable amount of work. So I switched to doing such things as PBS documentaries and got a bunch of those on PBS. On one hand it’s much easier to make a movie as in independent—but its impossible to make a living at it. Just check out all the thousands of movies included on Amazon Prime.

I understand you have penned a few books that are extremely informative for the aspiring filmmakers out in the world. Can you tell us a bit about some of these works, and what inspired you to help the up and comers out there?

The entire reason for the books is that people would always ask me film specific questions and it made sense to tell them “here, it’s all in the book,” rather than spend time repeating over and over again (I am not kidding). Also, what inspired the books was knowing all these other filmmakers throughout the years. The first book, How to Make Your Own Movies (1998) included all these filmmakers that I either knew personally or through the various film magazines and by seeing their movies. Again, all people whose work I liked. And when you read the books you’ll see that almost everyone who succeeded in making a film did it in very similar ways to get it done, which is cool. The last one in the series was How to Make Movies: Low Budget/No-Budget Indie Experts Tell All (2013) interviews an entirely different group of filmmakers, some well established like Mark Pirro (A Polish Vampire in Burbank), Glenn Andreiev, Donald Farmer and Keith Crocker and newer ones, like Steve Hudgins and Chris LaMartina (Call Girl of Cthulhu). There’s also The Documentary Moviemaking Course, which discusses in depth the way to go about making your first documentary.

In that one I talk a little about my Life of Death documentary, which interviews genre personalities (Caroline Munro, Jack Ketchum, Debbie Rochon, et cetera) on their perception of death. The two unproduced ATM scripts were written by fellow filmmaker Ron Ford (Alien Force, Mark of Dracula) and Todd French. I thought it a shame that nothing happened with these so decided to put it out as a book a few years ago. If you’re a fan of the ATM series you’ll find these very interesting…
Most recently, , I co-wrote a zombie novella with indie filmmaker Evan Jacobs called The Dead Don’t Die. Yeah, it’s a zombie novel but it has a great angle. And that may possibly become a film.

Have you had a personal experience where someone has told you that they were inspired by your books, and used them to get themselves started in the business? Any stories of success?

To this day I still get several emails a week from filmmakers asking questions and wanting advice on making movies and I always make sure to get back to them. If it’s a lot of info they want I always tell them to order one of the books since that’s the whole reason they were put together. And I’ve gotten messages from filmmakers who told me that those movies from the 90’s really inspired them to make their own movies.

What is it about the world of horror specifically about the world of horror that draws you into making film in this medium? What do you personally believe sets this world apart from other genres of film?

I loved watching vampire movies—and any monster movie—when I was a kid. This is the late 60’s/early 70’s. My grandmother was a huge influence—she loved those movies, particularly the old Universal Bela Lugosi Dracula movies, and I remember watching a lot of films with her. I also loved all the Hammer movies with Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee. In fact, when the Friday the 13th movies—and its emulators—came out I often went to see them with her since I wasn’t old enough to get into the show myself. I still watch several horror films a week and have been a reviewer (as “The Gravedigger”) for buried.com since 1998.

I think the “horror genre” allows you do do a lot of different things. You can have a dead serious one, like Saw or a comedy that’s scary like Return of the Living Dead. I know with my films there’s a lot of similarity in themes—whether someone gets transformed into a vampire or an alien it makes them think about their world a bit differently. But foremost I think unlike most other genres “Anything Goes” with horror movies. You can do whatever you want.

What is your favorite scary movie? 

I think it’s a tie between Romero’s Dawn of the Dead (1978) and The Sentinel (1977). Romero’s Dawn is the perfect zombie movie (no matter which version you’ve seen) and The Sentinel has this complete feeling of dread about it and that whole sequence involving the doorway to Hell still gives me the creeps when I watch it. Both movies still hold up over time.

What are your plans for this upcoming Halloween? Any traditions you try to uphold each year?

Believe it or not I do absolutely nothing on Halloween. When I lived in NYC and was working for a production company I had to work every Halloween, so I missed that (for over a decade) and simply got out of the habit. However, if you see my office you’ll understand that “Halloween” is every day for me. I have this giant spider in the corner of the room, which fascinates my granddaughter.. LOL.

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

For the past decade I’ve primarily been making videos for company websites from furniture to pets to surgical procedures (talk about blood!). I continue to do interviews and reviews for buried.com and I’m working on a few more fiction books.

A while back I co-wrote a script with filmmaker Tim Ritter that combines our two franchises—Addicted to Murder and Truth or Dare, called Addicted to Truth or Dare. I always loved how Full Moon Films would have characters cross over from their movies and wanted to give it a shot. Tim and I talked about doing a kickstarter campaign to fund it but he was already doing that with a film and sounded as if he didn’t have much luck—and at the time I simply didn’t have the time or inclination to go that route. But who knows? That may eventually turn into a film. Or maybe a book….

What was the last thing that made you smile?

My wife, Kate, is the funniest (and funnest) person I know. So as corny as this sounds I’m always smiling.

Look for Kevin on YouTube where you can watch full length versions of some of his films, like this one right here:

Nick Simon [Interview]

Eric Spudic [Interview]

Welcome to Day 4 of Trainwreck’d Society’s Month of Horror Showcase. Every day during the month of October, we will have a horror related interview and/or film review for your fright-filled reading pleasure! The set up will be the same as usual, but the topics will be far more terrifying. Enjoy!

As most fans of horror know, there is always a little something called a “sub-genre” within this beloved genre. Well, journalistically speaking, we would sort of like to do the same thing! Now, actor/writer/filmmaker/horror artifact (VHS tapes, to be exact) dealer Eric Spudic is a brilliant mind in the world of horror all on his own. He has appeared in dozens of some of the finest independent horror cinema to be released in the last couple of decades. He is a real force to be reckoned with in his own right, and we are so happy he has joined us here today.

But on the topic of the sub-genre, Mr. Spudic also has something else going for him that you will soon notice emerging as a minor theme for this year’s Month of Horror Showcase. If you remember back a few years ago, we named a certain filmmaker, Steve Sessions, as Trainwreck’d Society’s Person of the Year. We have written about Steve many times over the years as or admiration has yet to dissolve. So what we are going to do here, is actually manage to slip in a few interviews with some of the brilliant folks that have appeared on screen in something created by Mr. Sessions. And Mr. Eric Spudic is a brilliant man to help kick this whole thing off. Spudic appeared such Sessions classics as Aberrations, Zombie Pirates, and one of my top 5 Sessions projects, Dead Clowns.

So please enjoy some great words from the brilliant Eric Spudic! Enjoy!

When did you decide you wanted to join the world of acting?  What initially drew you into the business?  And what keeps your passion growing for this business?

I was one of those guys who became an actor by accident.  I’d made a movie in high school and sent copies to some of my favorite producers and directors.  One person called me up and complimented me on my amateur moviemaking skills.  He said that if I ever visited Hollywood, he’d put me in a movie.  A few months later, I took a trip to Los Angeles and he stuck to his word.  $750 for three lines of dialogue in a movie called Micro Mini Kids.

This was 1999.  I had such a blast doing it that I decided to pursue the whole acting thing more.  I grow my passion by changing it up.  One day I’m acting in a horror film.  The next, I’m doing stunts on a SyFy Channel movie.  Then, I’m writing a family movie.  That way I never get bored.

You have worked on a quite a few projects with our old friend, director Steve Sessions, so I was curious to ask how your experience was working under the guise of a filmmaker like Sessions?  Does it differ in any way from other projects?

I’ve always had a fantastic time working with Steve.  We met around 2000 on Ebay.  It is indeed different working with Steve.  First, he doesn’t look at his cast/crew as employees.  He treats them like family.  One second you’re in his living room, dressed up as a zombie terrorizing a hot blonde.  The next thing you know he’s asking if I need anything to drink and to help myself to the fridge.

I never even have to get a hotel room.  He provides me a spot to stay at his place, which is above and beyond what we actors expect.  Biloxi, MS is a fantastic place to shoot.  Very accommodating, nice people.  The thing that is different about Sessions is he’s almost a one-man army.  When he makes a movie, he’s shooting it, editing it, writing it, casting it, composing it.  Very multi-talented.  I hope he has a few more left in him.

You also jumped into one of finest horror franchise with some stunt work on Texas Chainsaw Massacre 3D, produced by another old friend of TWS Christa Campbell. What was it like digging into this truly fascinating and surreal world?

That was one of my favorite shoots.  2011 in Shreveport.  I was originally hired as a photo double, but next thing you know they got Leatherface tripping me with a metal hook onto these concrete steps.

They gave me kneepads to cushion the fall.  I only worked two days on the film, but was paid for four.  Super hot, sweaty shoot…..but it turned into a nice film.  It was called Leatherface 3D when we shot it.  Ever since then, I’ve heavily pursued more stunt work.

What is it about the horror genre specifically that makes you enjoy working within it?

I’m an energetic guy, so I need some monsters….blood….screaming….running….fight scenes.  I love the effects.  These days I almost prefer to be under makeup or mask.  It’s more fun being a bad guy.

What is your favorite scary movie?

Perhaps The Changeling with George C. Scott.  Incredibly creepy, great score, cool plot.  It still gives me shivers.  Watched it in a theater with a packed audience earlier this year.  I’ve seen it 15 times now.  Jooooseph….

What are your plans for this coming Halloween?  Any traditions you try to stick to each year?

I usually hit up the New Beverly Cinema and Cinefamily for their horror screenings.  Grab a soda and some popcorn and enjoy the blood and gore!  Maybe I’ll have a George Romero marathon since he was my favorite director and is very much missed.

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

I’m doing stunt classes now and trying to pick up more gigs.  I have a few movies out recently. Giantess Attack is on Amazon and Land Shark is on DVD.  I have one called Doomsday Device coming out soon.  Blink and you’ll miss me!  I would love to sell another script, so that will be my next goal.

What was the last thing that made you smile?

I run a company called Spudic’s Movie Empire.  We sell movies, books, cds, comics, games, everything.  A good friend just donated a few hundred VHS and DVDs.  I was ecstatic!  It certainly brought a huge smile to my face.

Lacey Rae [Interview]

Welcome to Day 3 of Trainwreck’d Society’s Month of Horror Showcase. Every day during the month of October, we will have a horror related interview and/or film review for your fright-filled reading pleasure! The set up will be the same as usual, but the topics will be far more terrifying. Enjoy!

Welcome back folks! Today we are kicking off our first interview with a brilliant member from the on screen world of horror. Her name is Lacey Rae, and she is absolutely incredible! Now, to simply call Lacey an actress would indeed be a bit of an insult, as she wears several hats in the world of horror and beyond, but it would be deplorable to not put a shine on her brilliant acting chops. While her acting career is not primarily in the world of horror, with credits in films like Sideways (a personal favorite of mine!), Sorority Boys, and more. But, it is her work in the world of horror that we are focusing in on here today. Notably, Lacey wore may of the previously noted hats in the upcoming film 9 Ways To Hell, a compilation of linked horror films inspired by Dante’s Inferno. Some of the greatest minds of the independent horror world are teaming up to create this sure to be masterpiece of horror cinema.

And we are so excited that Lacey Rae was able to give us a few words about this project and so much more. Even some non-horror related questions, as it was a MUST that I ask her a bit about working on Sideways. Lacey Rae is also a columnist for the very horror heavy website, Media Geeks. So she is obviously an expert in this field! And we are so happy to share her words with you today. Enjoy!

When did you first discover that you had a passion for the acting? Was it an early on set type thing, or did you just sort of fall into it?

I’ve always been a performer. I started out tap dancing when I was four, then singing (I wanted to be Madonna), then musical theater, and finally plays/film/TV. Not a great story, I know, but I’ve never wanted to do anything else!

A few years ago, you appeared in one of my favorite films of all time, a brilliant indie gem of a film entitled Sideways. How was your experience on this amazing project, working with all four of the lead roles at the same time?! Any fond memories from this shoot?

I had done background work before, but this was my first time interacting with the director and having lines on a big budget feature. It was amazing and everyone was incredibly nice and helpful. I kinda fell into it. I went to school at UC Santa Barbara, where they were filming, and there was an open call for local extras/under-5s and I sent in my headshot and resume, got called in for a speaking role, read for the casting director, and a few weeks later, I was being asked to set!

Virginia Madsen and Sandra Oh were both very sweet. Virginia, especially, wanted to help me out career-wise as much she could and guided me toward a few acting networks in Los Angeles, for when I got out of school. I got to chat with Thomas Haden Church in the make-up trailer and asked him about one of my favorite films, Tombstone, which he was happy to talk about. I didn’t interact much with Paul Giamatti much, as he spent his time getting into character and preparing, which is totally understandable.

Alexander Payne was so caring on set. He kept giving me more to say! I remember right before my first take (with the four leads looking at me), he said not to worry if I forgot a line, but to just keep going. Of course, once he said “Action” I blanked on everything! I was mortified, but I got there eventually and the rest of the takes were A-OK. Alexander called me a few months later, when Sideways was nominated for an Oscar, just to make sure I was getting “all the proper Sideways love”. I couldn’t ask for a better experience.

I am intrigued by a project that you have coming up that you not only act in, but pulled an Executive Producer gig as well with your contribution to the anthology called 9 Ways To Hell. Can you tell us a bit about your involvement with this project, and what we should be looking forward to?

Shortly after a break-up (so I desperately needed an outlet), I joined a filmmaker Meetup in Hollywood. I met a ton of amazing and talented people there and we started making short films, most of which landed in the horror or comedy genres. About a year after making so many shorts, my friend Nick and I were talking and decided that, instead of making shorts, let’s put that time and energy into a feature. OK, but what kind? Since most of the group, Nick and I especially, are so into horror, we decided to make a horror anthology, giving the multitude of writer/directors their own segment to work with, while Nick and I spear-headed the overall picture (and he wrote/directed one of the segments).

9 Ways to Hell is based off Dante’s 9 circles of Hell. It begins with a short prologue and transitions, in order, through the 9 circles. We didn’t want the film to be only a series of shorts, so we really took time and energy figuring out how to weave certain themes and iconography throughout the segments, sometimes through the use of props or actors. And we also included easter eggs for those who are very familiar with Dante’s work.

For more info/pics/screening info, we are encouraging people to subscribe to our website and Facebook page.

9 Ways to Hell
FB: http://www.facebook.com/9WaysToHell/
Website: http://www.9waystohell.com
Instagram/Twitter: @9waystohell
Asterion Arts: http://www.asterion-arts.com/

While you have obviously worked in several different genres throughout your career, it is indeed our Month of Horror showcase right now, so I am inclined to ask: What do you love about working in the world of horror? What sets this genre apart from the others?

I’m not sure what it is about horror that draws me in, even from such a young age, but I’ll take a stab (wink, wink) at it. What’s funny is that I don’t get scared easily, but watching scary movies provides a release of repressed emotions. The building suspense and the ultimate calm after the scare. That rollercoaster of adrenaline. Not to mention, many horror movies are SO over the top they turn campy, which is just fun. I know they’re not real, so I don’t internalize anything.

Why do I want to act IN horror films? Because everything in a horror movie is pretty much life-and-death, the stakes are super high. The emotions are drastic. I get to be in a world that I (hopefully) will never experience in real life. I get to access emotional parts of me that are typically hidden away or useless in everyday life. Horror movies offer a chance to access those emotions and let them out. It’s cathartic. It can be fun to get messy or “bloody” and scream your head off. And the best part is that it’s not hurting anyone. The beauty of acting, in my opinion, is experience, living a different life for a little while. Horror just kicks that up a notch.

What is your favorite scary movie?

I always liked monsters, from “Thriller” to The Monster Squad. But my first REAL horror film was Scream, which is why I think it’s my favorite. I may not have understood all the tropes they were making fun of, but I loved it just the same. I wanted to be Drew Barrymore in it (without the death part, of course), and I actually got to recreate that opening scene for a little project for a friend many years later. If I remember correctly, I saw Scream in theaters 9 times – one was a midnight showing where I won a poster and Jiffy Pop.

I was never scared by the paranormal, so I find slasher flicks more scary and relatable. This could happen in real life. Combined with the clever humor and fun cast, Scream hit the right tone at the right time in my life. I was hooked ever since.

Other favorites: Event Horizon, The Strangers, The Evil Dead series (including the remake), Saw, and Cabin in the Woods.

What are your plans for this coming Halloween? Any sort of traditions you try to uphold each year?

I’ve gone to Universal Horror Nights for many years now, so I’m definitely doing that. Last year, one of my favorites was 17th Door, which is coming back this year in Fullerton. Since I write reviews for Media-Geeks.com, I’m going to a lot of previews for haunts like Magic Mountain’s Fright Fest, Into the Black, and Mable’s 6-Feet Under, as well as some immersive theater like The Tension Experience and Apartment 213. I think I’m most looking forward to a costume party with friends at Beetle House, the Tim Burton-themed pop-up bar in Hollywood, so I can just let loose (and I love dressing up). I like doing everything Halloween I can fit in!

What does the future hold for you? Any projects coming up that you would like to tell our readers about?

Two of my short films got accepted into their (and my) first film festival, so I’m excited about that and hope to submit them into more. One of them was already on Fun-Size Horror at:

https://www.funsizehorror.com/watch-now/from-zombie-with-love

We have one segment left to film for 9 Ways to Hell, but I’m looking forward to submitting that to festivals and promoting the HELL (see what I did there?) out of it to get distribution. I also have a small part in Tom Six’s next film, The Onania Club, which I’m super excited to see!

While I love horror and want to do so much more in the genre, I have a web series I’m writing (and will act in) which is a comedy and a definite departure from my last few projects. I’m also a co-host on the podcast “Mary Dates L.A.” which will be launching very soon. The idea is to keep busy creating and pushing to make a dent in the industry, while auditioning for everything I can.

Lacey Rae
Website: http://www.laceyrae.com
YouTube: Lacey Rae Pawlowicz
Instagram/Twitter: @LaceyRae17

What was the last thing that made you smile?

Today, probably the little bit of rain we got. Cuddling in bed with my black cat, Sergeant Pepper. Or a stupid pun/dad-joke from one of my co-workers. I love dad-jokes!

Michael Hurst [Interview]

Welcome to Day 2 of Trainwreck’d Society’s Month of Horror Showcase. Every day during the month of October, we will have a horror related interview and/or film review for your fright-filled reading pleasure! The set up will be the same as usual, but the topics will be far more terrifying. Enjoy!

For our first interview in our Month of Horror Showcase, we really wanted to come out swinging, and show you fine readers that we are indeed, not fucking around. Today’s interview subject is an acclaimed writer and filmmaker in the world of horror, mystery, thriller, suspense, and more. His name is Michael Hurst. This is a guy who has written and directed some of the most truly original cinematic adventures over the last 20 years. He was written roles that have become somewhat hidden gems and treasures for folks like Christine Taylor, Jerry O’Connell, Zoë Bell, Shawn Wayans, and more. While his work is obviously not specified just to the world of horror, it is indeed a world that he has managed to dabble in enough to considered one of the greats in the field. My initial reason for looking into the work of this brilliant Englishman was my love for the incredible Pumpkinhead franchise. As he will explain further, Michael was involved with the fourth installment of the franchise, 2007’s Pumpkinhead: Blood Feud.

So with that, I shall stop rambling and let Mr. Hurst speak for himself a bit. He had some wonderful stories to tell you fine readers. So let’s enjoy!

When did you first realize you wanted to be a storyteller and filmmaker? When did the passion begin?

Erick Avari [Interview]

Today’s interview subject is the real damned deal, Folks! This man is a master of the acting craft, and a legend in the theatre! Now, granted, I became initially interested in speaking with Erick Avari because of his brief appearance in a Pauly Shore movie, but that is because I am an uncultured monster. So, please excuse me for that. But, I believe this also just proves his versatility is absolutely amazing! Avari is the type of talent that everyone recognizes and respects, and should get far more credit than he does.

Seriously folks, whether it is a silly little role on a film like Encino Man or it is Shakespeare, This man is one of the greats. He just does it all! From over a 100 television appearances, the recognizable voice of Master Rahool in Destiny & Destiny 2, to whatever you can think of! His work ethic is amazing and deserves to be honored. And I hope we can do a little bit of that here today.

So ladies and gentlemen, please stand up while you are reading these amazing words from the brilliant actor, the master of his craft, Erick Avari!

P.S. You don’t really have to stand…..or do you?

What was it like for you coming up through the American cinema ranks to become the acclaimed actor you are today? You’ve been at it a long time, and definitely earned your stripes! But did you have any lower times you can tell us about?

Well before I even considered doing film or tv I struggled mightily to legitimize my theatrical career on stage. It took 3 very long years to get my equity card and the prospects of doing so were more than daunting for a non equity actor from a little state school somewhere across the tunnel, let alone being from India! However I was extremely fortunate to finally get cast in one of the many, off off Broadway plays moved to an Off Broadway contract and more importantly, I went with the show in a role of a lifetime. Unfortunately the production didn’t live up to the hopes of the producers and it was short lived. New doors suddenly opened for me once I became an AEA member and although there were slow times between paying, albeit next to nothing but looking back on my career I’d say that was the most daunting hurdle I had to overcome. Beyond that was gravy.

You have an extremely varied, and impressive, list of credits to your name. From Pauly Shore/Adam Sandler fronted comedies to dark horror/thrillers to serious groundbreaking dramas. In your personal opinion and obvious experience, what would you say is your favorite genre of film or television to work in?

I do love film for sure. It’s the next best thing to theater and often times can prove just as exciting and fulfilling as any theater experience. The pace lends itself to digging a little deeper into the character and being a Directors’ medium one gets to collaborate with some great talent and experienced professionals.

You are also no stranger to the world of theatre. I always love to hear what it is that theatre performers love most about this craft? What is the most exciting thing about working on a play that you can try to explain to those of us who would never have the courage to put ourselves out there as you do?

Perhaps because I have done theater from a very young age I find theater easier than TV. And even film to some degree. I relished the rehearsal process and loved being consumed with the character, the play and the production itself. Not only do you have the luxury of time but also opportunities to try different things, look at the role in as many different lights as would strike my imagination etc etc. As opposed to film or especially TV, where you only have the one day to execute and you better bring your a game or you missed it.

You appeared in Woody Allen’s only television movie to date, Don’t Drink the Water, which was phenomenal. What was it like working under the guise of a legend like Woody Allen? In your personal opinion, what do you believe it is that sets Woody’s directorial style apart from others you have worked with?

It’s hard to talk about someone like Woody Allen in just a few sentences for one and all I can say is once I got over the parallels from being star struck I learned more about acting on camera during that 4 week period than 6 years of college! He very much trusts his actors and he has the ability to nudge the performance from his actors. It was an education I couldn’t afford given to me and I was and still am deeply grateful for the opportunity.

You had a great reoccurring role on the HBO series The Brink during it’s sadly short run. This show was so much fun, and I was sad that it didn’t continue on. But given it as it is, how was your experience working on such a unique project? Was there anything about working on this series that set itself apart from other gigs you have worked on?

Yeah, two words, Jack Black!

He even let me play his Gibson Dove, in candy apple red nonetheless!

In your obviously expert opinion, what would you say has been the biggest change to the world of acting since the insane advancements in technology over the last 20 years or so? Do you believe the times are now better or worse in the acting world?

Camera equipment and computer editing software have made it incredibly easy to make content! The bad news is that the market is saturated with content and the good often gets lost in the shuffle. But heck, it sure is nice to be able to have the tools to actually go and a make a film for peanuts if you pull together a resourceful team all working toward the same goal.

As a man who has had a brilliant career both on and off screen, what type of sage like advice would you be willing to give to younger artists trying to start out in the world of acting in this day and age?

Get your Equity card even if you have to buy it! Being well versed in the Theater is like learning your scales for a musician. But if film is what draws you then go out and look for a great script! If you find that great script you will get a great director and actors and then you’re off and running. Of course, easier said than done but my point is it all starts and ends with the script! Write, buy, try not to steal a good script!

What do you have coming up that you would like to share with our readers? Anything to plug?

I am traveling the country in my Motor coach and my dog in search of beauty, kindness and oh yes, King Lear. Basically I’m on an extended sabbatical but I did get to play with Nick Nolte on Graves in a fun part.

What was the last thing that made you smile?

My dog, Tootsie. 5 minutes ago!

Greg Grabianski [Interview]

Today’s interviewee is a guy who I had no idea was impacting my life in a truly fantastic way. Greg Grabianski is an amazing wordsmith who has worked on some of the most hilarious shows and films of our lifetime. From the Scary Movie franchise, to one of my favorite programs of all time, Beavis & Butthead, all the way up to his most recent project, Pickle & Peanut. The latter which also happens to feature our old pal Johnny Pemberton as Peanut!

Yes, for several decades now, Greg has been working on projects you all know and love, whether you realized it or not. He has had a career that is beyond worthy of being shown off a bit. Not to mention he gave us some of the best answers we have ever received here at TWS. He is genuine hell of a guy, and we are so very proud that he has agreed to answer some questions for us today!

So ladies and gentlemen, the great Greg Grabianski!

How did you find yourself in the world of comedy? Have you always had the ability to make people laugh even as a child? Basically, when did you realize that this was the business you wanted to be a part of?

My dad was a cartoonist who had been pretty famous in Europe, so I was around cartoons and jokes since day one. I grew up formed by Mad and Cracked, Wacky Packages, Tex Avery, Tom & Jerry, Three Stooges, Mel Brooks, classic SNL, The Zucker Brothers, Three’s Company. I loved that stuff so much that it was hardwired into me and I wanted to be like all those people: coming up with that kind of stuff seemed like the most fun thing in the world. It also helped that I despised manual labor of any kind and got fired from every non-creative job I’ve ever done. So you see, there was nothing else I could have become.

I have fond memories of The Keenen Ivory Wayans Show hitting the air, and remember believing it was so great and so unique to other later night programming of the time. Of course I was 13 years old, so I’m not sure if that had anything to do with it. I do know I was extremely saddened when it didn’t last as long as I would have liked. I know what I loved about the program, but I’d love to hear what you thought of your stint on this show? What do you believe the ill-informed viewers (as I would call them) simply missing?

The KIW Show was my first staff writing job in TV so I was too inexperienced to realize just how fucked up things were behind the scenes, haha. We were flying by the seat of our pants. We had no “banked” sketches, so we had to come up with new stuff every day. We would pitch new ideas at 10:00 am, finish scripts by noon, get it shot, edited and have it up on the satellite by 5 p.m. The pressure was on every day, but it was exhilarating and fun and we did some fucking insane sketches, all on the fly. After awhile, though, we stopped doing sketches and cut back on the comedy for reasons I’m still unclear on. That’s when I got frustrated and bored, so I quit. A month later, the show was canceled. I think the audience had come to expect these great little weirdo sketches every night, and when they stopped getting them they just tuned out.

A few years later you would rejoin the acclaimed Wayans team to work on one of the greatest spoof films of all time, and arguably one of the finest comedy sequels of all time, Scary Movie 2. How was your experience in working on a very specific type of film like this? Are there specific factors you can tell us about it that make it a different experience all together?

Well the team of writers that are credited with Scary Movie 2 are the team who also wrote the first Scary Movie. We were shafted out of credits for the first one because of studio politics and a weak Writer’s Guild who didn’t stand by us. That aside, writing those movies was just like when you get together with your friends and sit around laughing, making fun of shitty films. But on a higher level because everyone in that room was really funny, so it’s fun and loose, but it’s also serious business. We’d also get “homework” to go off and write parody versions of scenes from different films and bring them in the next day. The great thing about those movies is we just did whatever made us laugh and didn’t worry about things like plot or logic or how it was actually going to be pulled off. Later, we were on set for both films to come up with more stuff on the fly, banging out scenes last minute in the hotel in Vancouver or in the trailers in LA, watching Keenen making all our insane blather a reality. That was a lot of fun.

A lot of writers have been credited as working on this film as well, leaving you in some damn fine company. So what sort of specific scenarios in the film would you say you individually brought to the film?

Oh, man. When you write in a room with others, we all add to the comedy stew. Are there individual scenes in Scary Movie and Scary Movie 2 that are “mine”? Of course. But I won’t tell you which ones. The team that wrote those two movies was stronger than any individual parts. We all had different strengths and weaknesses that complemented one another. People think they can just throw some writers together and come up with something funny. A great comedy writing team is like a band playing music: they have to gel and have to know how to play together. That’s the genius of a guy like Keenen: getting together a team like that and letting us run wild.

After working on Beavis and Butthead during its original run, what was it like to return to the program in 2011. With all of the advancements in media since the show ended back in the 90’s, was it strange to reach back into the time capsule that was this show and start anew? What was that experience like?

I’m not sure what “advancements in media” you mean, but I don’t see Beavis & Butthead as a time capsule at all. You could bring Beavis & Butthead back again in 2025 and they’d still be relevant. Every guy has an inner Beavis & Butthead they can relate to. That relatability is also why it was so easy and fun to get back into writing for the 2011 season. Another thing that made it cool was working out the stories more directly with Mike Judge. In the 90’s I would fax in ideas and scripts, but this time around I got to hang out with Mike, both of us improvising Beavis and Butthead’s voices and letting the characters decide what they wanted to do. It was a great way of working out a story. And look, who wouldn’t want to spend time being Beavis and Butthead with Mike Judge and get paid for it? I love the 2011 Beavis & Butthead. There’s some of my favorite B&B stories in that season.

You have also worked on an abundance of programs geared towards children with the likes of Nickelodeon and Disney. As a man behind shows like Beavis and Butthead and other shows clearly not meant for a child to gaze upon, what is it like to maneuver between these worlds? Do you find it more restrictive to work on the world of television geared for younger audiences?

Not at all. I just wrote on staff for the second season of Pickle & Peanut for Disney and it was as much fun to write for as Beavis or anything else I’ve done. Adult humor doesn’t necessarily make a show any more or less restrictive. Pickle & Peanut is a subversive, really fun adult show disguised as a kid’s show. It’s silly as fuck, but it’s also really smart. I’m amazed at what we were able to get away with on Pickle & Peanut. People can’t believe it’s a Disney show—especially the Disney executives, haha. I hope we get to do a Season 3, but even if we don’t I think people are going to look back on Pickle & Peanut and realize how great of a show it was and how ahead of it’s time it was in the realm of so-called “children’s TV”.

I’ve read through the glory of the Internet that you are quite the world traveler. Well, I guess I read that one single line on a website, so it has to be fact. Anyway, what sort of traveling do you like to do? Where are some specific places you have visited that may have inspired your work as a writer, if any?

Traveling is not so much a specific inspiration, but more of a cleansing of the mental palette. Being part of our culture in America we tend to unconsciously fall into similar thought patterns because people take in the same TV shows, books, movies, news, sights, etc. As a writer, or any creative person, your job—if you do it well— is to interpret the world in new and interesting ways. But that’s hard to do if you’re ingesting the same stimuli, having the same conversations as everyone else. When you go around the world, you see that people do not think like Americans do, their priorities are different, and that outside perspective is a beautiful and essential thing for a creative person to experience.

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

The new season of Pickle & Peanut starts on October 23rd! Yes, it’s on Disney XD, and it’s a little tricky to find but it’s well worth it! If you enjoy Beavis & Butthead, you’ll like Pickle & Peanut. There’s no dick jokes—at least not ones that are easy to spot—but like Beavis and Butthead, it captures the essence of what it is to be an American teenage shithead just hanging out with your best friend and being stupid— and what could be better than that?

What was the last thing that made you smile?

Sitting at home in my underwear, listening to punk and metal while writing short stories. There’s nothing better, man.

Alyson Sullivan [Interview]

We have a very special interview for you folks today to kick off this exciting week. For long time readers, you will know that I am a HUGE fan of the 2008 biker classic entitled Hell Ride. The film was featured in our Sunday Matinee series, and we have spoken with the creator of the film, Mr. Larry Bishop. And our dear friend Laura Cayoutte can be seen int he film as well. And wouldn’t you know it, we have yet another on screen genius who was featured prominently in Hell Ride! Aren’t you all just some lucky truckers!

Beyond Hell Ride, Alyson Sullivan has had an amazing career on screen working on films and shows like Power Rangers Wild Force and Undressed. For our younger readers out there, her role as Taylor in Wild Force might be her most recognizable accomplishment. But, Alyson has accomplished a whole lot in her career, and we are very excited that she took some time to answer a few questions from us. So ladies and gentlemen, please enjoy some great words with the wonderful Alyson Sullivan!

You began acting very early on in life. What was one of the earliest projects you can remember working on? How was that experience 

for you at such a young age?

The first show I was on was called The Torkelsons in 1991 which aired on NBC. It was a multi camera sitcom with a great cast and sweet premise. I played the rich mean snotty girl in school, Dream Donathan, who loved to tease and torture the lead Dorothy Jane played by the very talented Olivia Burnette. It was my first time on such a large set and studio lot as I’d only filmed commercials before that. The part was originally meant to be a guest star but turned into a recurring role so to have that be my first TV experience was amazing. I learned so much on that set as they were patient with me and Olivia already being such a seasoned actress by the age of fifteen really helped me out and was such a generous actor to work with.

What is it like to be a part of the renowned Power Ranger franchise in the Wild Force series? Have you experienced a great bit of fandom from your time on this series? 



Shooting the show was unlike anything I’d ever done. I’d mostly appeared on sitcoms and more serious dramas so playing an Air Force Pilot who also happened to be a super hero, that was a challenge!! Really only in the past few years have I realized just how large the Power Ranger fandom truly is. I appear at conventions and fans drive hours and fly from all over the world to meet us. It’s pretty mind blowing. The fans are super sweet and kind and supportive and I feel truly blessed for their friendship.

What was a typical day like when shooting Wild Force? To the common viewer, it appears as though it may be exhausting, but possibly a great deal of fun. Am I even close with this assumption?

Some days were fun…..many were challenging as they were very physical with choreographed fight scenes and extreme temperatures. The days began at 5:45 a.m. and could consist of running from huge explosions to fighting stuntmen in monster suits to green screen shoots in my F16!

In 2008 you appeared as Gigi in a film written and produced by our friend Larry Bishop, and featuring another dear friend Laura Cayoutte, which I consider to be a modern grind house classic entitled Hell Ride. So, what was it like working under the guise of Larry on a motorcycle movie? Did it feel like much of a departure from your previous work?

Really loved shooting with Larry Bishop  and Laura Cayoutte. I’d met Larry when I was filming on the set of Laura’s short film Intermission which was how I was cast in Hell Ride. They’re both such a good vibe and such professionals so being on set with them was such a pleasure. Playing one of Michael Madsen’s girlfriends was so much fun as well as working with Michael Beach who’s also so super talented! My character Gigi was similar to a character I’d played in a film ten years prior in that her dialogue was funny. Normally in comedies I’ve always been cast as the straight/dry character which can get old so when Larry gave me the part of Gigi I jumped at the chance to let my sailor mouth take over!  Making such legendary actors laugh in our scenes…..that was something I’ll never forget!

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



That’s a tough question. I grew up obsessed with acting. Watching women and men live these fantasy lives on the big screen. Their power to make me laugh and cry in the same moment. There have been so many characters that made me dream of acting and have inspired me to persist even to this day. My greatest joy though is making people laugh so the many roles of Steve Martin or Chevy Chase….Lucille Ball or Richard Pryor. It’s never been only one character male or female but the type of role which takes great acting skills while being extremely comedic at the same time.

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



It’s funny that this question follows the previous one as I’m about to begin shooting again soon and I’ll be playing my dream role….the part of a lifetime really. I have the honor of starring in Larry Bishop’s next film The One-Way Ride. The part I’m playing is the most challenging role I’ve ever read in any script over the past three decades. I can’t give away too much about the film as I wan’t you to experience every twist and turn Larry has in store or everyone!

What was the last thing that made you smile? 



We have three dogs, three cats and two birds……a small zoo you could say. They always make me smile 🙂