Katie Burgess [Interview]

We have a pretty awesome interview for you fine readers today. Recently I was passed along a screener for a nice little indie horror flick entitled Gremlin. It was a fun film to watch, but when I finished it, I was left with one large question….who is this amazing young actress who plays Anna? That young actress turned out to be the amazing Katie Burgess. And while I know I can’t be the first to say this, I still feel so compelled to say it…this is a young woman to look out for in the future. She is an amazingly talented actress who absolutely stole the show in Gremlin.

While looking into the work of Ms. Burgess, I soon learned that it was not just dumb luck and pure talent (which she definitely seems to have been born with) that made her performance in Gremlin so amazing. No, Katie has been doing this job for quite some time despite her young age. And dammit she is good at it! Again, if you are not yet familiar with the work of Katie Burgess, I am absolutely certain you soon will. That being said, we are so happy that she has been generous enough to share a few words with us here at Trainwreck’d Society. So ladies and gentleman, please enjoy our interview with the amazing actress, and the woman who has officially knocked out our old friend Tara Lynne Barr as our youngest interviewee to date, the wonderful Katie Burgess!

You’ve been acting for quite a long time for someone who is so young. When did you decide you wanted to be an actress? And what compelled you to join the world of acting?

When I was much younger (around 7) I was very shy. My mom decided that bringing me to an open audition for a local musical would be a good way for me to overcome my bashfulness. I ended up actually getting cast in the musical(Seussical the Musical) with a friend and that was the beginning of my journey. Around two years and 4 productions later I decided that I wanted to try my hand at film acting. My mom worked hard to find an agency in Oklahoma and scheduled an interview for me. I signed on with an agency soon after and booked my first commercial the next day. It’s always been so much fun for me which is really important in any business. You have to really love it.

 

Philip Anthony-Rodriguez [Interview]

Today’s interviewee is another amazingly talented on screen and voice over actor working today. Philip Anthony-Rodriguez has had regular on screen appearances on TV shows like Grimm, The Secret Life of an American Teenager, 24, and so many more! And in the world of video games, Philip is a voice you will all surely know and love in projects like Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, Rise of the Tomb Raider, Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare, Halo: Reach, and so many more.

But as many of our regular readers will know…if we are have an acclaimed voice over artists featured on the site, there is a 110% chance, they were also a part of a dearly beloved video game series here at Trainwreck’d Society. And you all would be absolutely correct. Mr. Rodriguez is the man who was responsible for bringing to life the smooth-talking, hard-working, name-reminiscent of a biker town in South Dakota, the great Sturgis! His Sanctuary’s own handy helper is with us today, and we could not be more excited to have him. And as an added bonus, Philip has also appeared in episode of the TWS acclaimed television series Becker, so you know we had to ask him about some of that magic. If there is one thing you could call us here at TWS, it is persistent. We know what we want, and we know what we love. And we love the work of Philip Anthony-Rodriguez!

So please enjoy some great words from the amazing actor and voice over artist, Philip Anthony-Rodriquez. And as he mentions in the interview itself, find Philip when you are making the rounds at this year’s San Diego Comic Con. Enjoy!

When did you realize you wanted to become an actor? Was it a passion from a young age or did you just sort of fall into it? 

It was a little bit of both. I’ve always been a fan of TV and film. But when I was 9, a woman named Jeanne Niederlitz came to my hometown community center in Brooklyn with a summer theater troupe for kids. It was called Acting By Children (ABC) and we’d put on original musicals all performed by kids: costumes, rehearsals, audiences, the works!  I was instantly hooked! Later, Jeanne went on to be my very first manager. I then went on to do commercials, small parts in movies, TV shows …and the rest, as they say, is history.

What was the first film/television show you can remember having your name appear in the credits? Do you remember what you were doing at that exact moment when you first saw it?

I was cast as the lead guest star on one of Dick Wolf’s early hit shows called New York Undercover. This show had the actor credits at the beginning of the show. My heart skipped a beat and I got choked up seeing my name up on the screen. And it was even more special because I believe I was on screen when my name appeared.  I felt like I had finally “made it” as an actor (hahaha). It was a dream fulfilled!

You had a solid run on the hit television show Grimm. What was it like working on a show like this? And how did you enjoy my homeland up there in the Pacific Northwest?

Oh boy! This was a real treat working on for many reasons. It reunited me with my uber producer David Greenwalt from my days starring on Jake 2.0, which incidentally was a GREAT series that wasn’t given the chance it deserved to remain on the air. ;). But with Grimm, I was joining an established hit show and I got to have in on the fun and be a part of something really special. I also got to play a reeeaally slick but evil, Bond-esque, “Euro-Villain” name Marcus Rispoli. This was awesome for a few reasons. A) I wasn’t pigeonholed into being (solely) a Latino character with a Latino surname (nothing wrong with that, by the way) so it was nice to not be “Latino Phil” for something. B) He was an absolute badass that wore expensive suits and could kill you with his steely, death stare! Lol. And C) It gave me the opportunity to perform the character with the quasi-British/Mid-Atlantic accent I had worked on for years and SO wanted to “unleash” it onto the world. 🙂

The show’s cast and crew were top-notch as well as was your “homeland”. They and the city of Portland welcomed me with open arms…and sometimes a hug as well!   I always looked forward to flying up there from LA to work. And can I just say, “Portland, man! SUCH an awesome foodie town!!” I mean it, I had some of THE best food while I was there. So much so that I’d often find myself saying, “Eat your heart out, Paris, New York and L.A.!!” Portland is on the map for food glory these days!

I know it has been a long time, and it was only one episode, but you appeared on one of my favorite television sitcoms of all time, the amazing Becker. So I am obliged to ask, how did you enjoy being on that set? Was it a memorable experience in any way?

Oh wow, that is going back a bit! But hey, Becker…what can I say? Got to work with the legendary Ted Danson as well as the rest of that stellar cast. It was a short but sweet gig. But it was also special because it was a Christmas episode…those are ALWAYS fun! It also has the virtue of being THE first sitcom I worked on. What better way to get your feet wet than by being on a winner like that?

What would you say are the pro’s and cons of voice over work as compared to your on-screen work? Do you have a preference between the two?

Well, the pros are many with voice over work. I do it with just as much frequency as I do with my on-screen work. And it is the “bread and butter” work for me…from said frequency perspective. But you’ve also heard other voice talent mention the obvious perks: You can just roll outta bed in your jammies and into the recording booth if you want…because no one can see you. But that’s kinda gross. I like to at least wear jeans and a tee shirt! 😉 But seriously, doing voice over work is typically more “exotic” work for me. As in you typically perform unusual characters that you don’t often get to play on screen. With voice over work, I’ve gotten to play a “Spartan” super-soldier in Halo Reach, a homicidal super-cyborg in Metal Gear, an immortal shaman and rebel leader in Rise of the Tomb Raider and a member of an alien races of all shapes and sizes countless times. THAT’S pretty cool, in my book. There’s also that extra special goose-bumpy feeling that occurs when you see YOUR voice put to an animated or computer generated image of your character. It is…fascinating, to say the least. Some of the cons are that voice work CAN put a strain on your voice. Especially when we’re working on high octane, action-filled, single-shooter type games. Nothing that a couple days’ rest can’t fix, though.

And then you have screen work. Which can be a totally different beast altogether. That has its merit and uniqueness to it too. I know for me, I still get a kick out of seeing myself on the screen. Especially if, as I’ve said before, I’m doing something cool I don’t always get to do in real life. Again, I think it’s pretty cool. How many people get to say that?? That’s why I don’t buy it when you hear some actors say, “Oh, I don’t watch myself on screen!” Why the heck not?? That always sounds a little pretentious to me sometimes. Enjoy it. Revel in it! Be proud of it. You can do that without making it seem like you’re gloating or full of yourself. 🙂

How was your experience working on Fallout 4 as the go-to fixer of Sanctuary Hills, Sturges? Was it exceptional to other projects you have worked on in any way?

You know, it’s funny how the whole Sturges thing panned out for me. This was yet another situation where I got to go “against type” for me. A rockabilly, Elvis-inspired, do-it-all Mr. Fixit with a southern drawl for the ages! I mean, I’m a Puerto Rican kid…from Brooklyn, for cryin’ out loud! And here I am, suddenly thrust into a hit game AND franchise. Actors never see the forest for the trees with regard to how well a video game is going to be…or how popular. We just go into the booth and once there, the sessions are very methodical–in the sense that there is a lot of information and words you must dole out. BUT you also have to create and instill the performance aspect to it and bring that character to life. That’s why gaming and performances are SO “cinematic” these days. With the advent of CGI, motion and face capture, designers are always looking for solid and experienced actors to work on these games. That’s why you have stars like Kevin Spacey showing up on your most recent version of Call of Duty. You would’ve never seen this happen say, 25 years ago. Again, Sturges for me was exceptional in the sense that I got to play someone I’d probably never get to play on screen. And that,in itself, is special.

What has the fan reaction been like since Fallout 4 was released? Do you find Fallout fans to be a bit more fanatical (no pun intended) than other projects you have worked on?

The fan reaction has been unprecedented… at least for me. Like I said before, actors don’t know how well something is going to be until it’s released, gained some momentum with fans and then has that snowball effect in popularity. I LOVE how fans react to a game’s success (or failure). It’s always cool to read official fan Twitter feeds and how fans always refer to you by your character name when asking questions or posting game related tidbits. They really are savvy enough to know when something works and is clicking for them. If it’s entertaining enough and whether it holds its own as compared to other games, the buck ALWAYS stops with fans in terms of how successful a game is going to be…critics and game magazine reviews, be damned.! So, as a game designer, you better make sure you’re putting out a great product. Fans and true gamers can smell out a stinker. lol. It’s strange though what fans zero in on with characters on projects I’ve worked on. I’ve been on a few GTA series and it’s hilarious to me that I always get recognized for Maurice Chavez…a radio personality and voice you ONLY hear on the radio during game play. Too funny.

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

Well, for the immediate future, ComicCon Conventions. So, check out a ComicCon and gaming conventions near you. I’ll be attending the mother of all conventions in July, San Diego ComicCon with a signing booth! I am stoked, to say the least. I’ll be signing photos, memorabilia and action figures from Star Wars Rebels, Grimm all game projects I’ve been a part of over the years. Sooo, if you plan to be around for the festivities, I’d love it if fans would drop by and say, “whassup!?”. I also have a Guest Star role coming up on the Season 2 of Queen of the South for USA Networks. For the long term, I am super proud of the fact that I am a dad again! My wife Cindy and I are the proud mama and papa of a beautiful and totally awesome baby boy! So, that for me is my greatest adventure. But I’m sure you’ll be seeing me up on the big screen and/or the virtual world in the very near future! 😀

What was the last thing that made you smile?

Seeing my baby boy being born! And when he looks up at me…and smiles. (sniff, sniff!) Gets me all the time! 😉

Check out this video courtesy of Luridus for a great example of Philip’s work on Fallout 4 as Sturgis:

Larry Bishop [Interview]

Today’s interviewee is a very special person to me personally, and somebody you are all sure to love to all end. He’s one of the most recognizable badasses the cinema world has ever known, and an absolutely delight to see on the screen. If you are a normal human being and started at the top of this post, you know it is Larry Bishop.

That’s right, THE Larry Bishop! One of the original kings of the biker film world, and a regular in the Tarantino universe. He is the mastermind behind the Quentin Tarantino presented film Hell Ride, which we have talked about previously when we spoke with one of the film’s associate producers and actresses Laura Cayouette, who remains a dear friend of ours here at TWS, and remains as one of our favorite films of all time. He has also had some amazing roles in films like Kill Bill Vol. 2, The Sting II, and his brilliant breakout performance in 1968’s The Savage Seven.

This is an interview that has been literal years in the making, but it was SO worth the wait. We finally have some amazing words from Larry that we are so excited to share with you all right now. So, please Ladies and Gentlemen, please enjoy some amazing words from the legendary man we know and love, the great Larry Bishop!

When did you first realize you wanted to join the world of acting? Was there any sort of inspiration stemming from living around your father’s career?

From the time I was 9 years old, I had the opportunity to see and be around Dean Martin in person many times. I knew right then that I definitely wanted to be in show business.

Around the same time, my parents took me to the movies one night. We saw a Stanley Kubrick film, Paths Of Glory, starring Kirk Douglas and featuring Timothy Carey. I left the theatre thinking that’s exactly what I want to do one day: act in motion pictures.

When I was 15, my family moved to California. At Beverly Hills High School, I met Richard Dreyfuss, Rob Reiner, and Al Einstein (Albert Brooks). We bonded in a big way… and we encouraged each other big-time. That was the year I knew I’d be an actor.

And what keeps you in the business? What keeps you striving to create art?

The idea that I will unveil something about the nature of the universe that no one else has ever thought of.

When I was 6 years, I was very influenced by The Emperor’s New Clothes — the Hans Christian Anderson story.

In my teens, I was intrigued by the philosophers Arthur Schopenhauer (The World As Will And Representation), Nietzsche, and Jacques Derrida (the “Deconstruction” guy).

Regarding actors, Marlon Brando broke ground — he did things that no one else had ever even thought of doing.

What they all had in common: they were all rebels… which led me into the one “rebel” genre in films — the motorcycle movie.

Your role in Tarantino’s Kill Bill Vol. 2 was absolutely fucking phenomenal, to put it bluntly. I was seriously awestruck. Can you tell us a bit about working on this project? What drew you to take this part?

Quentin wrote the part for me. And… he was naming the part “Larry”. And… he told the Wardrobe Dept. that he only wanted me to wear my clothes from my closet. And… he allowed me to do the part exactly the way I saw it.

I wanted my character to connote Power, even though his office is the smallest office I’ve ever seen in any movie. I felt my character — in his world — was as big as Sinatra in his world. So I slowed down my movements and line-deliveries, particularly at the beginning of the scene.

When Michael Madsen walked into my office, I stared at him for 12 seconds — every take, every angle. After awhile, Michael came over to me and said that he couldn’t believe Quentin was letting me eat up 12 seconds of film in every take — knowing, of course, it would never be in the film. But… Quentin used all of it in the film!

Two other things that made it such a perfect day. #1: When we were going through the first rehearsal, Bob Richardson — the great cinematographer — turned to Quentin and said, “Who the fuck is this guy?” Bob didn’t know anything about me but I guess I definitely got his attention — Quentin immediately launched into a ten-minute film history of who I was! #2: After the first take, Michael Madsen strolled over to me and said, “Larry, the scene’s all yours.” I felt it was a generous thing to say to another actor. In the spirit of reciprocal generosity, I wrote the role of “The Gent” in Hell Ride for Michael.

And shortly after that came the phenomenal film you wrote, directed, produced AND starred in Hell Ride, which happens to also star our dear friend Laura Cayouette who was also an associate producer. This film is still one of my favorites to date. What made you want to make this picture? What were you hoping to accomplish, and do you feel like you did?

At Quentin’s house — after he screened The Savage 7 (a 1968 biker film I starred in) — he told me it was my destiny to write, direct, and star in a brand new motorcycle movie. That was enough for me — I started writing Hell Ride the moment I got home.

I trusted Quentin’s word that we would make the film. I knew he would keep his word. (In Hell Ride, it came into play — Pistolero keeps his word to Cherokee Kisum)

Generally speaking, I don’t give a fuck what anyone thinks of my movies; if I feel like I got to do them the way I wanted to. In the case of Hell Ride, I felt I owed Quentin and hoped he’d be happy with what I’d done. At our first Sundance screening, Quentin told me that I had hit the ball out of the park.

He particularly liked how far I went with my character, “Pistolero” — he said he’d always wanted the lead character (“the good guy”) to be badder than the bad guys.

In the 1950’s & 1960’s, there was a limit to how far you could go with the eroticism, violence, language, and moral ambiguity in a biker film. A motorcycle movie should be untamed. 40 years after my first biker film, I got the opportunity to make an untamed one.

If you had to choose one performance from the plethora of work you have created what would you say you are most proud of and why?

The performances I like the most are the ones I got to do exactly the way I wanted to:

Kill Bill Vol. 2 (Q.T.)
The Big Fix (directed by Jeremy Kagan)
Angel Unchained (directed by Lee Madden)
The Savage Seven (directed by Richard Rush)

Naturally, when I started writing and directing films for me to star in, I got to do everything exactly the way I wanted to — so I’m going to include Hell Ride and Mad Dog Time.

I got lucky with Underworld (1997), which I wrote and starred in. Roger Christian was the director and he was hell-bent on making the movie exactly the way I wrote it.

In your obvious professional opinion, how has the movie industry changed since you started, and in what ways do you feel like we are in a better place? Or worse place?

Of course, I’ve seen many changes in the movie industry since I started.

I never worry about it.

I stay in my own narrative — my brain stays in my own movie.

Having said that, there’s very little in this world that I couldn’t get used to.

What is next for you? Anything you would like to promote here?

The One-Way Ride is up next. I’m doing the 4 jobs again: starring, writing, directing, producing.

It’s sexy, funny, and philosophical.

If it works, I’ve already written 3 more scripts to follow it up with – all within the framework of Eros & Thanatos.

What is the last thing that made you smile?

It never fails: every time Dean Martin pops into my brain.

Damon Standifer [Interview]

Today’s awesome interviewee is an actor who has for years now been working diligently at his craft as an actor of the screen and stage. And he is damn great at what he does. And, as per usual with our guests, I have a personal soft spot for his work for probably very specific reasons, but could definitely be shared by many. In the 90’s there was a defining film series that has consistently stuck with me, as well as a television sitcom that remains in my personal Top 5 to this very day. The first would be the Ace Ventura films, and the second would be the Ted Danson vehicle Becker. And as you could probably guess, Damon Standifer was a part of both of them.

Most of you will remember Damon as the hilarious Wachati Chief in Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls who respectively spits in the face of Jim Carrey, as a sign of respect of course. I will remember him fondly for his reoccurring role as Mr. Williams on Becker, a show I adored a bit more than most 13-15 years probably should have. But, I was a weird kid. The show also featured one of our first interviewees EVER, going way back, with the great Hattie Winston.  But Damon has been far from absent since these two memorable roles. He has since taken on the role as a stand up comedian as well as an actor. He has appeared on a plethora of today’s finest television programming including roles on some of my own personal favorites such as Shameless, Superstore, Documentary Now, Casual, and just dozens and dozens more over the last couple of decades. He also had a brilliant role in a little known of classic film starring the likes of Jena Malone, Brad Renfro, Clifton Collins Jr., and comedian/documentarian Wayne Federman entitled Confessions of an American Girl, that is an absolute MUST watch.

And what is most important here? Damon Standifer is a hell of a nice guy! He was nice enough to share a few thoughts and words with us digitally, and we are so incredibly proud to have him be a part of the TWS alum. So Ladies and Gentlemen, it is an honor and a privilege to present to you, Sir Damon Standifer!

When did you know you wanted to make a living as an actor? Was it something you were always passionate about?

I’ve always been passionate about acting. I remember being a child and wanting to produce plays. My mother tells me that when I was a toddler I had figured out that the Super 8 camera made movies so when the camera came on they could never get another candid moment from me because I would always be preforming. However I didn’t decide I wanted to pursue an acting career until I was 15 or 16. I was asked to read a Quaker sermon called “Sinners In The Hands Of An Angry God” in front of my American Literature class. The teacher just wanted me to read the sermon but I decided to create a character. I believe I received a round of applause from the class. I recently reacquainted with my former teacher via Facebook and we both remembered the event.

And when did the stand up comedy begin? What drew you to this world alongside acting?

I did stand up when I was in college and didn’t like it so I quit. With the advent of social media I began to use my status updates as a platform for jokes. I got such good responses and encouragement I decided, a couple of years ago, to start doing comedy again. I do it for fun. Maybe I’ll soon start to pursue it more seriously.

What was your first gig as an actor that you can remember? Was it a pleasurable experience or a nerve-racking one?

My first paying gig was a show called Superior Court. I played a college football player on trial for rape. The victim was played by Paris Vaughan daughter of Sarah Vaughan. The prosecutor was played by Barry Pearl, Doody from the film Grease. Several years later Pearl and I were in the same Theatre Company when, during a casual conversation, we discovered that he was a participant in my first gig. My first commercial was a McDonald’s that appeared to be based on the film Coming To America. And my first speaking role was the Sherman Hemsley /Clifton Davis sit-com Amen. I played the Gang-leader in the episode titled “TV or not TV”.

You’re appearance in the 1996 smash hit of a comedy Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls is the type of thing that legends are made of, in my opinion. So, what was it like doing your scenes with Jim Carrey? And how did the whole spitting thing really work? I couldn’t imagine you were actually spitting in an actor’s face…right?

I did actually spit in the actor’s [Jim Carrey] face, at his request. However when we walked out of the hut our faces were smeared with KY jelly. He was quite the perfectionist. Even though he would improvise and critique his own work he was also quite open to direction. In fact he demanded it. Watching him riff made it very difficult to keep a straight face but somehow we managed. Tommy Davidson was also great to work with. The man was a human jukebox. Always kept the cast and crew loose.

I can recall your short but effective stints on one of my favorite sitcoms of all time, Becker. I’ve talked at lengths about my love for this show, and was even fortunate enough to have Hattie Winston on the site. But, what was your experience like the set of Becker. Did your work on this show have any sort of distinction from your other work in television?

Becker was my favorite gig ever. I loved those people. Ted Danson is one of the nicest guys with whom I’ve ever worked, talk about playing against type. Alex Desert is one of the coolest brothers you’ll ever meet. Saverio was a great story teller. Hattie, Shawnee and Terry were all very nice to me. If I ever get a series that would be the type of environment I would love to work in.

What would you consider your dream role? What is the one performance that you have not had the chance to do that would make you the most excited? 

I would love to do a role in which I get to improvise. I got to improvise on Documentary Now, Love and Barbershop, the stuff didn’t get used but it was a lot of fun. I think improvisation gives the performer a chance to reveal something about his character, to find the funny or add to the collaborative process also it allows you to free yourself from the constraints of the script.

What does the future hold for you? Anything coming up soon that our readers should look forward to?

Who knows what the future holds? I’m still grinding away hoping to find that perfect role with a wonderful cast. I’ve recently made appearances on Hulu’s Casual, Netflix’s Love, NBC’s SuperStore and IFC’s Documentary Now.

What was the last thing that made you smile?

Whenever I see a friend of mine on the big or small screen it brings a smile to my face.

Gareth Reynolds [Interview]

What is your opinion of the current state of comedy? With all of the advancements in technology and so many different mediums, do you believe the quality of comedy has suffered? Or maybe that more people are getting the chance to show off their skills?

Well, like with the internet there are good and negative aspects. Someone who is talented can now get their voice out there so much easier than a decade ago. You used to have to move to LA or New York to get noticed but now you have people gaining followings and making money from all over the country and world. The downside is that a lot of it sucks and it clogs the market. Like vine stars. Sure, some were funny but for crafting comedy and making something valuable doesn’t seem like it can have an 8 second cap to it. God I sound old….and music is too loud!!

I will arguably say right here and now that The Dollop is the finest podcast out right now. After close to 3 years of regularly doing this show, what do you believe it is that keeps you interested and wanting to continue on talking about these crazy stories?

I appreciate it! Well, it still interests me I guess is the answer. History in school was never enticing to me, but the stories we cover on the dollop are so layered and crazy. I always think Dave will run out of tales but he has a deep bench. There are also so many parallels to our society today. We feel like we have come so far, and yet, we still have many many issues that have plagued us for years. It’s genuinely shifted my perspective on my day to day excitence. I can’t get enough.

Gareth Reynolds & Dave Anthony of The Dollop

The chemistry between you and Dave is undeniably one of the best elements of The Dollop. In your personal opinion, what do you believe it is that makes you guys work so well together?

I think because we are different honestly. Dave is teaching me and I am a class clown in his class. Sound familiar?(I am referencing an earlier answer, this is a ‘callback’) But I now have a cool teacher! We know going in that it will be fun. I don’t know what he is going to say and he doesn’t know what I will say, but he has a road map that I trust. Also we now have such a shorthand with what the other is saying or doing. I am not sitting there dying to make jokes necessarily but what he lays it out he leaves me no choice, dammit! We get along great and both like to laugh. So it just has kind of worked out well. Thank god because I used to dress up like superheroes at kid’s parties and that wasn’t going great.

Have you had any serious backlash from some of the more controversial topics you guys cover on The Dollop? Has someone like Lenny Dykstra, or somebody you talked about who happens to still be alive, contacted you in anger? Or any other sort of received backlash from the show?

There’s some, yeah. I mean whoever is the focus of the story will get hit and others take some shrapnel. There have been some people who get upset from time to time but also some who are happy they were involved. We did one on a guy who lost both of his arms on a farm and iced the torn off appendages himself before getting them reattached at the hospital. He was great. We did an episode on it and the guy reached out to us! He said he was “pissing” himself. That was awesome and surreal. I do feel like Lenny Dykstra may murder sometimes, sure. But who doesn’t?? He’s the Dykeman!!

If you were given the opportunity to portray any individual featured in any episode of The Dollop on screen, who would it be?

Oh wow. Probably the rube or the lobotomy doctor. Or rainbow man. All three are such lunatics in their own right. The rube needs to be a film. We are starting to think we may have to write the thing!! But if I got any of those parts I would be “pissing” (this is another one of my classic ‘callbacks’).

So what does the future hold for you? Any new projects or shows you would like to plug to our reader(s)?

I am writing on Arrested Development currently, so people should watch the new season on Netflix when it comes out. Or drops, as the vine stars say (third callback and also employing the rule of 3 here). I’ll be putting out a stand up album soon and have dates coming up! Join me! The dollop will be touring Australia in the fall. Oh and we have a dollop book called ‘The United States of Absudity’ that people should check out.

What was the last thing that made you smile?

I watched a video of a dog jumping on a guy’s back into a pool and riding him like a surfboard. The dog was so god damned happy about it. Hard to not crack a toothy grin at that!

R.I.P. Jose

Ernie O’Donnell [Interview]

23 years ago, a phenomenon in film industry occurred. A little indie darling of a film hit the big time and shook the world of cinema to its core. It is a film that we have talked about on multiple occasions here at Trainwreck’d Society, and a film that I am certain we will continue to talk about at lengths whenever possible. That film was called Clerks. The debut film of legendary filmmaker behind such classics as Tusk and Yoga Hosers. We have had the fortunate experience in the past to speak with two of the film’s stars, Marilyn Ghigliotti and Scott Schaiffo. I also had the honor of having some great conversations with the late Lisa Spoonauer, who sadly left us here on earth this year and will definitely be missed.

But with that being said, we have yet another brilliant actor from the world of Clerks! Today we have some words from the great Ernie O’Donnell! Ernie portrayed the trainer who so confidently explains to Dante Hicks that he may need to hit the gym after he struggles with an 8 lb gallon of milk. It is a brilliant moment in the film, and portrayed excellently by Mr. O’Donnell. Since Clerks, Ernie has gone on to appear in a half a dozen other films from his childhood friend Kevin Smith, as well as moving into the world as a producer on films like 100 Acres of Hell, Zombie Death Camp, and associate producer on the biopic Shooting Clerks, written and directed by Chris Downie and featuring several other cast members of the original Clerks.

We are so honored to have Ernie on the site today, who turns out to be even more charming in real life than the trainer he portrayed over 20 years ago. So ladies and gentleman, please welcome the great Ernie O’Donnell!

When you were filming your infamous scene in Clerks, were you able to fathom what may very well come out of doing this gig? What was your reaction, and of those around you, when it just sort of hit in a major way?

Nobody imagined that Clerks would ever become this iconic pop cultural movie. Most people probably thought it was going to be some locally recognized film but over twenty years later it still has a hugh following and a pop culture impact. Being connected to Clerks has opened quite a few doors. I was honestly surprised by its success but always new Kevin was going to do something great with his talents.

Was it appearing in Clerks that gave you the acting bug, or where you always interested in the craft? When did you decide to give acting a real shot?

I was always a performer of sorts but got interested in acting in the fourth grade when we had to act out a commercial in class. After doing plays and comedy skits in grammar school and high school I decided to give acting a real shot during my senior year.

What were those early days like in your part of New Jersey after the film was released? And does the area still receive a shit ton of visitors making the pilgrimage to the Quik Stop?

There was a lot of local buzz after the film was released and starting winning awards. People were very happy for its success especially our friends but then again there was always the haters. As far as the Quik Stop goes, people from around the world still visit it regularly. It’s crazy.

What was it like to revisit that time in your life in Shooting Clerks, which you are a star in as well as an associate producer? How was the experience itself overall?

Filming back at the Quik Stop was pretty dam cool especially since my 5 year old niece was filming that day also with me. I had a blast with the Shooting Clerks crew. They’re true independent filmmakers and it was refreshing and inspiring to watch their passion for the original.

Last year you co-produced & directed, as well as starred in the intriguing horror film 100 Acres of Hell. How did this project come about? What made you want to help bring this story out into the world?

I was approached by someone I went to high school with through Facebook. We hadn’t seen each other in years and the concept seemed very interesting. I was a hugh fan of horror and always hoped to get into the genre. This seemed like a great ground level project for me. After sitting in on multiple meetings ,the producers realized I had more to offer than just acting so they brought me on as a producer. The story is your classic 80’s horror type film. It’s filled with all the cool horror stuff I grew up with. We tried to create a classic horror icon along the lines of Jason and Mike Myers. It’s pretty bad ass.

So what is next for you? Anything you would like to plug to our readers?

After starting my production company, Jersey Lights Productions in 2016 I’ve takin on multiple projects. Besides producing 100 Acres of Hell I’ve been developing an original animated sitcom which I’ll announce at the end of the summer. I’m involved with producing Unit Five an action comic, for the big screen. I’ve also partnered with Toy Entertainment to bring one of their screenplays to life and develop content for television.

What was the last thing that made you smile?

Watching my wife Carla with my dogs Jake and Elwood.

Check out the trailer for 100 Acres of Hell, right here:

Christopher Matthew Cook [Interview]

So, a few months ago, I was listening to my favorite podcast, Super Geeky Play Date, do a hilarious review of the film Dog Eat Dog on Episode #40 of their show (“Working Man’s Vin Diesel, I believe they called him). It is suffice to say, they didn’t care much for the film. But, they did manage to throw in a plethora of compliments for one actor….Christopher Matthew Cook. So, I was intrigued. And when I am intrigued, I reach out! And sometimes the person who has intrigued me is nice enough to amuse a low-rent entertainment blogger with some answers to to some questions….and this was one of those times!

Christopher Matthew Cook has been making waves in the world of film and television with his gigantic size, and even larger talent. He has appeared in television series like The Walking Dead, Zoo, and Under the Dome. He also had an outstanding role in the Denzel Washington and Mark Wahlberg fronted action film 2 Guns. And just so much more. So, I was obviously very excited when he agreed to talk with us for a bit. He’s a charming fella who may have biceps as large of a school bus, but that’s nowhere near as impressive as the size of his heart. So ladies and gentlemen, I present to you, the great Christopher Matthew Cook!

What made you decide to join the world of acting? Did you have early aspirations in to join the business?

I’m an only child and would entertain myself daydreaming and acting out scenarios in my head. I have memories of going to the movies and acting them out afterwards. I leaned towards music and grew up playing drums and also singing in bands. I always wanted to act but never followed through with going to classes, etc. I finally started taking an acting class and it was an instant fit.

And what keeps you going in this world? What do you still enjoy about the occupation?

I love to create different characters and imaginary worlds. I love the discipline that it takes to continue to learn, grow and persevere.

Your work in the Dog Eat Dog, directed by the legendary Paul Schrader, with a script adapted from the book by the dearly departed Edward Bunker, was quite the thrill ride, and I dare say you stole the show acting alongside Nic Cage and Willem Dafoe. What was your experience like working on this project?

Thank you! It was an amazing experience to work alongside and learn from three of America’s greats. The most challenging aspect for me was the fact that there was a delay in getting me the script due to re-writes. The positive outcome was I was afforded the opportunity to do script analysis with Paul Schrader for a week prior to shooting our first day.

In 2014 you had a nice couple of episodes in the legendary Walking Dead series playing Licari. What was this experience like for you? Were you a fan of the series prior to working on it?

It was probably the absolute best set that I’ve worked on and they really are a family. Everyone is treated with respect and welcomed with open arms. I was a fan of the show, but I had no idea of the magnitude of the fan base until after the episodes aired.

Aside from the amazing work you have already accomplished, what would consider a dream project for you personally? What is something you have been yearning to work on but haven’t quite made your way to just yet?

I would love to be on a cop show as a cop or detective. I would also love to breakout of the cop and bad guy at some point, but I’m definitely grateful for the work!!

So what is next for you? Anything you would like to plug with our readers?

I’ve got a couple of projects in the works and just shot a movie with director Jordan Rubin called The Drone. I’m not sure if thats actually going to be the name of the movie.

What was the last thing that made you smile?

I’m always smiling, laughing and talking to myself. Another day above ground is a beautiful thing!

Check out the trailer for Dog Eat Dog courtesy of Zero Media:

Tim Russ [Interview]

Michael Goorjian [Interview]

It’s been a few years since we spoke with SLC Punk writer/director James Merendino, but a lot of great things have happened since then. In that interview, we talked about the potential of a SLC Punk sequel coming to light. Well, since then, that film has been released, and to great acclaim I might add. So, upon the release of this beloved sequel, we wanted to jump back into that world a little bit. And who better to chat with than Heroin Bob himself, the great Michael Goorjian.

But, as we examined further into the world of Goorjian, we discovered that he has accomplished so much more than just being an iconic character in a brilliant indie film and it’s subsequent sequel. He is an Emmy Award winning actor, an accomplished novelist, and an overall brilliant human being. So, of course will talk SLC Punk as it is unavoidable and worthy of notice, but we also wanted to hit on some of his other amazing work, including a new novel entitled What Lies Beyond The Stars that is absolute MUST READ! And we will hear all about it in the words below. So please enjoy some great words from the amazing actor, writer, and so much more, Michael Goorjian!

When did you first realize you wanted to be involved in the world of acting or the creative world in general? Was it an early passion that drove you?

I started acting as a way of getting out of class. The principle at my JR. High made an announcement over the PA telling anyone interested in auditioning for a part in a local community theater production of Computer Crazy should to come to the front office. I went and ended up getting the part. Unfortunately, I didn’t realize that the rest of the cast were all senior citizens, and this very dorky play was going to be performed in front of schools all over town, including at my own school. Despite the humiliation of that first experience, I stuck with acting.

You developed a fanatic cult following for your amazing portrayal as Heroin Bob in the indie classic film SLC Punk. You were already an Award winning and established actor at this point, but this put you in a whole other realm it would appear. Is this a proper descriptor, or am I projecting? Basically, what was it like after becoming the man behind Heroin Bob?

Yeah, it’s weird for sure. There are people out there with tattoos of me on them. I actually saw one Heroin Bob tattoo on a very attractive woman’s back side – just a photo mind you.
Bob was definitely a very special character. Much of it had to do with the dynamic between me and Matt Lillard (great actor). But also, I think Bob is kinda the sacrificial lamb in the film, a Jesus character, who dies for all our sins.

I’ve had many people connect me throughout the years about how deeply important Bob was to them. How Bob help them get through tough shit, how Bob was like their best friend, etc. That for me is the greatest joy one can ever have as an actor.

And then all these years later, you returned to the Heroin Bob character in 2016. We spoke with James Merendino when Punk’s Dead was in the early stages of pre-production, when it still felt sort of like a dream. But now it is out there and living amongst its fans. So how was this experience for you? What was it like to go back after all of these years?

It was a blast. I hadn’t seen James in years, and that alone was worth it. It took a while to find the character again but once we got rolling it all came back.

You decided to get yourself behind the camera a bit with the amazing masterpiece and last project of the legendary Kirk Douglas, known as Illusion. How did this project come to life? What made you decide to move into the director’s chair on the other side of the camera?

“Illusion” took me 5 years to make. I shot it piece-meal while raising money as I went, maxing out credit cards, begging, borrowing and occasionally stealing as I went. We shot on a borrowed 35 mm camera from Francis Ford Coppola — he didn’t know I was using it at first but luckily he became very supportive once he found out what I was up to. I shot 3/4th of the film before even getting Kirk Douglas involved. He was a dream to work with; it was an experience I’ll always cherish.

We always ask our statue holding interviewees this one question….Where do you keep your Emmy? And does its physical location have any sort of significance for you?

It is on a shelf in my hallway. For years my mom kept it because I’ve always been a bit of a recluse and often just lived out of my car in LA. I did consider having it mounted as a hood ornament on my matte-black 95 Chevy Caprice but decided that would be a little much.

Can you tell us a bit about your novel What Lies Beyond the Stars? When did you decide to add novelist to your expanding list of credits? And where did this story come from?

What Lies Beyond the Stars is based on a screenplay I wrote 20 years ago. I was actually close to shooting the film with myself and Michelle Williams to star, but then the financing fell through in a very predictable Hollywood way. So, instead of letting the project die, I threw the script on a shelf and waited and waited and 15 years later found myself doing some directing work for a Publishing company that happened to be looking for new material. I showed the CEO my script and he agreed to let me turn it into a novel!

What’s the book about?… I’ll just say that it is the artistic work that I am most proud of (along with Heroin Bob of course). Here’s a link if people what to check it out.

What else do you have coming up that our readers should be on the look out for? Do you have anything to plug?
I’m currently writing a sequel to What Lies Beyond the Stars which will come out in the Fall of 2018. I’m also going to be doing a play at the Berkeley Repertory Theater later this year. Back to the stage!

What was the last thing that made you smile?

Dave Chappelle

Pick up a copy of Michael’s book What Lies Beyond the Stars right HERE. For a preview, check out this amazing trailer that has been put together for it:

Roger Christian [Interview]

I am compelled to preface today’s feature by stating that this is officially our 200th interview here at Trainwreck’d Society, and I am extremely thrilled to bring it to you fine folks today. We have had the honor of sharing some great words with some amazing people over the years, and to mark this amazing milestone we definitely have something pretty special for you all today. And let it be known, it will most likely not very long before we are telling you that we have our 300th interview coming soon. Exciting times around here in the Trainwreck’d world.

And we are excited to announce that today’s interviewee is known other than the Academy Award winning art director, writer, and filmmaker Roger Christian. Roger is the mastermind behind some of the most iconic figures and images known to man. It is because of guys like Roger that even the most casual movie goer knowns what a light saber is, and fell in love with the happenings of things that took place in a galaxy far, far away. Yes, he is the man who helped make Star Wars to be the visually fascinating masterpiece that we all know and love today. He was the man who was entrusted by George Lucas as the art director of what would be one of the most famous films in history, as well as being entrusted to join him on his journey through The Return of the Jedi and the saga’s return in The Phantom Menace as 2nd A.D.

But while Star Wars is obviously a major feat for Mr. Christian, it is important to mention that he has brought so much joy to the world beyond the likes of the Jedi. He was nominated for an Oscar once again (and unfairly robbed of a win, in my opinion) for his work in art direction on another classic film we all know and love known as Alien. Yes, that Alien. Beyond the world of art direction, Roger is also an accomplished filmmaker who has been behind the camera on some of amazing projects that were actually the catalyst for why I wanted to talk to him.

I will honestly admit to you all, here and now, I was not interested in Roger’s work on Star Wars, as this is not a world that entirely fascinated me. So, it brings me great joy to be able to say that all Star Wars related questions in this interview are either inspired by or directly from none other than the brilliant Brady “Berzerker” Berkenmeier from my favorite podcast known as Super Geeky Play Date. A huge thanks to Brady for coming through for us on this one. Once again, help from a dear friends is what we rely on to make this site a success!

As I stated before, those of us who are less familiar with the Star Wars world will definitely know who this man is. In a career spanning over 50 years, he has been the man behind films like the 1997 Patrick Stewart fronted film Mastermind, 2013’s Stranded that features Christian Slater’s finest performance pre-Mr. Robot, and most importantly, the upcoming creation of the passion project he has had funneling through is brain for the last 50 years (and has released in short versions on at least two occasions), Black Angel, which will be coming soon and will mention in great detail. In fact, once you have completed reading his great responses, you can scroll all the way to the bottom of this interview and find the FULL version of the original short.

Yes, Roger Christian is a legend in the world of filmmaking, especially in the visual sense. He is the man behind the fucking light saber for shit’s sake! For that alone, it is an honor to have him featured as our 200th interview here at Trainwreck’d Society. It has been a long and winding rode to make it to this milestone, and I speak for all of us who have made this happen when I say we are so happy that you have chosen to take this journey with us. So before I get to sappy here, please enjoy some amazing words from Academy Award winner, Roger Christian!

What inspired you to join the world of art direction and filmmaking? Were you always interested in the world of a film from a young age?

I grew up in the country near a town called Reading, with no access to theatre or any knowledge of the film industry. I was given instruction by my Father to be an architect, Doctor or Priest. Escaping the brutal way we were treated at school, to an arts college, I went one day with friends to London to see Doctor Zhivago and Claude Lelouch’s A Man and a Woman. David Lean’s film made such such a powerful impression on me, I literally had an out of body experience in the theatre when the music rose as the young Zhivago stood by the grave at the burial, and it is still one of my most favourite films of all time. I was hooked, and A Man and a Woman cemented a passion. The driving jazz and the power of images with emotion, was a new kind of filmmaking. I remember having huge arguments outside the theatre about its style and impact.

Working every summer to survive putting up huge marquees for shows all over southern England, we were in Black Park, and I saw a prison camp, so realistic, a tramp used to offer food every day to the men who built it. They told me it was a film set, and we were next to Pinewood studios. So squeezing under the fence that lunch time I watched James Bond being filmed through an open stage door, the smell and the lights and sets, was it, I had to do this. I spent years trying to get into an industry where I didn’t know anyone, even doing two years at Oxford School of Architecture, as I was told to enter through the art department as I’d been years at Art school.

I spent all my spare time watching films by Bergman, Felini, Pasolini, Truffault, Godard, Lean, Powell etc and my master and mentor Kurosawa. I ate up his work, and giants like Visconti. My first job ever was where destiny struck. I was tea boy to John Box who designed Dr. Zhivago and Lawrence of Arabia. John mentored me closely in an industry where it was run like an office, and I was told daily to get a haircut and a suit and tie, and stop talking about these art films and knuckle under and work my way up slowly on the drawing board. It wasn’t for me and I quickly worked my way to be a set decorator, and using the money I earned to direct theatre plays I commissioned and music videos, anything I could get my hands on.

We all know that Star Wars: A New Hope, now 40 years old, was a groundbreaking masterpiece that changed the world of cinema forever. And it was pointed out to me that the film also marked one of the first times that art direction and special effects really became extremely popular. What was this experience like for you? Was it surreal to finally get the credit you deserved?

Yes it was surreal. There was no faith that Star Wars would make a dollar, as Science Fiction as a genre was dead at the time, and worse this was regarded as a Children’s fantasy. I shared George Lucas’s vision, that space should be dusty and real, and the world used and old and natural. With the budget, when we started off with four million dollars to make this epic, it was daunting. I had to buy scrapped airplanes and break them down to encrust the interiors. I used real guns with pieces stuck on, and made the Lightsabre with an old camera part and superglued on T-strip and an old calculator part.

John Barry the designer was brilliant, taking George to Tunisia where he found the ancient world and deserts, adapted by our dressing and props to the world of Tatooine. The majority of the crew, thought the film was a Children’s story and being sci-fi, would never see the light of day. The worlds of myth and legend got me through my difficult childhood in the grey times after the wars, and so John and I and the two art directors stood by George Lucas’s side when few others did, and built his world for Star Wars, difficult as it was.

Star Wars was the first science fiction film ever where the audience believed the film was real, set in its world, old used and natural. This was my world and I was finally able to put on screen my vision for how it should look. Being awarded an Academy Award, so unexpected, was an honour and a recognition that all the hard work and belief where most people doubted it would work was justified.

What was it like jumping back into the world of Star Wars in the late 90’s to work on The Phantom Menace, over 15 years after the release of Return of the Jedi? Did it feel like a whole new experience for you?

It was like coming home. Being trusted by George to film alongside him, we had the two crews who filmed Indiana Jones making this epic in just twelve weeks, there was no time to think. Star Wars was my world to enter back into, and little had changed. Being back in Tunisia was inspiring especially the huge set for Tatooine built in the desert near where we filmed the first film and filming the pod race. Directing instead of designing, was a joy for me. I worked with all the main actors and some amazing stunt and action scenes, so it was like being in heaven despite working 14 or more hours a day. George had to leave at the end, so I finished the filming.

I am very intrigued about your project Black Angel. Can you tell us a bit about how this project has come about? What made you want to tell this tale?

The short film I wrote as my debut directing film, was commissioned by George Lucas to release with Empire Strikes Back and funded by a twenty five thousand pound grant from the British government. Following Kurosawa’s influence, I was the first person to film Scotland’s stunning and ancient landscapes in cinemascope as a background for my ancient myth. It inspired John Boorman Excalibur and George step printed a Yoda fight in Empire when he saw mine. I received many letters from the audience at the time, how I had touched them deeply, and that was my intention to connect to the subconscious as Tarkovsky did.

I made the film as I love mythology and legends and wanted to explore the last moment in a Knight’s life as he honoured the code they lived by, to find a maiden in distress and rescue her. I went deeper as it was a fight against death, a huge theme in mythology.

The negative was lost after Rank in the UK went bankrupt and found three years ago in Universal studios after I had almost given up ever seeing it again. Restored to its original powerful imagery, it screened again as closing film at the Mill Valley Film Festival to ecstatic reviews and even more popular at the Glasgow Film Festival where we sold out a four hundred screen cinema. I got five hundred thousand hits about it from a BBC online article, and social media went viral after. Not bad for a thirty five year old film.

This led to Alex Tate a UK producer wanting to make my original epic fantasy feature idea and we are filming this year in Hungary and Scotland. The popularity of Game of Thrones and Star Wars have created a massive platform for fantasy which is real and down and dirty, and thats how we made the original Star Wars and Alien. I am following my original desire to create a very real and down to earth epic set in amazing visions, in the same vein as these powerful films I was involved with connected to the audience. That desire is more and more prevalent in audiences, who want to connect to worlds they can identify with, but be carried on an exciting journey.

And you have mentioned in a previous conversation that you are very fond of the music that is set to be used in Black Angel. Can you tell us a few details about said music? And, as a huge fan of well composed music in film, I am curious to hear your personal insight as to why music is a critical element to any good film?

Music and sound create the power of a movie, equal to performance of the actors and characters they have created, and the director’s vision. Turn off the sound on any movie and its power collapses. Who can forget those simple notes on Jaws, and the Star Wars theme that takes you right into the saga when you hear it. My number one favourite, Dr Zhivago‘s score is as epic as the film.

I spent weeks and weeks gathering reference for Black Angel to influence Trevor Jones. Vangelis was unknown in England at the time, but I had gathered sound tracks from French documentaries he had composed the music for. A huge influence, Stomu Yamashta an amazing Japanese composer who created Red Buddha Theatre, and other music I found inspiring to create a musical landscape, the soundtrack takes you deep into the mystic soul of Black Angel.

What else does the future hold for you? Anything else we should be looking forward to in the future?

I am deep into the epic feature film of Black Angel, a passion project for me since writing and directing that short film as a launch for my career. Finally I am able to get it made and this is my legacy really, and has taken this time for the global market to get recognition for this type of fantasy, so I can get funded. I am also making a documentary/drama on the Creative Force. Inspired by the five rebels who made Star Wars when nothing else existed in cinema and with the smallest budgets way below what it would have taken using conventional techniques. So they echoed Luke Skywalker, heroes journey moment and let out of their comfort zones and because of them Star Wars got made. This extends to some incredibly famous people in their chosen films who saw Star Wars and became so inspired they followed their dreams and left their comfort zones. Based on my book, Cinema Alchemist, which is a blow by blow account of how Star Wars, Alien and Black Angel were made on way too low of budgets, I was intent on inspiring people and that is the overwhelming response to the book. So I am interested to explore this and help people follow their dreams and inspire them to follow their own heroes journey as thats what its all about and why myth and legend is so important to everyone.

And we always ask our statue holding friends this question: Where do you keep your Oscar? And does its physical location have any significance to you?

When we got ours, it was the worst thing you could do in England to embrace it or shout out about it, the familiar place everyone kept theirs was to hold the toilet door open. That was to do with the British establishment looking down on Science Fiction and American culture. Star Wars helped change that and Alien and the films that followed quickly made getting an Oscar a huge honour.

What was the last thing that made you smile?

Seeing the lightsaber I created for 12 dollars gaining iconic status as a main plot point in the final scene in A Force Awakens and coming to fruition in The Last Jedi. – R

Do yourself a favor, and check out the amazing short film that is Black Angel, which Roger Christian has so kindly put on YouTube with a lovely introduction as well. Check it out here: