Jeremiah S. Chechik [Interview]

When you work on a comedy you try to spend the day laughing…then praying everyone else laughs with you. Comedy is tough. In drama one could hide behind technique, kinetics, music and photography and mood but in comdey you either laugh or you dont.

I discovered the story of Lucha Reyes in Mexico City one long night over many many tquilas in one of the most famous “ranchero” bars. Once I heard the story I know it had to be brought to film but as a mexican film. I found the writer , paid for the writer, found the director and hobbled the financing together with a french/mexican partner and we made it. Sorry it is not avail on dvd – its a very dark and cool film about an amazing musician.

Actors are actors. I never consider their fame only who they are and what they need to deliver their best work. Most – if not all- pretty much surrender to the director as partt of what they do. of course, you have to earn their trust, give smart notes and be sensitive to their individual processes.

Loved being in spokane – It was a magical time for us.

I was and remain very much an early adopter and love the control of image on the set and the way digital embraces the shadows. but I still miss the simplicity and grace of the celluloid image.

Television is like a polaroid. It’s fast immediate and currently where all the best writing lives. as a director on a show I am but one piece of a larger machine which exists to serve the show. On a film the responsibility of tone, pace, performance, quality and effect is under the purview of the director.  There is a lot more pressure.

Naked City.

Quirky, romantic and funny – i.e. a romantic comedy.

Loved TED.

Tara Lynne Barr [Interview]

We have something new here for you fine folks!  The youth!  Not too say that age truly matters and that there is not wisdom to be found in our elders, but hey, it’s something certainly new around here.  And not only young, but excitingly brilliant in her craft!  Tara Lynne Barr excited audiences in the Bobcat Goldwaith directed mass murder (sort of) comedy God Bless America about a middle aged man and a young woman who partake in a cross country adventure massacring the most devilish of creatures.  Like Green Day fans and the cast of the Jersey Shore.  You know, the ones who truly deserve thine wrath.  It was a brilliant film that actually spoke a very fine message to the world, even through what might be the blackest of black humor I have ever witnessed.

Barr should exceptional grace in this film, and is easely a prospect to be one of the next great American actresses in line with the likes of Chloe Sevigny, Evan Rachael Wood, or Scarlett Johansson.  Yet she stands alone as a soon to be singularly recognizable character as well with a stamina unbeknownst to the world of acting before.  And we are so glad she decided to take a few moments to talk with us about God Bless America, the rest of her already impressive body of work, and what we will be seeing in the years to come.  Woody Allen you better be ready.  Enjoy!

We constantly hear about the struggles of being a child star. Overall, how was it for you?

That’s funny, I never really considered myself a child star. At that point, it was more of a hobby. But I
still felt like a normal kid through it all. I went to regular school and did things outside of acting. In retrospect,
I’m glad I did that. Now I have real experiences in my life that can inform my acting. YAY normalcy!

You were absolutely phenomenal in God Bless America. Although we know you would 
never go on a mass murdering spree, please tell us how much of the content did you
agree with as far as the problems in our country?

About 99.9% of it. Maybe not the part about killing people who give high-fives because I would definitely be included in that category, I’m sorry to admit. And I might want to dress my maybe-future-child in cool band t-shirts one day. But the general idea of people being kind to one another is something I stand by completely. Compassion is an important part of a functioning society.

What intrigued you to take on the role?

Well, I came across it as I do most jobs which is just an audition. But after I read the script I knew there
was something special about Roxy. It’s rare when you come across a role for a teenage girl that is into
Alice Cooper and Star Trek and curses like a sailor. She really grew on me.

Have you had to deal with much controversy over the film? Has Billy Joe Armstrong called you out yet?

People have been surprisingly receptive to the movie, actually. We haven’t had to deal with much controversy. Of course there are crazies on the internet who think Bobcat Goldthwait is scum and we should all be systematically shot by a firing squad but most people who watch it  can look past the violence and see the message behind it.

Can you tell us about your upcoming film Rebel City Rumble? 

Rebel City Rumble was written by a really talented guy named Stephen Lourdes, who will be directing it as well. It’s basically a fast-paced gangster romance set in a fictional place called Rebel City. Very stylish. I’ll be playing RK Keane, who is the kid girlfriend of a gangster. She’s a very fiery, confident young woman. Similar to Roxy, but with a little more sex.

What do you personally believe to be the most rewarding thing about acting?

MONEY! Kidding. Well, without sounding pretentious, becoming another person for a short time is really fun.
And truthfully, it’s like a big game of pretend when you really get down to the bare bones of it. As a kid,
I got a real kick out of it and now as an adult, I find it challenging and rewarding and it’s a priviledge to be able
to do it for a living.

Do you have any ambitions of getting behind the camera? 

Of course! I’m so in love with filmmaking as a whole that I couldn’t just be an actor my entire life. I’d definitely like to write.  Maybe direct. I really admire director/writer/producer women like Lena Dunham and Kathryn Bigelow who have broken out of the typical conventions set for females in the film industry. I’d like to blaze trails like those women.
Since you are by far the youngest person we have had the honor of interviewing here at Trainwreck’d, I think we should do the right thing and ask… Where do you see yourself in ten years (as some of those we interview might answer “retirement”)? What is one major goal you would like to accomplish?

In then years, I see myself working like a madwoman. I’m serious. I’m taking no prisoners. I’d like to go from film to film working with funny, smart, creative folks who will make my work better. A goal I’d like to accomplish is to have written a thing or two of my own by then. And I would kill to work with Tarantino or the Coen Brothers or Woody Allen by then. KILL.

What was the last thing that made you smile?

Thinking about working with Tarantino or the Coen Brothers or Woody Allen. Ah…

Christa Campbell [Interview]

It is almost strange how the idea of “sexy” and “horror” have somehow managed to coincide with one another.  Perhaps it is the unbeknownst personal sadistic side of all of us that makes the two work together so well.  Or perhaps we as a society like to watch beautiful people struggle for 90 minutes at a time and, most of the time, come out victorious.  Or even quite the opposite at times.  I think what I am really trying to say here is this:  we want to see beautiful people.  It really doesn’t matter what they are doing.  Gardening even.  For every man who wants to see a sexy vixen spraying and praying assault rifles, there is also a woman who is dying for the hunk with absurd muscles to wake you out of a 5 year coma after standing by your side the whole time, just getting sexier.  Don’t kid yourself, we all know this is true.

But when it comes to Christa Campbell, there is obviously something more.  Unlike your usual Maxim Magazine worthy celebrities, this girl is the full package.  She’s smart, talented, and composes herself as a true professional in her field.  She is the woman now responsible for continuing on the legacy of what I consider the greatest horror franchises in history.  That’s right, if you dig The Texas Chainsaw Massacre for all of its glory, she is your woman.  And we were fortunate enough to get the chance to share a few words with her about TCM, her recently released film Spiders, and as always, what makes her smile.  Enjoy!

How does it feel to be known as a Scream Queen?  Is it a pretty fabulous way of life being a sex symbol for the bloody underworld, at least part time?

I’ve never considered myself a scream queen. When you say ‘Scream Queen” it usually means the victim in the film and I usually play the villain which is much more exciting and sexy!

One of your latest film, Spiders, has been said to be absolutely frightening, even for people who claim they are not afraid of the world’s most hated 8 legged creature.  Why do you believe this?  What is different about this film than films involving the horrors that are spiders in the past?

I think spiders in general are scary and creepy! Our film is a fun sci-fi action film that’s a lot of fun- and it’s even fun for all ages too.

Spiders seems to be directly within the perfected elemental boundaries of legendary horror filmmaker Tibor Takacs.  What was it like working under his direction and bringing one of his stories to life?

You know, I’ve made many films with Tibor. We know each other very well and have a fantastic shorthand when working together. I’ve always really enjoyed working with him and hopefully we’ll do it again soon.

I am personally a huge fan of 2001 Maniacs, as well as its sequel, mostly because they just looked like a whole lot of fun even beyond all the gruesome deaths.  What was it like making these films?  Was it as exciting as it came through on the big screen?

It was sooo much fun! The first film I was just getting to know everyone and we were on a tight schedule . By the time we made the second film we were one big happy family and getting to work with Bill Moseley was great. Shooting that scene with Ogre was amazing and we improvised  most of the scene too.

Your upcoming film Straight A’s, in which you starred in and took executive producer duties, seems a bit different from your usual more outlandish works (save for your brilliant performance in the touching film Mozart and the Whale).  How did you become involved with such a low-key, down to earth yet drug idled, sort of story?

Producer Holly Wiersma brought us the film. It had Ryan (Phillippe) and Anna (Paquin) at the time and she asked me if I’d like to play the role of Dana . After reading the script and meeting with the director James Cox I was excited to be a part of it. Then we got Luke Wilson aboard and that was exciting for us too.

Was there some pressure behind backing yet another tale based around the legendary Texas Chainsaw Massacre franchise?  Are you as happy with the results as audiences seemed to be?

There’s always pressure when doing a remake or sequel . You want to make a great film and satisfy the fans and I think we made a great film. The fans really came out and supported us too which was great.

You have also been pinned as one of the executive producers for Texas Chainsaw Massacre 4.  Without giving too much away, what are your plans as far as the dynamic of this film?  Is there anything we can expect to see that might be new and exciting?

We don’t have an exact plan right now. We are discussing with our partners what will become of this franchise so there’s nothing really to report just yet.

What was the last thing that made you smile?

 When I heard that Texas Chainsaw 3D was number one at the box office.

Scott Adsit [Interview]

30 Rock was obviously one of the greatest comedy shows on the air in the last few years, and will more than likely go down as one of the top shows in the history of television.  What is that made this show so damn great?  Well, it’s obviously the great writing, which can only be hailed properly by superior acting abilities.  Antics, oafs, and stress are three almost essential elements in creating a good, long lasting comedy show.  It’s all about character.  And 30 Rock had so many brilliant characters assembled into one hilarious setting.

One of my personal favorite characters from the show was without a doubt the whimsical man who seems to take life one day at a time, because thinking about his future might just make his head explode.  I am talking about Pete Hornberger. The lovely saddened bald man who seems to be on an entire different plain than his wacky co-workers.  Better known to the real world as Scott Adsit, this is an actor who has mastered the art of of portraying the lovable oaf that you just can’t say a bad word about. As recognizable as he is charming, Adsit is a character in himself, and one that we are surely going to be fortunate enough to see even more of as his career progresses with each passing day.  We were fortunate enough to be able to steal a few words form one of televisions finest jewels to ask him about the show, why he loves what he does, and….is he a raging alcoholic?  So, enjoy!

Within your extremely impressive career, you have mastered the art of on-screen acting, as well as improv theatre.  Tell us, if you were only able to do one of these performances, which would it be?  

Well, I wish improv paid what on camera pays. But I keep doing improv, and theater in general, for next to nothing. So I guess if I had to choose, I’d go with the one that benefits my visceral, artistic, guerrilla mojo, but dooms me financially because the stage is the Actor’s medium. Unlike on film, we’re in charge of what’s going on, how we react, move and deliver lines. On screen, we’re subject to a committee of opinions that control the final product: editors and producers and sponsors and studio heads. And in my experience, they generally do a great job (maybe I’ve been lucky). But on stage, it’s just me, my cast and the crowd. Also, there’s obviously a high you get from finding your rhythm with an audience. It’s a symbiotic relationship; you delight each other.

How much of Pete Hornberger is there in Scott Adsit? 

Pete and I started out closer to each other than we ended up. The more we learned about Pete, the more we found out about his bizarre, off-screen life. He kind of stood out as the normal one among eccentrics and oddballs, but eventually, we come to realize that for every Micky Roarke encounter Jenna has had, Pete has a Bum Fight Club or Olympic disaster. So in that way, we differ. I’ve made better choices. I’ve also never had a wife or kids, which are a big part of Pete’s definition. I don’t avoid my family nor live my life as a coiled spring of panic, like Pete. His life is a list of regrets and missed opportunities, I’m a little luckier than Pete. The ways we’re alike would be our affection for Liz/Tina. We’re both very close with those women. Often, when you see the whole room dissing Liz or ridiculing her for some reason, if you look at Pete, he’s usually empathetic toward her. And when she triumphs, no one is prouder than Pete.

Aside from the obvious oddball antics of the show, as  seasoned veteran in the television world, how close does 30 Rock hit to the actual production of a television show?

Obviously, it all comes from real encounters and situations.  Mostly.  I don’t recall a story from SNL’s history where Kelsey Grammer formulates a plan to make the producer look like a self-asphyxiating masturbator, but maybe I should talk to Lorne more often.

Can you tell us a bit about Reflections From the Heart of A Child?  Are you often recognized for this video, and if so, how awkward is that?

It’s mentioned on my Wikipedia, as you may have discovered, so it comes up occasionally. It’s an educational film for the families of physical and alcohol abuse. It was one of my first on camera jobs, years and years ago and I played an abusive father who drank and took his frustrations out on his family. I was a nasty, violent guy. I know it’s still used as an educational tool and I imagine it’s helped a lot of people after all this time, so I’m proud of that. As a matter of fact, just this week Cecily Strong of SNL (whom I know from Second City) informed me that we’re actually castmates in that film. We never met during production, but we’re both in there, mending hearts and fixing families. It’s still out in the world, on school shelves and in recovery center dayrooms, but I’ve never actually been approached by anyone thanking me for changing their situations at home. I have, though, had a few drunks punch me and put their cigarettes out on my face for exposing them, so there’s that.

What would you say his your most prized performance in your career on a personal level?  

Early in my days at Second City, I was in the touring company and we would perform on the Mainstage every Monday, when the resident cast had the night off. Now, in those days, I was 21, living check to check and facing a career that quite often never faces you back, so my future was hopeful and bleak. My mother, Genny, never doubted me or my prospects as an actor, however my father, Andy, was a lawyer, like his father and grandfather, and he always felt a little worried that I was embarking on something with no stability nor guarantees as a means of living. And certainly, he had no ins in show business like he had in law business, so he worried that he couldn’t ever give me a leg up or a healthy dose of nepotism. And while he supported every amateur play or show I ever did, he was a bit suspect of whether I had the talent to make it a career; the one thing he did know about acting was that it was brutal. But then, one Monday night on that Second City stage, I had the crowd of over three hundred laughing really pretty uproariously, acting in some scene, I don’t remember which. And rising above that wall of laughter, I heard my dad laughing harder than anyone. And I actually caught a quick look at him sitting at that tiny, cabaret table, just crying with laughter, trying to adjust himself so that he didn’t fall over. And I knew that he knew I was going to be alright. He never worried again. That was my favorite performance.

If you could portray any renowned corrupt politician in history, who would it be?  Why?

Reagan. Because he got away with it.

What was the last thing that made you smile?

I just attended the SAG Awards recently and they gave Dick Van Dyke a Lifetime Achievement trophy and I’ll tell you he’s one of my all time heroes. He’s on a very short list. And there I was in the same room with him. The guy is 87 hear old and when Baldwin called him to the podium, he nearly danced up the steps to the stage. Flawless, weightless, joyful. He’s still today the man I loved since I could turn on a TV.

David S. Chackler [Interview]

Tom Holland [Interview]

Who doesn’t love a great horror film, am I right?  There is something deeply enthralling about watching some of your deepest fears played out on screen.  Everything you fear most is on display, but safely nestled in a fantasy world you are nowhere near physically.  And thankfully, we have some twisted masterminds out there who have made it their life’s work to scare the shit out you.  Even more so, there is an elite group of folks who have time and time again proven that they indeed on top of the game.  One of these cats specifically, Tom Holland, is a legend with a catalog of films that stand firm next to the likes of Craven and Romero alike.  His extremely impressive list of credits include Fright Night (original 1985 version, as well as the 2011 remake), Child’s Play, Psycho II, adaptation of Stephen King’s Thinner, the forthcoming King adaptation The Ten O’Clock People, and many more.  Hell, he’s even moved into the comedy world to direct Whoopi Goldberg in her 80’s classic Fatal Beauty.  He is the man who arguably brought vampires to the mainstream youth, created the legendary Chucky, and brought the master of horror novels dreams to the silver screen.  His career spans longer than most of fine TWS followers have even been living.  We were fortunate enough to be able to steal some of Tom’s time between frightening moviegoers everywhere to talk with us.  Enjoy.

Horror seems to be your genre of choice.  I’ve always wanted to ask, what draws a person into the world of horror?  What is the genre’s greatest appeal to you personally?

Horror presents opportunity. They were the entry level jobs when I started out. I would argue that what I do also combines suspense, science fictions, and humor. But then that’s me. The appeal of the genre is that people still want me to do it, for which I am grateful. Horror is metaphor. It can carry the weight of almost any story you want to tell.

So, I’m just going to throw it out there….You are a freaking lawyer??!!  How does one shift from law school into acting, and what made you continue pursuing acting and filmmaking after you passed the bar?

I was an actor first, and in a moment of madness went to law school. I was trying to go straight, join the bourgeois, and have some financial security in life. Well, that didn’t work out very well, did it? I got my first screenplay optioned while I was waiting for word from the Calif. State Bar on the exam. I passed, which was great, but not as great as making $ from writing. I decided to go for it, off that encouragement. I’d been poor so long as a student at UCLA, I figured I was used to it, and could take the shot. I remember my first 5 year law school reunion. Everybody was buying their first house and I was having trouble keeping my car in repair. I don’t know why, but somehow I knew that I had to keep writing. I also knew I had a choice, which was comforting.

Does the law school experience help you out a bit when you are producing a film?  

It helps when I read my contracts. I can actually make notes. I may have been less screwed over time than other “creative,” but I wouldn’t count on it. When you get to legal papers, it’s all in the “definitions,” how things are define.  Not in the artist’s favor. (cough-cough)

In your work as a screenwriter, what is your process?  Do such original ideas just pop into your head?  

It’s a mystery to me. Right now I am compelled to write. I have too many ideas. However, I have spent years where everything I wrote seemed like shit. The terrible/wonderful thing about writing is the more you learn, the harder it gets, because you want to be better.

Your 1988 film Child’s Play is hands down one of the finest horror films ever made, and has stood the test of time, holding onto its popularity as an original, as well as spawning several subsequent films that continue to make it one of the most popular franchises.  What do you think it is about the world of Chucky that is so fascinating to viewers?

One’s playthings coming alive and trying to kill you. That thought has occurred to every kid growing up. It’s universal. You understand the terror in your gut.

How do you develop an idea as bizarre as a mass murdering doll made for children?

I was working off an original screenplay by another writer. The story didn’t have a killer inhabiting the doll. It was an episode of Twilight Zone. When I created Charles Lee Ray, I had a serial killer to possess the doll and was off and running.

Another way of saying it is that it’s “character,” even when you’re dealing with a killer doll.  So I combined a creepy icon from childhood’s passes with the modern serial killer, and inadvertently created a marketing icon.

You are the legend, and arguable the creator, of the now vastly popular vampire sub genre, with a film like Fright Night….In your obvious expert opinion, what do you think it is that attracts people to the vampire world?  And what is your opinion of the new revamping (all pun intended!) of the vampire world (i.e. Twilight, True Blood)?

Vampires are living metaphor and infinitely malleable to whatever the current sensibilities are. When I did Fright Night, the sub-genre was exhausted. Love at first Bite was the last vampire film before FN, and it was a farce. Farce is the sign of exhaustion in a genre.  Culture changes every two to three years, so it constantly reinvents itself. It’s what makes horror fiction/movies, etc. so interesting. they are constantly evolving and changing. Killer Dolls and Chucky are tired right now. Wait a year or two. Someone will come along with another vision, and reinvigorate it.  It’s what makes it so much fun.

Was it intimidating to be put in charge of the re-creating, or creating the continuation of, the works of people like Stephen King and Alfred Hitchcock?  

Yes, esp. Hitchcock. Psycho changed how I looked at film. Hitchcock was also older. Stephen King is a contemporary. He’s the Charles Dickens of my generation. It was intimidating writing Psycho 2, because the original was so transforming, and had grown to legendary status when I tackled. Hitch had been deified. Stephen less so, although I am learning if you stick around a while and have done some good work, your reputation grows.

How about the other side?  You’re truly original classics like Fright Night, Child’s Play, & more have had sequels and remakes done….Have been happy with the extensions or remaking of the cult classic films you originally created?

As to the question, I am ambivalent about the remakes and sequels. Appreciate the nod, but not the results so much.

And we always have to ask….where do you keep your Saturn Award?  Any significance?

In the family room on shelves next to the fireplace. No significance, but it looks nice there.

Rumor has it you are actually adapting another Stephen King novel.  Can you tell us a bit about it?

I’m gearing up to do “Ten O’clock People,” from a short story by Stephen. I adapted and directed his miniseries, The Langoliers, which I like a lot. Like everything about Thinner, but the last two minutes. But that’s another story. Every director seems to have them.

What was the last thing that made you smile?

Your questions. Thank you.

Zane Lamprey [Interview]

Zane Lamprey’s Holiday Dice Game! Available now!

Can you tell us a bit about one of your little known gems entitled Wee Sing with Wee Friends.  How did this come to light.  Will we ever seen a return of Mouse, Turtle, and Porcupine?

Penelope Spheeris [Interview]

Spheeris with Eyeball

“Suburbia” (1983)

Your 1983 film Suburbia is without a doubt an extremely underrated film that was either ahead of its time, or just in the right time.  What was the inspiration behind writing this film?  Anything personal?

Suburbia was very personal.  Making it was quite therapeutic in that it helped me let go of a terribly tumultuous and chaotic childhood.  Many of the situations came from my own upbringing.  When I tried to release the first ‘Decline’, I could not get distribution for it.  Although it got awesome reviews and inspired hundreds of journalists to write feature stories in an effort to understand the new youth movement, theater owners were afraid of it and would not book it.  Also, at that time distribution for a documentary was virtually unheard of. So, in an effort to express my youthful rebellious nature, I wrote ‘Suburbia’, a narrative film – hoping that it would get better distribution.  No such luck.  However, it has survived beautifully over the years and has become a source of inspiration for a lot of young kids to this day.

What was the last thing that made you smile?  

My dog.

Rob Schrab [Interview]

There isn’t (or at least there shouldn’t be) a self-respecting hipster or egocentric granola inhaling egotistic out there who doesn’t love The Sarah Silverman Program or Children’s Hospital.  And the rest of us who do, are probably just screwed in the head a bit.  But, dammit to we appreciate good comedy!  Good comedy is a jewel that seems insanely missing in a time where people are watching 4 drunk hillbillies telling mediocre to lame jokes about farting a potato salad, or watching a bunch of idiots living in Jersey talking about tanning and their biceps all damn day.  But, somewhere beyond this madness, there is some very funny stuff happening.  And behind the names you see, feel, and love, there is always the true genius behind them.

And Rob Schrab is definitely the elitist when it comes to masterminds behind the pen, behind the camera, and even in front of the camera (even more so, in drag at times!).  Whether it’s for The Sarah Silverman Program, Children’s Hospital, his latest stint directing new favorite hit The Mindy Project, or even writing the screenplay for a kids movie the way it should be written, Master Schrab has been killing it in so many different arenas.  Arenas that also involve the world of comic books as well.  There really isn’t much Rob hasn’t found himself unveiling his presence to the world with.  And now, he is unveiling himself (in the most appropriate manner, of course) to you, the lovely Trainwreck’d Society audience!  So sit back and enjoy a few words from one of the funniest men in comedy in this somewhat decadent time.

You have worked in almost every aspect of film and television, from music videos to film to sketch comedy and so on.  Is there any arena you have yet to touch, but would like to? 

I’ve worked in aspects of feature films but the end game is to create/write/direct a franchise.  I grew up with Terminator, Nightmare on Elm St., Robocop, Dr. Who; I hope my characters will one day live among those icons.

Rob in drag as the host of Cookie Party! As seen on The Sarah Silverman Program.

How did you manage to get on the Sarah Silverman Program creation team?  And how did Sarah convince you to get into drag?  Did she have to?

Dan Harmon and I were one of many writing teams that Sarah met with. Coming from comic books I originally didn’t think I’d be suited for a sitcom, but Harmon was such a super-fan of Sarah that he wouldn’t let go. He’d be constantly sending her story ideas and jokes late at night until she was convinced to hire us. When it came to finding a director Dan and Sarah fought for me when the network was nervous about a first time director. It’s interesting, seeing as how I was skeptical about doing a sitcom when it was the best thing that ever happened to me.  Dressing in drag was my idea. Sarah saw a short I directed for Channel 101 called “Thriller Chiller Theatre,” where I played the cross-dressing horror host, Minnie Coffee. After the screening she said, “you HAVE to do that on the show!” And the rest was herstory.

You have an impressive resume of adult oriented humor, but you also wrote the screenplay for the hit children’s film, Monster House. What led you towards writing a children’s film?

I loved movies like Goonies, Explorers, and Monster Squad; they were fun and didn’t pull any punches. They had a respect for the kids watching, and knew they could handle scary themes. It’s a shame movies aren’t like that anymore.

Creating an opening segment for an awards event, as you did in 2009 for the 81st Annual Academy Awards, seems to an outsider such as myself as sort of a daunting task.  Was it similar or different to the work you had done prior to creating that opening?  

It was daunting for me as well –but how do you pass up working with Wolverine? It was the first time Harmon and I worked together since he left the Sarah Silverman Program. The country was going through a recession, and it seemed inappropriate to shove glitz and glamour down the world’s throat. We decided to shine a light on it, making it a song and dance number surrounded by cardboard and duct tape. It’s one of my proudest moments of my life. Hugh Jackman is a greek god; I’m a fan for life.

Since we always have to ask….where do you keep your Emmy? Any significance?

It’s next to my Channie (Channel 101 award). Both have equal value.

And with all of your other numerous achievements, you also created an amazing comic book series entitled Scud: The Disposable Assassin.  Can you tell us a little bit about that series?

Scud is, and always will be, closet to my heart. When Image ask to reprint the past issues, it was like a call from God. I had left the series unfinished for ten years, to go back to my roots and finish what I started was another proud achievement. I hand out copies of the Scud Omnibus around the holidays to friends and co-workers; the look on their faces when they hold that thick book is precious.

Would you consider yourself a comic book nerd?  If so, what is your take on the comic book industry in our modern times?

I consider myself a nerd, globally– comic books, movies, cartoons, toys, art. It’s hard to give an opinion about the industry.  When I was in it, I self-published– now that I’m out it’s even harder for me to understand. Comic Con is out of control.

If you had to pick one occupation in the television and film industry, what would it be?

Director, because it’s everything: writer, designer, performer, SFX. I like getting my hands dirty.

What does 2013 have in store for Rob Schrab?

More guest directing on The Mindy Project. I really want to do a low-budget feature, outside of the system that screams Rob Schrab.

What was the last thing that made you smile?

My wife, Kate, at lunch.

Rena Riffel [Interview]

It was always entertaining, lots of playing and make believe, using my imagination, arts and crafts, lots of music and singing.  My brother, Todd, and I put on a lot of musical shows in our house.  I grew up in a small town, endless forests and big oak trees, river beds, we rode horses, built tree forts, ect.  There was no pressure to succeed.  My parents encouraged me to accomplish my dreams, but they would have been happier if I would have stayed home in Atascadero and worked for my Dad, and had been successful by being happy in Atascadero, not in the entertainment biz.  But, for some reason, I had my heart set on having a career in Hollywood.  Achieving dreams takes a lot of discipline and sacrifice, gotta get your priorities straight.  And I realized sometimes you have to do what isn’t as much fun in the moment, more blood, sweat, and tears, to ultimately reach that goal that will be truly fulfilling.  It’s not instant gratification, it’s a long road to get to the end of the rainbow.   

You’ve become involved in producing some of your own projects.  What made you want to get behind the camera?  Do you prefer starring in your own works, or those of others?  Why?

I have been trying to make a movie for so many years.  I love creating fantasy worlds and putting them on film.  I really love what Sandra Bullock has done with her career, she produces all of her movies, and I’m inspired by Mae West who wrote her movies, and others like them. So, it definitely gives me more freedom to just do what I love to do, which is act, write, and make the movie.  But.. it’s great to just be an actress, especially if it’s an exciting project and getting to work with a great director and talented crew.  To answer your question, I prefer both, as long as I get to work and be creative and enjoy the process.

Thank you.  I do plan to put more attention on my music.  Ever since I began making my own movies, which was in 08′, I slowly stopped being as interested in recording songs.  But, I would love to get my head around writing some new songs and going in the studio.  I love it, it really inspires me.  I would like to make some music videos for all my songs I have recorded.  I’m directing a new video for my brothers band right now, I really enjoy doing that.. (shameless plug, video coming soon at Slowfadeband.com )

It wasn’t difficult creating the magic because I just let things happen, let the magic unfold in the scene.  I had hoped for the right chemistry, and had planned for the right elements. I embraced some of the flaws that happened, which brought a bit of a campy element to certain scenes.  Although, it is a parody, a satire, but while writing the script, I meant for it to be a drama, very serious, a thriller dealing with life and death dangerous situations.  The production was incredibly stressful, a lot of pressure on me, and exhausting beyond belief, and a certain part of my “perfectionism” gave up, and I just went with it, trusting in the process, and trusting that magic will happen again.  This movie is not quite “Showgirls”, not at all, it may be more like an early no-budget John Water’s film, but the audiences seem to get a kick out of it. Check out the magic at showgirls2movie.com 🙂

It’s a funny word, but, there are movies they make in Czech Republic, usually consist of pretty girls, and most have to do with women-in-prison plot lines, wars, authority, with a tough dominatrix and slave girls.  It’s B-Movie exploitation, nudity, violence, sapphic/lesbian erotic sex scenes, ect., all those elements some people enjoy watching. ;-).  I first worked with Lloyd Simandl on “Dark Confessions” in 98′, starring in the movie.  He had directed the women-in-prison film, “Chained Heat II” (starring Bridgitte Nielsen), the sequel to “Chained Heat” (starring Sybil Danning and Linda Blair), and he has produced and directed a hundred other films, he is the best and very respected, even Tarantino says his films have influenced him in the Czechsploitation/exploitation genre. I’ve made 4 movies with him, you can see them and buy them at www.boundheat.com and learn more about what czechploitation is.

That is a hard question… I don’t know… I am grateful for all the opportunities I’ve had, and happy I survived them all.  On a personal level, I guess my greatest accomplishment is that I have kept myself healthy, I don’t smoke, I am athletic and physically fit, and I am still dancing.

I am filming a new movie now, “Astrid’s Self Portrait”, it’s an avant garde/film noir, an experimental type art film. (that is the working title, it might change to just, “Astrid”.)  It’s kind of a blend of cinema verite’ meets Dogme 95.  It’s been a really great experience, which is just what I was hoping for.  Very relaxed and no stress, nothing like the “Showgirls 2” production.  I am working with my family on it, and my childhood best friend, Greg Heath, who I grew up with, he is my cinematographer and is also acting in the film. And my friend, Director Philippe Mora, will make an appearance in the film. (He is currently directing me in “Absolutely Modern”).   After I get Astrid in the can, I plan to make the sequel to “Showgirls 2”, currently Untitled.  I am really looking forward to making a new one, and some of the actors will be returning, Shelley Michelle, Paula Labaredas, and more.  I have written so many scripts, I would love to make them all.. especially my “Marie Antoinette” film and “Trasharella 2”.  And I am excited to wrap up “Spreading Darkness”, directed by Josh Eisenstadt, produced by Esther Goodstein.  I am one of the stars in it, along with Eric Roberts, John Savage, James Duval, Dominique Swain, Tara Cardinal, Louis Mandylor, and Nataliya Joy Prieto.  We’ve been trying very hard to get it in the can for 3 years now. And excited to start on the festival circuit with it.

Broadway, our very big cute dog. 🙂