Category: Movies and TV

Movies and TV, Thought and Opinion

The Power of Infomercials

Some people say that if you just keep saying the same message over and over people will eventually start to believe it. Just ask anyone who complains about people who watch the Fox News Channel or listen to any progressive radio station.

Those media outlets are geared toward people with a particular way of thinking. It’s all feeding the sheep what they want to hear and perhaps even using subliminal messages to help get their point across.

In some ways I suppose its similar to what they did at the movies years ago. There were some theaters who, in their quest for profits would splice in a split second of extra film into the main feature with an image of popcorn. Even though you were unaware of it, your brain had subconsciously picked up on that popcorn image and before too long you were making a bee-line for the concession stand because you suddenly had the urge to have some.

And please don’t get me started about the splicing use in the movie “Fight Club”.

I like to think that for the most part people are pretty smart in making up their minds over who to vote for or whether or not to eat popcorn. My problem with what I like to call “influential media” is that it can not only lean our decision-making in one direction or the other but it can also bankrupt us as well.

Confused?

There comes a time, usually in the middle of the night if you really want to know, when the mind really does become susceptible to the influence of messages made on television. And these messages don’t come from a political news network. They come in the form of advertising. Those late-night infomercials that peddle everything from exercise programs to space-age blenders.

I can’t even begin to tell you how many sleep deprived nights I’ve spent perusing the channels in a desperate search for a Three Stooges or MASH marathon but instead come across the P90x infomercial. Even though I had seen the entire thing dozens of times and could mimic Tony Horton’s every word, I still had to watch.

So there I was, sitting like a lazy log on the sofa with blood-shot eyes very much pissed that I was going to be useless at work the next morning but parroting every line: “This ain’t no aerobics class from the seventies”….”Do your best and forget the rest!”…

Now I consider myself to be in reasonable shape. I eat right and exercise regularly but still, had a laptop with an internet connection and my credit card been within arm’s reach I may have pulled the trigger right then.

The images I saw: the ripped abs…the sculpted shoulders. I could look that way! And in only ninety days!

That program was immediately followed by an hour-long Montel Williams “special” on the benefits of juicing. Of course, using the only machine he’s found to do the job right.  And one which coincidentally bears his name.

Hmmmm? Exercise AND juicing… The perfect combination. Now this was getting very tempting. I quickly surmised that for both items it would “only” cost me around $400. But I could always use their “easy” payment plan!

Once Montel gave me my final chance to “call now” the urge became too great. I began to reach for the credit card but that’s when something amazing happened. The crazy guy who peddles pillows came on the screen. Now who would ever have thought to do a half-hour commercial just to sell a pillow?

I began watching people sleeping using his soft, comfortable, cool pillow.

God bless the pillow man. His schtick put me to sleep within fifteen minutes and saved me a bundle.

A Conversation With, Interview, Movies and TV

A Conversation With Dee Wallace

Dee Wallace is a survivor.

Over the course of her film career she’s been chased by cannibals, werewolves and rabid dogs, come face to face with a Reese’s Pieces loving alien and even the infamous serial killer Michael Meyers himself. Her life has been, shall we say, a bit hectic?

I, like many other kids that grew up in the 80’s first came to know Dee from her role as Mary, the loving matriarch of Elliott (Henry Thomas), Michael (Robert MacNaughton) and a young Drew Barrymore (as Gertie) in the movie, “E.T. : The Extra Terrestrial“.

“E.T.” is the story about a little alien who wants nothing more than to go home and recruits a bunch of kids to help him get there. It’s a classic film that celebrates its 30th anniversary this year and a movie that at the time of its release in 1982 was literally the biggest thing on the planet (yes, pun intended).

The next time Dee and I would cross paths was when she starred as Helen Brown in the 1986 movie “Critters“. OK, I’m fibbing a bit. Just please don’t tell my Mother that my cousin snuck me in to see the “R” rated “Cujo” and “The Howling“. Two more movies where Dee is absolutely awesome!

Which leads me to pose this question: Who needs Kevin Bacon and his six degrees? Within just ONE degree of Dee Wallace you have people who are absolute masters of their craft. People who’ve sold millions of books and movie tickets and have earned no less than seven Academy Awards. Men like Wes Craven, Blake Edwards, Joe Dante, Stephen King, Rob Zombie, Steven Spielberg and Peter Jackson to name just a few. (Oh, and just in case you’re wondering: Dee is two steps away from Kevin Bacon – Look it up!).

Dee has become an icon and fan favorite for her work in the horror genre. From her first role in the low budgeted, but now cult classic original “The Hills Have Eyes” right up to her current roles in films like “Exit Humanity” and “The Lords of Salem“. But her acting prowess is not limited to just one genre. Dee has also appeared on television shows like “The Office”, “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Sons and Daughters“.

But what really may surprise you to learn is that not only is Dee an accomplished actress but she’s also a published author, radio host, public speaker and healer as well.

In fact, when not in front of the camera or interacting with her fans at various conventions, you can usually find Dee conducting monthly workshops to introduce people to the healing techniques that are outlined in her book, “Conscious Creation“. Often called “The Irreverent Healer,” Dee brings fun, energy and love to the healing journey.

Dee’s latest book, “Bright Light: Spiritual Lessons From A Life in Acting“ is an autobiographical tale of her life and craft and how that journey can apply to everyone’s spiritual journey. The message that true success comes from following the heart’s lead and that the mind only creates form for the spirit’s creative manifestation.

Dee is also the mother of Gabrielle Stone, an amazing up and coming actress in her own right, and a daughter she shares with late husband Christopher Stone (who appeared with Dee in many of her roles in the 1980’s).

In this interview with Dee we’ll discuss some of her most memorable film roles, including “E.T. – The Extra Terrestrial“, “Cujo” and the cult classic “The Hills Have Eyes“. We’ll also talk about her upcoming movie projects including Rob Zombie’s “The Lords of Salem” and also her role as an author and healer.

The Hills Have Eyes:

goJimmygo (gJg): Dee, did you ever think that after 35 years people would still be talking about “The Hills Have Eyes“?

Dee Wallace (DW): Oh, hell no!  I thought it was a “This is a low-budget film I’m lucky to get at the beginning of my career” gig!  Just shows you how powerful the fans are!

gJg: How did the role of Lynne Wood come about for you?

DW: I auditioned.  That is, truly, about all I remember!

gJg: Do you have any interesting/funny stories from the set?

DW: I remember we all stayed in the same motor home!  Not fun when the toilet was full! It was also freezing at night (we were in the desert).

I actually spent a lot of time in the car and almost turned the film down because of the tarantula scene. Yuck!

gJg: Really?

DW: Yeah, I’m definitely not a fan. But everyone kept saying things like “Oh, they won’t hurt you!” Then later I came to find out that’s not always true.

If someone told me I’d have to be covered in roaches or snakes or something like that I wouldn’t be in the movie. Give me a fake werewolf or a rabid dog any day. <laughs>

gJg: How did you meet your husband, Christopher Stone? Was it during “The Howling”?

DW: Chris and I met during (shhh…don’t tell anyone) an episode of CHiPs.  We both came in as a favor to the director. Chris took me out that Saturday and the rest, as they say, is history.

gJg:  That scene where you are changing at the very end of “The Howling” is one of my all-time favorite horror scenes!

DW: My Bambi werewolf!  Yes, that scene was added while I was shooting “Cujo”!  I just asked if she could be more vulnerable and that’s what Rob (Bottin) created!  Love it!

 

E.T. : The Extra-Terrestrial

gJg: How did your role in E.T. come about?

DW: Steven had auditioned me for Used Cars!  Fortunately, I didn’t get it and when E.T. came along, he offered me the part.

gJg: Was the premise and title of the movie kept secret from you?

DW: No, not from the actors, but very guarded publicly.  The working title was “A Boy’s Life.”  I did have to read the script behind closed doors at the studio!

gJg: What was your experience like working with Steven Spielberg and did you ever expect the movie to become the phenomenon that it did?

DW: Steven is a master of his craft.  His vision is almost effortless.  I knew we had something special, but as Blake Edwards said to me after “10” – ‘Honey, if we knew what made a hit, we’d have a lot more of them!’

Cujo:

gJg: How demanding was that role for you to play? I read where you were locked up shooting in the Pinto for days shooting.

DW: Well, that’s a bit dramatic.  We actually shot in the car for weeks – it was half of the movie! It was also the most demanding thing – physically & emotionally – that I’ve ever done.

gJg: How many St. Bernards were actually used in the movie?

DW: There were 5 dogs.  All incredibly trained by Karl Miller.  And they did all but about 3 shots in the film.

gJg: Are there certain things that draw you to these types of roles? Howling, Hills, Halloween, Cujo?

DW: I don’t know. I love drama. I love to play an arc.  I’m a good screamer and people want to save me. I guess you would say it’s a natural fit.

Halloween:

gJg: How did you get involved with the remake of Halloween?

DW: Rob Zombie actually offered me the part. It was refreshing to be acknowledged for the talent and body of work with an offer. Just like the old days.

gJg: What was the experience like working with Rob in the remake?

DW: I adore Rob.  Sooo creative. A creative genius, really.  And yet he gives everyone so much room to be their genius creatively.  He’s fun; he’s a visionary, and just a really nice guy.

Upcoming Movies:

gJg: I had spoken to Bill Moseley and he mentioned that you are involved in a new movie with him called “Exit Humanity“. Can you tell me a little about that movie and your role?

DW: In this movie I play a witch who’s trying to help society. And this is not your typical zombie movie. These young filmmakers did an amazing job with this picture! Innovative, beautifully shot with a great script. I consider it a true genre film.  An art film. I would work with them again in a heartbeat!

gJg: “The Lords of Salem” is the next Rob Zombie project. What is your role and what is the status of the film?

DW: The film is being edited as we speak.  I am a perky blonde who is a self-help guru.  He wrote it for me. Be in for some big surprises.  It’s AWEsome.

gJg: Any other current projects you’d like to discuss?

DW: I’ve been doing a lot of TV. Just finished a nice role in a film called Solar Flight. I also have two other films being edited.

gJg: In your career – what film would you say was the hardest to make? Which one was the most fun?

DW: “Cujo” was definitely the hardest, and the film I am proudest of as far as my work goes.  “The Howling” had to be the most fun; I was engaged to Chris and being directed by Joe Dante.  It doesn’t get any more fun that!

Healer and Author:

gJg: You do a lot of public speaking and self-help now. Please tell me a little about how you got involved with that and what you’re doing now!

DW: I am a clairaudient healer. My specialty is being able to discern the blocks within a person’s energy that are prohibiting them from being free, happy, and powerful.  I have two call-in shows weekly and do private sessions with clients worldwide.  It all happened after the death of my husband, Chris Stone.  I asked for a way to heal ourselves.

gJg: Can you tell me a little bit about your latest book: Bright Light: Spiritual Lessons From A Life in Acting?

DW: It’s a semi-autobiography of my life in movies. What I went through. Who I worked with. What I’ve learned.

If you take every challenge everyone has in their life and multiply it in severity you get what it’s like in the life of an actor.

In a regular life you might have nine or ten big changes in a lifetime (like changes in a work environment for example). Where as in an actor’s life there might be nine or ten of those in a day.

 

I’ve learned a lot of lessons over the course of my career and this book is about following the process in a dramatic, consistent way.

The best quote I’ve heard from the people who’ve read it is this one:

“I bought the book to read about your life… and I wound  up reading about my own”.

Article first published as A Conversation With Dee Wallace on Technorati.

A Conversation With, Interview, Movies and TV

A Conversation With Director Jourdan McClure

“Rogue River” is director Jourdan McClure’s first feature film. A movie that will be released in the US on June 5th and a thrill-ride that horror fans will find both visually appealing and emotionally disturbing.

As a fan of the horror genre himself since the age of nine when he first saw the movie Poltergeist, Jourdan had a vision that eventually led him to film school to study the mechanics of story telling and would ultimately allow him to begin weaving his own tales of terror.

Grabbing your attention from the opening scene where a distraught, battered and bloodied Mara (Michelle Page) wanders aimlessly about in a white dress while carrying nothing but a cross and a loaded firearm, we’re left to wonder just how she wound up in such a predicament.

With tears streaming, she places the barrel of the gun to her head in a final act of desperation. The screen goes black and a single shot is fired. It’s a teaser moment of what’s to come and a fitting prelude to the horrific events we’re about to witness as the story is told.

Following the recent death of her father, a tearful Mara says farewell to her brother Andrew (Chris Coy) and embarks on a trip to the Rogue River, a place she fondly remembers her father taking her on camping trips to when she was younger. Her plan is to scatter her father’s ashes in the tranquil location where the family had often spent time together.

While preparing to release her father’s cremains into the river Mara is greeted by a seemingly nice enough gentleman named Jon (Bill Moseley). After striking up a conversation, Jon offers to walk Mara back to her car where she discovers it has been towed away by authorities.

Concerned about the possibility of being stranded out in the deep woods alone at night with no cell phone reception, Mara decides to take Jon up on his offer of a ride back to town. A decision she will forever regret.

“Rogue River” won the Audience Choice Award and Best of Festival Award for Feature Film at the 2010 Sacramento Film Festival and was an Official Selection at the 2010 ScreamFest Horror Film Festival.

Jourdan is slated to direct the supernatural thriller, “The Sum of 9: The Chosen Ones” as well as the television series: “Hell Hunters”, based on the comic book. In 2013, Jourdan will be directing “Ancient Face” and also has numerous other film projects that are currently in various stages of development… Stay tuned.

In this interview with Jourdan we’ll find out more about the making of “Rogue River” and what’s next for horror’s newest story teller.

goJimmygo (gJg): Hey Jourdan, how are you doing?

Jourdan McClure (JM): I’m doing excellent. I appreciate your time.

gJg: “Rogue River” is your first feature-length film. Tell me a little bit about how you started making movies?

JM: You know it’s kind of the same old story only I wasn’t the kid with the Super-8 camera.  I was the kid with the mini DV camera. While growing up I was always shooting little short films and wanted to go to film school to learn how to make movies.

While there I started filming metal and rap music videos and began to understand how to visually put stories together. Music videos are a great format to play around with ideas because they won’t hurt what minimal story is already there. It was a great proving ground for me and I also got to work with a lot of really talented people.

Director Jourdan McClure

gJg: How did the idea for “Rogue River” come about?

JM:  I had an idea for a story and took it to Kevin Haskin who was also a filmmaker. I was already familiar with his work from a bunch of local festivals we both attended.

I had the idea, I just needed someone to help me write it. That was the only component I was missing. So I pitched Kevin the story and at first he thought it was a little dark. <laughs>, but then we brought in Ryan Finnerty who brought another great element to the story.

Ryan was a little bit more into the horror element than Kevin was so they were able to work well off of each other. One creating more of the drama and one creating more of the horror. So while they were busy putting pieces of  it together I’d come in and offer suggestions. The whole process was very collaborative and very cool. Collaboration is my favorite way of working.

gJg: Was Bill (Moseley) one of the first people you had in mind for the role of Jon?

JM: I’ve always been a fan of horror and everyone knew those were the types of movies I wanted to make. After we had gone through a bunch of actors I finally just said “You know, I really want to get Bill Moseley.”

gJg: I thought he was the ideal man for the role. Much different than the other characters he’s portrayed. You know he’s creepy and you know something is going to happen. You just don’t know when.

JM: Exactly! I told everyone that I didn’t want to do the big, scary, crazy “Bill”. I wanted to do more of a subdued “Bill”. I wanted someone who looks like a wealthy man but who’s also scary.

And of course having someone like Bill Moseley in your film, or a Michael Cudlitz (Sheriff Boyd) for that matter, it really helps.

gJg: Was Michelle Page another actor you had in mind for the role of Mara?

JM: Michelle actually knew Kevin and Jo Haskin (Producer) from working with them on their first film. Michelle had a very small role in that film but had a huge interest in doing this one so we checked her out.

I was very fortunate to have Michelle. Especially in the scenes down by the river where temperatures were between 9 and 15 degrees. She’s an actress who really gives herself to a film. Every time I think of the movie my hat just goes off to her.

Oh, and also because I’ve never seen someone shed so many tears. <laughs>

gJg: You know, I was actually going to ask you about that. She was great! I enjoyed watching her in this role because she’s very believable. Can she actually start crying like that on cue?

TM: Oh absolutely. Sometimes the tears can be too much but in this role her character was really in a state of shock and disarray. For me it really worked.

gJg: And then you have the amazing Lucinda Jenny as Jon’s terminally ill, deranged wife Lea.

JM: We had gone through quite a few Lea’s and that’s when my manager, Judy Fox recommended her. Lucinda and Bill are a couple in real life. So we met Lucinda and thought she and Bill together would be the ideal fit. It added another interesting familial aspect to it.

gJg: Lucinda has an extensive resume of films. Have you seen her from her previous roles?

JM: I did see her in “Thinner” but for some reason couldn’t remember her name. I know that she’s never really done horror like this before. I was really lucky to have both she and Bill together for my first feature film.

Bill Moseley, Jourdan McClure & Michelle Page

gJg: The cinematography in the movie is amazing. Especially the natural surroundings and fog on the river.

JM: During that time of year all of those things are natural and it really adds an element to the film that is real. When you combine those natural elements with the dark comedy that’s infused in small parts through out the movie you wind up with something that feels a little bit different but yet still familiar with the genre. I call those “efforts”.

The thing I was concentrating on most was just making a beautiful looking horror film. Something where really terrible content exists amongst this gorgeous landscape. In a beautiful cabin next to a river that’s known for its serenity and the protection of land management. Just a gorgeous, natural organic thing.

gJg: Were there any funny stories or situations to share while you were filming?

JM: I think one of the funniest things that happened was while we were filming Michelle down by the river. There were a bunch of wild turkeys roaming around nearby, making all kinds of racket. And every time Michelle would scream into the sky it would be followed by a response from these turkeys gobbling. <laughs>

gJg: What other film projects do you have coming up now?

JM: “Children of Sorrow” is a movie I directed that’s in post production right now. It a story that was also written by Ryan Finnerty.

gJg: What’s the premise of this film?

JM: After the mysterious death of a young woman’s sister, the woman embeds herself into the cult her sister was a member of to find out exactly what happened. There she finds something terrifying about both the cult and about herself.

It’s a POV horror film but not in the traditional sense where someone has found footage and now we’re watching it. We know where this footage came from. It was put together by this self-help guru, a man who’s known to have bad intentions. He’s taken all of this footage from the cult and the woman’s stay and puts it out to be shown to the world. That’s that’s what we’re watching. The footage shot by the cult members, the cult leader and the woman.

With this project we wanted to do something that was off kilter a bit. Extremely dark but at the same time psychological and freeing. It’s very much a passion project. I think people who like a slow-burning or character driven film will appreciate it. It’s a slice of life inside of a cult… but it’s not a hack and slash movie..it’s a docu-horror.

gJg: Finally, when will “Rogue River” be released in the US and will there be any extra features?

JM: The DVD will be released on June 5th. It will be available on demand on DirecTV and Dish and you’ll also be able to obtain it from Amazon, i-Tunes and Red Box.  – There’s my simple PSA about it… <laughs>

As far as extras go, I just recently finished filmed the commentary on the film with a lot of the cast. That was fun to do because we all got to watch and discuss the art that we had made. Just being honest and genuine about it. There will also be a few minutes of additional footage on the DVD as well. 

gJg: I loved the movie and think fans of the genre really will too.
Article first published as A Conversation with Director Jourdan McClure on Technorati.

A Conversation With, Interview, Movies and TV

A Conversation With Suze Lanier-Bramlett

Suze Lanier-Bramlett has a story to tell.

A story that has taken her on a journey that’s included time in the theater, television, movies, music and photography.

Chances are, if you’ve been exposed to any of these mediums you’ve most likely encountered her and may not have even known it.

Horror fans know her as Brenda Carter from the first “The Hills Have Eyes” movie. The cult classic that made her the original “Scream Queen“.

Television enthusiasts might remember her for a number of roles she’s played over the years including a stint as John Travolta’s girlfriend on “Welcome Back Kotter”.

Musicians know her for her soulful voice and being the wife of Delaney Bramlett, one of the greatest songwriters ever.

But dig a little deeper and you really get to know what makes this amazing woman tick.

Suze’s latest album, “Swamp Cabaret” is the story of her life thus far. Its also a reflection of her own one woman show in sequence. From her life as a “B Movie Star” to the day she almost made it to Woodstock. With enough blues and cabaret mixed in to appeal to a variety of music lovers.

In my interview with Suze, we’ll discuss “Swamp Cabaret”, her loving relationship and songwriting partnership with Delaney Bramlett, her love of photography and of course “The Hills Have Eyes”. She even dishes on her latest movie project: “Cut!” where she has the challenge of playing herself.

goJimmygo (gJg): It is such a pleasure to speak with you! How are you and how’s your new CD doing?

Suze Lanier-Bramlett (SLB): I’m doing really good. You know, we’re getting some very nice airplay both here and in Europe. The European enthusiasm is surprising and exciting.

gJg: When I first wanted to speak with you it was about the 35th Anniversary of “The Hills Have Eyes”.  Then I started digging a little deeper and found out that in addition to your TV, film and music careers, you’re also a successful photographer too. Tell me a little bit about your photography.

SLB: I’ve always kind of been led through the universe in a spiritual sort of way and photography was actually a blessing. My acting career had been slowing down a bit in the 80’s and I had a son to raise. So I started thinking about other things I could do besides act because I hadn’t really done anything else since I was fifteen years old.

One night I fell asleep and actually dreamt that I was a photographer. That dream reminded me of when I was a little girl and the day my Dad had bought me a Brownie camera. I would go around and shoot Girl Scout meetings, birthday parties and friends. I suddenly remembered how much I loved taking pictures.

Following the dream, the very next day I went out and bought myself a camera. I read the manual, invited a few actor friends over and started shooting. Believe it or not within about three weeks I started making a living as a photographer. It happened that fast.

gJg: It sounds like you had the knack for it right from the start.

SLB: The real trick about photography is understanding light. I think my time spent being in the theater helped me with that. I’ve also always enjoyed looking at fashion magazines. I think because of those two things I had been subconsciously studying light for years.

gJg: Amazing that it all happened for you because of a dream.

SLB: Yeah, and the thing about photography for me is that it’s a fun career. It’s like anything else though, you have to work at it. You have to promote. I think that’s the hardest part of being an artist. There are so many people I know who are fabulous in their art but they can’t make a living of it because they don’t know how to promote themselves. How you get it out there and get people to acknowledge it. That’s the hard part, whether it’s music, acting, painting, etc.

gJg: It’s not an easy road that’s for sure.

SLB: Everyone wants to be an artist, a singer, a rock star, an actor but they have no idea how challenging and difficult it can be. It looks so easy and so glamorous but it’s not. There’s an element of luck involved too. Being in the right place at the right time and finding the right people who can help you take it to the next level.

Songwriting

gJg: When did you first start writing songs?

SLB: The first song I ever wrote was when I was about 10 years old. I had a crush on a boy named Mike and I wrote a song about him called “I Like Mike”. <laughs>

You know, even though it was awful it still gave me the feeling of a creative rush and ever since then I’ve dabbled in songwriting. I found out later that my love for it went deeper than just “dabbling”.

My mother passed away last April and as I was going through some of her things I found poems that she had written all through the years that I never knew about. Her father was also a poet and was actually related to Tennessee Williams.

gJg: Really? Tennessee Williams?

SLB: My grandfather was Thomas Lanier and Tennessee Williams’ birth name was “Thomas Lanier Williams”; cousins of some kind.  I got to work with Tennessee. He was so gifted and intense.

gJg: So it runs in the family!

SLB: Yes it does. But the music didn’t really come full circle for me until I met Delaney in 1977.  He was always in the recording studio and I occasionally would toss out a lyric or two. That’s the way it started and then we eventually began working on songs together.

Later, in the mid-80’s, I formed my own band and performed regularly at The Palomino Club in LA and a bar called The Rose Tattoo, which at the time was the second most popular cabaret bar in the US. Both of those places are closed now. I had a great West Hollywood following.

Around 1991 I decided to stop performing in clubs. It’s hard keeping a band together and I was doing well as a photographer. So I put music on the back burner.

gJg: How did the “Swamp Cabaret” project come about?

SLB: After being away from music for years, Delaney and I started co-writing again. We had been working on some songs for his album.

One night I went to a salon performance party at a friend’s house who was preparing to do a cabaret show in Hollywood.

Her director recognized me from the old days and asked if I’d be interested in performing again. It was truly flattering but I politely explained to him that I thought “that ship had sailed”.  He gave me his card anyway and said: “Lets have lunch.”

I went home and told Delaney about it and, surprisingly, he said he thought I should do it. In fact, he offered to help with the music. With his encouragement, I decided to give it a go.

We had a couple of meetings and rehearsals; however, it was halted when Delaney had a gall bladder surgery and developed complications.

Over the next seven months I never left his side. He passed at the end of 2008.  After he was gone I was devastated and had no motivation to do much of anything. Then one day the director called me and said: “Come on, let’s put your show up!”

gJg: How did it go?

SLB: I was really nervous to be on stage singing again. When Delaney had been involved, he had asked me to include the song “Superstar”.  I kept it in for him.  It was tough getting through that first show. 

It’s actually still a challenge sometimes to face the day without him here. I stay busy and some of his band members play with me, so we keep his memory alive by working and writing together.

gJg: Just listening to the CD you seem so comfortable. It’s almost natural.

SLB: Thank you. I love being in the studio. I just finished recording a song that Delaney and I wrote that was never released called “Angel In The Night”. We wrote the song on Dec 8, 1980, the night John Lennon was shot. It’s a love song and was written initially with Yoko in mind.

gJg: I love your version of “Superstar” on the CD.  I actually grew up listening to The Carpenters version but the song is still one of my all time favorites. The chords and melody are just so beautiful.

SLB: I love it too. Delaney was one of the co-writers of that song. He was such an amazing songwriter. For me to have fallen in love with him and then have him ask me to help him write – you can’t go to school for that. Being married to such a great songwriter and man was a huge gift in my life.

gJg: Another one of my favorite songs on the album is “On The Way To Woodstock”.  It’s so infectious. How true is that song?

SLB: The whole thing is actually true. I was living on The Lower East Side of New York and was very pregnant at the time.

gJg: What encouraged you to put that story into a song?

SLB: ABC news did a documentary on the 40th anniversary of Woodstock in 2009 and they had asked me if they could include a segment about my own Woodstock experience. After I saw it I decided that story could make a cool song. So I sat down at the piano and I whipped it out in about a day.

gJg: Are all of your songs written that easily?

SLB: Not always. Sometimes I’ll get an idea for a song but I’ll need to let it stew.  I might only just have a title or a rough idea about what I want to say but then I’ll sort of just forget about it and not work on it for a while. Then one day I’ll just sit down again and the song will just come out.

gJg: You can’t rush the process.

SLB: You’re right. I, personally don’t like to force the process of songwriting. There’s a formula to it but I prefer to write when the inspiration hits me.

gJg: So a lot of your songs are about personal experiences but you also tend to write from someone else’s perspective as well?

SLB: I do. Delaney would do that too. As a matter of fact, Delaney would often laugh about how all of his wives or ex girlfriends would always think he was writing a song about them personally. He’d say: “Look, I’m not always writing about the person that I’m with. I might be writing about something that I had heard on the news or I’ll write a song from someone else’s point of view.” I feel the same way.

gJg: I love the vibe of this album. Especially with the last track, “Leave Your Hat On”.

SLB: I’ve always loved Randy Newman’s songwriting. “Leave Your Hat On” is one of my favorite songs so I put it on my CD.  I often close my show with that song.

The Hills Have Eyes (35th anniversary):

gJg; You know I’ve got to ask you about “The Hills” don’t you? <laughs>

SLB: You absolutely do! <laughs>

gJg: Do you remember when they crowned Jamie Lee Curtis the “Scream Queen” because of the movie “Halloween”? Well, I did a little research and it looks like you beat her to that title by at least a year.

SLB: I did?

gJg: If you look it up you’ll see. “Hills” came out in 1977 and that’s when you were screaming. “Halloween” didn’t come out until 1978.

SLB: So I was the first screamer?

gJg: You were the first. You have the title and should be credited with that.

SLB: That’s great. <laughs>

gJg: When you think about “The Hills Have Eyes” what’s the first thought that comes into your mind?

SLB: You know how sometimes you’ll do one thing in your life and it changes your whole life forever? That was what that movie did for me.

gJg: Really?

SLB: Yes. You see my agent didn’t want me to do it. He thought it was horrible. But I went against his wishes and did it anyway because I liked the script and I like Wes Craven. It was through that movie that I met Delaney. He had seen it at a drive-in the night before we met.

This last January, I worked on a new movie called “Cut!” because of David Rountree, the director, a fan of “The Hills Have Eyes”. In 2009 I also did another project with Oren Peli (Paranormal Activity) called “Area 51”, another film of the same genre.

Some nice things have come out of me being in “The Hills Have Eyes”. Not bad for a low budget project that your agent doesn’t want you to do in the first place. I’m glad I followed my intuition on that one.

gJg: Do you have any interesting stories from being on the set?

SLB: Well, I’m not sure if I’ve ever told this story before. I remember at one point everyone was a bit on edge about filming the rape scene. Rape scenes weren’t common place back then.

Michael Berryman’s character (Pluto) was going to be the one who raped me first and Michael was a bit insecure about how I would feel about being raped by him.

I was sensing his discomfort so I said to him: “Look, when Wes calls action, let’s just be making out passionately and I’ll act like I’m really enjoying it.”

On “ACTION” they pulled back the curtain and instead of the rape, Michael and I were passionately making out like it was a love scene. It got a great laugh and broke the ice for everyone.

gJg: How was it filming the movie?

SLB: It was fun but it was a hard shoot. It was hot in the daytime and cold at night. We were stuck out in the desert but everyone got along well. It was very low-budget film and probably had more meaning for some of us then others.

I don’t consider “The Hills Have Eyes” a great work of art but its a horror classic and I’m very glad that I did it. It was important enough to make a sequel and a remake.

gJg: I agree.

SLB: Why were you such a big fan?

gJg: I was really big into the horror genre growing up. Just being scared but “safe” in my theater seat. That’s what turned me on to those types of movies.

SLB:  Not me. I don’t like to watch scary films.  It’s cool to act in the horror genre though.

gJg: Do you plan on doing any east coast dates with your band? I’d love to see you in New York.

SLB: That would be great but it’s quite expensive to take a band out. I could possible make it work playing to tracks but tracks aren’t the same as having a band on stage. Besides singing the songs, I do some stand up comedy in the show. My last gig in Hollywood I had video in the show which adds another dimension to it all. 

I want to go to New York sometime in the Spring. I want to catch up on the shows and see some friends. I’ll check out some clubs while I’m there but my focus right now is to stay in the studio until I finish a new batch of songs I’ve written and to release the next CD.

The Changes in the Musical Dynamic:

gJg: What are your thoughts on the way the music industry is changing?

SLB: I think most artists are having financial problems because of all the free downloads, resulting in fewer CD sales. I’ve even read somewhere that the physical product of a CD will probably not be in existence in a few years.

There will soon be nothing that you can hold in your hand and actually look at except your iPhone of iPad.

One of the things that I treasured the most about buying a new album was the artwork.

gJg: I could not agree more. I feel the same way. I’m really going to miss that.

SLB: All of my musician friends are very perplexed about how they’re going to manifest this new business model into income. All of the music that we’re putting out there does not guarantee that people are going to buy it. Especially if they can listen to it for free. Everybody’s trying to place songs in film or on television.

The only way an artist can make money these days is to tour but being on the road night after night is exhausting. Everybody’s trying to figure it out; how to do your art and make a living from it.

gJg: It’s hard to imagine there being any upside to this new model.

SLB: There is one thing about it that’s kind of cool. You’re not dependent on a major label to put a record out anymore. You can do it whenever and however you. The artist can have full control. That part of it is extremely cool.

It’s the same thing with movies. You can do them inexpensively if you really want to. For about $1500 you can use better equipment than Wes Craven did for “The Hills Have Eyes”. <laughs>. You can go buy a camera with a cool lens and have a better quality than he could get back in the late 70’s.

Cut! Movie:

gJg: Let’s talk about your latest movie project. Is it true that you play yourself in this one?

SLB: Yes.

gJg: How did this role come about?

SLB: It’s not a huge role and it was kind of an after thought. They already had most of the movie filmed and I think they wanted a subplot to go along with it. My manager represents David Rountree as well as Gabrielle Stone (Dee Wallace’s real-life daughter). She pitched the idea of using Gabrielle and me. So I eneded up playing the grown up horror film director: Susan Lanier,  former star of “The Hills Have Eyes” with Gabrielle playing my leading lady in the film.

Because we had such a great time on the set, I invited them out to my “Swamp Cabaret” shows and subsequently, they decided to include a scene from the bar into the plot.

The star of the movie is David Banks and he is a very talented actor. He’s also one of the writers.

gJg: This sounds like a very interesting story!

SLB: I’ve seen some of the footage and I think it’s going to be great. I’m grateful to still be working in film. The parts are not that plentiful for more “mature” actors these days.

gJg: Have you ever thought about writing a book about your life?

SLB: Yes I have. Someday I’d like to do that.

gJg: You certainly do! You have a lot to say.

SLB: It’s been a journey that’s for sure. Fame,  fortune and stardom was never the goal for me.  I just love doing the work.  Because a hundred years from now, will any of it really matter? The important thing is to enjoy the process; the ride.

Because… in the end, we’re all just stardust anyway.

For More Information on Suze Lanier-Bramlett: Click Here

Article first published as Swamp Cabaret: A Conversation with Suze Lanier-Bramlett on Technorati.

Art, Movies and TV, NY Ink

New York Groove: My NY Ink Story
The Stencil For My Tattoo

It was a bright sunny day in August. I remember it well because I was in my upstairs bathroom shaking like a leaf. It was around 3 pm and I was getting ready to head over to South Bethlehem for sound check.

It was the summer of 2004 and my band was going to be the opening act for Clay Aiken at Musikfest. On the biggest stage of them all. The fastest sellout in the festival’s history – 6,500 people. We had the greatest female singer ever in our arsenal that got us there. But I was a nervous wreck.

I had dreamed about this forever. Since the first day I picked up my grandmother’s hand held potato slicer and pretended it was a guitar (true story). The callused fingers, the long walks downtown to Ken Brader and Son’s music store for lessons on brutal summer days. The countless number of  hours spent practicing after school.

While other kids went out and played sports or hung with friends I was trying to figure out how Eddie Van Halen got his kung-fu. I even used to write journal entries in high school of what my life was going to be like after I “made it”.

And now here I was, sitting in my bathroom next to the bowl for fear of losing my lunch. I’m still not sure how I held it together.

But somehow my “Rock Star Moment” was here. And I wasn’t about to let it slip away.

Ironically, it was being part of a country band that gave me this opportunity. The last thing you’d probably ever expect from a guy who grew up playing Survivor, Bon Jovi, Ozzy and AC/DC .And yet it was because our singer had won a regional vocal competition that we were invited to be the opening act.

So, a METAL head in a COUNTRY band gets to open for POP star. Musical irony.

Imagine the day in the life of your favorite chart topping artist as they arrive at a venue to perform. That was me that day.

Megan Massacre

All the crew members doing whatever it takes to make you comfortable so you could ready yourself for a night of great music. Ushering you off away from the adoring public. Ok, so this “public” was there to see Clay Aiken but this was my “moment” so I could think what ever I wanted.

Clay had just placed second in season two of American Idol but was almost on the same level as Justin Bieber is today. People were going bonkers for him.

Surreal.

This was the story that I told Megan Massacre as she tattooed me. This was the reason for getting my very first tattoo: to commemorate the day my dream came true.

Although my segment with her never actually aired there is a brief glimpse of Megan tattooing me during a transition between scenes as you can see in the one photo.

Frankly, I’m still wondering if this picture justifies me having my own IMDB listing… I can see it now:

Actor: James Wood:  Appeared in: “NY INK Season 2″… In the role of:  “Arm being tattooed by Megan Massacre“.

I honestly can’t say enough good things about my experience at Wooster Street or the tattoo that Megan did. What’s even better is that I now have a story within a story to tell when people ask me about it.

And I couldn’t ask for anything cooler than that. What do you think?

 

Art, Movies and TV, NY Ink

New York Groove (Part 4): Megan Massacre

She’s a model. She’s a DJ. She plays bass guitar. But most of all – Megan Massacre is one really amazing tattoo artist.

I first met Megan one hot summer day last August. I made the pilgrimage to New York with my daughter to visit The Wooster Street Social Club, the tattoo studio where she works. The studio is also the place where the TLC reality based show NY Ink is filmed. You can read about our adventure here. Today’s visit was different though.

Today, Megan was going to give me my very first tattoo and the entire segment was going to be filmed for the second season of NY Ink.

I really loved Megan’s work from the first season. She has such a unique style that was different from most of the other artists I had seen. I mean, tatting a dog dressed as a Victorian Lady or a dude getting hit by a bus is definitely not something you see every day.

Since this was going to be my very first tattoo I wanted it to be special and more than just a “picture” if that makes any sense. So when I gave her the ideas I had for the guitar I wanted I knew she would nail it. And the time was now drawing near.

I was sitting downstairs in a room adjacent to Ami James’ office. Producers and other production type folks all sat nearby with headset communication listening to what was going on upstairs. Finally, I heard one of them say into the microphone “Ok, I’ll send him up”.

And away I went.

Ami and Billy were already in the early stages of their tattoos and I slowly made my way past them to what’s been commonly referred to as “the big comfy couch”.

My View From The Couch

I sat down and peered over to see RoBear helping Megan set up her station. Several members of the film crew were in discussion with each other while others busily adjusted their equipment.

Megan was already well aware that this was going to be my first tattoo and was of significant size but that didn’t stop her from teasing me a bit.

As she was preparing her station with paper towels and ink she’d often look over at me and do her best impression of a nefarious villain by rubbing her hands together and laughing. Sort of saying “There’s no turning back now son… You’re mine!”.  And in some odd way, it was almost comforting.

Finally, it was time and she called me over to her station.

The first thing Megan did after applying the stencil was to make a small line to assess what my tolerance for the needle would be. It felt like a bit of a scratch, no pain. Off we go.

For the next two and a half hours Megan tattooed me as cameras rolled. Until the production crew was ready, telling her my actual “story” was the only thing we couldn’t talk about. Anything else was fine. So it was here where we shared our backgrounds and I got some back stories about her own tattoos. I also found out that much like me, she also grew up in Pennsylvania and has a fascination for not only art but musical performance as well.

Eventually, the production crew came over and began filming me telling Megan my story and reason for getting the tattoo. I think this was where I was most nervous. Its hard to try and tell a story and use coherent sentences when people are holding monstrous camera equipment and lights three feet away from you.

At times I have to admit that the tattoo process itself did hurt a little bit but there was no way I was going to cry in front of Megan. Ok, it didn’t hurt THAT much but it did make me wonder how people deal with the pain of getting tattooed in more sensitive areas.

At one point Ami, Billy and Jessica all came over off-camera to take a peek at the tattoo Megan was doing on me. Seeing these other great artists taking an interest in my piece was very cool and during the actual “reveal” only one word came to everyone’s lips: BAD-ASS. Exactly what I wanted it to be.

People have asked me over and over what Megan is really like in person and the one word that immediately comes to mind is “sweetheart”. She is lady-like and bad ass all rolled into one. A person dedicated to her craft.

In fact, in all the time it took her to do my tattoo she didn’t take one break. Well, unless of course you count the time she went over to check out the tattoo Billy was having a problem with. (Side note: It was episode three of season two. When you see Megan come up to see how Billy is doing on his “first” big tattoo, she was actually tattooing me at the time but my segment never aired).

Also, when you see her talking about her affection for RoBear that’s also genuine. RoBear was like her guardian. He helped set up her station and brought her over snacks and drinks while she was tattooing me. I suspect that if I would have gotten out of line with Meg I would have been on the receiving end of the big guy’s boot.

She likes to text

The whole experience from start to finish was surreal. Although I was a bit disheartened my segment didn’t air I can’t say enough good things about it.

I mean, how may people can say they got their first tattoo by Megan Massacre with a film crew watching and being interviewed about it?

So by now you may be wondering what my story was and even more importantly, want to see the tattoo that Megan did. All will be revealed in the finale which is next.

Next: The Story and The Reveal

A Conversation With, Interview, Movies and TV

A Conversation With Erika Eleniak

It’s been thirty years since E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial changed the way Americans looked at Reese’s Pieces. In 1982 you couldn’t turn on the TV without seeing the little guy with the lit-up finger munching on those chocolate and peanut butter candies.

E.T. was everywhere. From Pizza Hut glasses to Atari video games and even lunch boxes. His stickers adorned everyone’s beloved Trapper Keeper (mine included) and I still recall all of the kids in 7th grade talking about him for months.

But even thirty years after its release the one thing I remember most about the movie, aside from wanting one of those cool flying bicycles, is the scene where Henry Thomas’ character Elliott saves the frogs in his science class from certain death and kisses his female classmate.

Quite fittingly, she was credited as the “Pretty Girl” in the movie and it was one of those moments during my own adolescence where I would have given anything to be able to change places with some other guy. That other guy being Henry Thomas.

E.T. : The Extra-Terrestrial introduced the movie world to Erika Eleniak. Since then, she’s been a Playboy Playmate, a Baywatch babe and a Beverly Hillbilly just to name a few of her accomplishments.

She’s fought off terrorists in “Under Siege” and even hunted vampires in “Dracula 3000: Infinite Darkness”. Most recently, she’s appeared in episodes of “Desperate Housewives” and “CSI: Miami”.

In this interview, Erika talks about her time working on “E.T. :The Extra-Terrestrial“,  “Baywatch” and “Under Siege“. She also discusses her newest movie, “Meant To Be” which deals with a very controversial subject.

goJimmygo (gJg):  When did you first start acting and how did your role in E.T. come about?

Erika Eleniak (EE):  I first started acting when I was ten-years old. My earliest appearances included a play, some commercials and on a TV show.

Although E.T. was not my first acting role it was my first film role. I was twelve-years old and in the 7th Grade performing in an audition showcase when I was spotted by a talent scout for Steven Spielberg, who was seated in the audience.

I later went to meet with Mr. Spielberg and he asked me if I wanted to be in his movie.

I said, “Yes.” <laughs>

gJg: What was the experience like working with Steven Spielberg?

EE: Working with Steven was wonderful. He was very playful with all of the kids and caring as well.

I remember when it was time for our on-screen kiss. He cleared the set and had private conversations with both Henry Thomas (Elliott) and myself to reassure us that it would be handled with care.

gJg: Did you ever expect the movie to become the phenomenon that it did?

EE: When I was cast for E.T. great care was taken with everyone to make sure that “E.T.” stayed a secret until it was time for its release. This was done to avoid the possibility of the film being ripped off before it’s release.

I was told that the name of the film was “A Boys Life” and that it was going to be about a boy and an alien. That’s all. I had no idea what to expect.

I still remember sitting with my Mom, Grandma and Sister in the Hollywood Dome Theater for the premiere and just being wide-eyed the whole time!

gJg: Are there any funny stories from being on the set that you’d like to share?

EE: I think the funniest memory I have is that Henry had told everyone that he was in a “Girl Hater’s Club”. 

The other thing was that he was 10 years old and I was 12 so we were both pretty freaked out about having to do that kiss!

gJg: Did being part of such a big movie bring lots of offers for future films?

EE: I was very fortunate in that my Mom was the complete opposite of what a typical “stage mother” is. She made sure that I had a normal childhood and stayed in school. I had worked a couple of jobs a year on average but as far as getting roles based on E.T: there were none that I am aware of.

gJg: A few years later you were cast as Shauni McClain on “Baywatch”.

EE: Yes, I was cast in Baywatch right out of high school. I was 18 or 19 years old and one of the original cast members of the show when it was first aired on NBC.

This was the most conservative network at the time by the way.

gJg: I loved your role as Jordan Tate in “Under Siege”. Was there a reason why you didn’t appear in the sequel?

EE: “Under Siege” was a great film and a fantastic project to be a part of. The role of Jordan Tate was pure FUN to play. I am often asked why I was not cast in the sequel.

From what I understand, they wanted to make a completely different theme and therefore a new cast.

gJg: What was it like working with Tommy Lee Jones in that movie?

EE: Working with Tommy Lee Jones was an honor for me. He is one of my favorite actors of all time. Watching him work with Gary Busey was also inspiring. They wrote, re-wrote, created, improvised. It was amazing to watch.

gJg: Have you made any lasting relationships with any of the cast from those movies?

EE: I have run into various actors I’ve worked with over the years and that is always cool but it’s very difficult to maintain relationships with us gypsies sometimes! We move around from town to town, working and traveling.

I’m kidding though, we are not gypsies. We all just have our own very different and busy lives.

Erika on CSI:Miami

gJg: What is the biggest question fans ask you the most?

EE: Most fans ask me what it was like working on Baywatch or what it was like to work with certain actors.

That is the biggest question really: “What was it like working with…..”

gJg: And I’ve asked a few of those too…. <laughs>

gJg: Out of all of the people you’ve worked with over the course of your career thus far, who would you say is the one person you’ve enjoyed working with the most and why?

EE: I have been fortunate in my career to meet and work with many fascinating and interesting people but, if I have to choose a favorite, it would have to be Cloris Leachman. She is a wild, wonderful woman! So full of Joy-for-Life and her spirit is as contagious as her laughter. (Ms. Leachman co-starred with Erika in The Beverly Hillbillies)

gJg:  Finally, what can you tell me about your new film “Meant To Be”?

EE: My new film, “Meant To Be” looks at the very controversial topic of abortion and what happens to those involved in the process. It is a very interesting point of view of a “possibility” of what the consequences of having one “may be”.

I play a woman who previously had an abortion and later on goes on to have a child. After her child goes off to college she finds herself “mentoring” a young girl in the very same situation that she was faced with many years ago.

There’s also a young man in this story in search of his birth mother as well which takes on a very interesting twist.

For more information on Erika check out the links below:

Erika Eleniak’s Official Website * Erika’s Latest Show-Reel


Article first published as A Conversation With Erika Eleniak on Technorati.

A Conversation With, Interview, Movies and TV

A Conversation With Michael Berryman

When I was first introduced to Michael Berryman it was most likely the same way many other metal head purists from my era had first met him: by seeing his performance as the mean principal in the Mötley Crüe video for the song: “Smokin’ in The Boys Room”.

He was the ideal fit for the foreboding and intimidating figure that roamed the school halls and scared any would be malcontent. Someone you’d never want to meet in a dark alley let alone a principal’s office because a dog ran off with your homework.

Mr. Berryman has built quite an extensive resume of portraying these frightening and intimidating characters. From a mutant biker in “Weird Science” to even the devil himself in an episode of the 1980’s television show “Highway to Heaven“.

He’s been a part of the Star Trek franchise and is also a favorite of director Rob Zombie, having appeared in his films “The Devil’s Rejects” (2005) and the soon to be released “The Lords of Salem”.

But Michael is quite the opposite of the types of characters he portrays on-screen. In fact, it may surprise you to learn that he’s a strong advocate for the environment and leaving something behind for future generations to enjoy.

And here’s something else you might not know: the second film Michael was cast in just happened to be “One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest”, the 1975 film starring Jack Nicholson that went on to win five Academy Awards including Best Picture.

But the role Michael is probably best known for is his portrayal of Pluto in the 1977 Wes Craven Film “The Hills Have Eyes”. Considered a cult favorite among horror enthusiasts the film has spawned two sequels (one in 1985 and the other in 1995) and two separate remakes (2006/2007). The original film also ranks #41 on Bravo’s list of 100 Scariest Movie Moments.

I had the pleasure of speaking with Michael and get his thoughts on the Hills as it turns 35. We also discuss the Mötley video, the importance of preserving the environment, his thoughts on working with film legend Jack Nicholson and his newest thriller,
“Below Zero“.

goJimmygo (gJg): Hi Michael, this is James Wood, how are you?

Michael Berryman (MB): Pretty good James!

gJg: It’s good to talk with you.

MB: You too!

gJg: Did you ever think that after 35 years people would still be talking about “The Hills Have Eyes“?

MB: Oh gosh, has it been that long? <laughs>

gJg: Isn’t that crazy?

MB: That really is. <laughs>

gJg: How did the role of Pluto come about for you?

MB: Well, I had just gotten home from my second gig which was Cuckoo’s Nest. We had worked 127 days on it and I had really learned a lot. So I came home to Santa Monica and actually had no idea what was going to happen next.

Then one day my agent called me and said he had a part for me to look at for a movie called “Blood Relations”. That was the name of the company but was also originally going to be the title. He said there was a producer named Peter Locke and some director named Wes Craven he wanted me to meet with. So he set up a meeting and I went and met everyone and was handed the script.

They told me it was going to be about a three-week shoot out in the desert north of Los Angeles. I told them that I was already familiar with the area. The temperatures there were always hot in the daytime and cool at night.

So a few days went by and they called my agent and offered me the role.

gJg: Any interesting stories from the set?

MB: I remember the day I went into wardrobe. I met a gal there who was also working on a degree in anthropology at UCLA. I guess you’d say she had some knowledge of the kinds of things a cannibal family might wear.

The necklace she gave me had some cool things on it: a pair of dentures, some bullets. My bracelet was actually comprised of real human teeth that she had gotten from a friend of hers who was a dentist.

We were going for realism and I guess they just figured I had the look for it. <laughs>. They discussed the premise and I said “Ok, let’s have some fun with it.”

gJg: Were there any accidents on the set? I look at the rocky terrain it was filmed on and I could just imagine people twisting their ankles on it.

MB: I was familiar with that area so that wasn’t really a problem. The worst part though was climbing those mountains. No one got hurt but it was very precarious.

One of the biggest issues though as far as people almost being hurt was probably the day we had the rattlesnake on the set. It wasn’t just your typical diamond back, it was a Desert Mojave Green and they are as deadly as a cobra. I mean really, really dangerous.

I remember we were all sitting in the ravine one day having lunch and I noticed that people were jumping out-of-the-way of something. I looked over and saw that the snake had some how gotten out of the cloth while the animal handler was getting something to eat.

Now here’s the scary part: one of the actresses actually picked it up and handed it back to him and he almost fainted. Wes and Peter were freaking out.

Fortunately, what the handler had done was taken some thin line and looped it through the jaw of the snake over the bone so it couldn’t get its jaws open far enough for fangs. But still…

gJg: Still scary!

MB: Yes it was. So he took care of that and then I asked him: “Why a Mojave Green?” and he said, “Well, its actually my pet.”

So I knew right then that he was a whack job. <laughs>

gJg: Do you see anyone from the movie anymore?

MB: Well, I actually have. I ran into Janus (Blythe who portrayed Ruby) a few years ago. Once in a blue moon I’ll run into some others.

I saw Peter Locke (producer) a few years ago in LA when they were getting ready for the first remake of The Hills Have Eyes (2006). Peter told me he’d see me in Morocco. The only problem with that was the director didn’t want me. So I’m not sure why they even bothered to call me in.

gJg: Anyone else?

MB:  I’ve run into Dee (Wallace, who portrayed Lynne Wood) at a few conventions over the years. Ken Horn (make-up artist) is the curator of the Hollywood Wax Museum. I bump into him every once in a while.

gJg: Now your character, Pluto, supposedly dies in the original film when the dog attacks him. Was that the way it was supposed to be or did they leave it open-ended for a sequel?

MB: No, originally we didn’t think there was going to be a sequel so I was pretty much dead. But in part two I explain how I managed to get patched up after the dog attack.

The one thing I really liked about Part 2 was the fact that we used a different type of film so it has a real vintage look to it.

About the only thing I wasn’t too thrilled about was the “Reaper” character. I just didn’t feel that he was a very complete character.

gJg: And then that damn dog got you again (the same dog that supposedly killed Pluto in the first Hills movie pushes him off a cliff in this one).

MB: <Laughs>… Yeah well, what can you do?

***

Michael on the Mötley Crüe Video:

gJg: What was the story behind the video for Smokin’ in the Boys Room?

MB: My first agent was still with me when I got the video. He called me up and he says, “Hey, there’s this band called Mutley…uh, Motley Crew and they want you for their video.” So I said, “Sure, I’ll go do it”.

So we went into this high school auditorium and all hung out in a make shift green room they had set up behind the curtain. They were all super nice guys, very down to Earth.

As we were sitting there making small talk we started bouncing around ideas on how to make my character silly. That’s when we came up with the idea for the wig, the bow tie and eventually, the ear wiggle.

gJg: Ah yes, the ear wiggle!

MB:  You know, there’s actually an interesting story with that. I told Mick (Mars, guitarist for Mötley Crüe) that I could independently wiggle my ears. Well once he and everyone else in the band saw me do it they loved it and wanted to use it. So the ear wiggle was put in at the very end of the video right after they snatch off my wig. It must have worked because the video was number one on MTV for quite a long time.

Well one day people started calling me up and telling me that they had noticed that the ear wiggle scene had been taken out of the video. Apparently, “someone” didn’t care for it and had an editor go into work one day and remove it.

But I guess over time enough people complained about it so they went back in and put my ear wiggle back into the end of the video..

So you know, it’s a cute rumor.

Years later I’m working on a voice over for Penny Dreadful, and low and behold the guy who was doing the editing for the film comes up to me and says, “Hey, a long time ago I used to work for MTV as an editor and one day I had to put your ear wiggle back into the Mötley Crüe video”.

<laughs>

So it’s a full circle kind of thing.

***

Michael on his newest thriller, “Below Zero”:

gJg: I see that you have a new movie out now, Below Zero.

MB: You betcha.. Below Zero.

gJg: What’s the premise of this film?

MB: It’s a thriller. Eddie Furlong plays a screenwriter who can’t meet a deadline. So he arranges to be shipped out into the middle of nowhere, locked inside of a freezer at a slaughterhouse. He’s got everything in there he needs to work. He just can’t come out until he has a finished script. And all during the process you don’t know if what you see is something he is writing or if it’s real.

I play the part of Gunnar who is the guy who runs the slaughter-house.

gJg: Oh, so Gunnar is a real character. He’s not part of his imagination. He’s real?

MB: Well, no he’s not….but then again….(pause)…maybe he is….. <laughs>

gJg: How did I know you were going to say that? <laughs>

MB: The movie leads in three directions and the cinematography is exquisite.


gJg: The trailer for it looks great!

MB: We’re all very proud of it. We filmed it two years ago in Canada. People can go check out the Facebook page or the official website to learn more about it. I know they’ve been playing the trailer most recently. It’s got a great musical score and is doing very well at festivals all over the world.

I’m saying that probably by summer it should be out for sale. I think its going to do really, really well.

gJg: Just from what I’ve seen of it so far I’d have to agree.

MB: It’s really, really good. I actually have a DVD copy of it and I’ll watch it every once in a while. The cool thing about it is that every time you watch it you enjoy it again, freshly. It’s not something you watch once and then put away. It doesn’t lose any impact over subsequent viewings. It’s really strong and I’m proud of it.

In fact, if you want to know the truth, I think it’s my best work yet.

And why?

Because it was my last work. And every time I work I do a little bit better.<laughs>

gJg: Yeah, that’s a good way to look at it.

MB: Well, you try. <laughs>.

***

Michael on giving back:

gJg: I noticed the tattoos they gave you for this role as well.

MB: Oh those aren’t fake, those are real.

gJg: Really? Wow, those are really colorful.

MB: Yes, they are. The one on my right arm is the sunset with the moon rising and mountains in the background. The one on my left arm is of a mother wolf and a pup. I actually lived at a wolf sanctuary for ten years.

gJg: Oh really?

MB: Wolf Mountain Sanctuary.in Lucerne Valley, CA. It’s run by my good friend Tonya Carloni. She rescues wolves and gives them a descent place to live. What she does is a very noble cause.

We also teach people about habitat preservation and the importance of preserving what we have before it turns into something like Joni Mitchell said: “Paradise turned into a parking lot.” We really need to leave something for our children to enjoy.

***

Michael on working with Jack Nicholson in “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest“:

gJg: Michael, I just can’t end our interview without asking you about what it was like working on Cuckoo’s Nest with Jack Nicholson.

MB: I get asked quite a bit about Jack and I tell everyone that I found him to be such a down to Earth regular guy.

He told me one day, “Michael, if I was as tall as you I’d be an NBA star right now.” (Michael is 6′ 2″). Jack was very athletic but just didn’t have the height for it.

He was just a real, honest, wonderful guy and a terrific talent and I was just tickled that he won an Oscar for it because he just threw himself into that role.

gJg: Well Michael it’s been so great talking with you. Is there anything else you’d like to say in closing?

MB: I just want to wish the very best to all of my fans. May you all have a peaceful, wonderful life and when you wake up tomorrow, make it a great day.

gJg: Couldn’t ask for anything more than that.

MB: That’s the plan I’m keeping.


Article first published as A Conversation With Michael Berryman on Technorati

Movies and TV, NY Ink

The NY Ink Announcement

I’ve waited six long months to be able to tell you this story. No seriously, I’m not kidding its been that long. I’ve had a five-part blog that’s been in the works since last September and at last I’m finally able to reveal it.

I’ve got good news, bad news and great news! I’ll explain them all to you in that order:

Good News: Last summer, I submitted a request to be a candidate for Season 2 of  the TLC television show NY Ink and was actually chosen to have my segment filmed for the show!!  I got to travel to New York City, go on set for the show, tell my story and get my first tattoo done by none other than Megan Massacre.

After it was all over, I started to write a blog about my experience. And that blog got so large that it led to another blog. Which led to another. And another…. Before I knew it, I had written five parts.

Bad News: Season 2 episodes began airing in December of last year and my segment never made it to air. (Although they did show a glimpse of my session in a transition from one scene to the next). It’s too bad because I already had my IMDB application ready and several agents and publicists on stand-by. Sadly, I had to tell them the bad news. (Hope you all realize those last two sentences were a joke).

Anyway, through out the season I was already pretty much aware that my segment wasn’t going to make the final cut but I was contractually obligated not to say anything about my time on the show until the last episode aired.

Which was last night.

So…..

Great News: Starting Monday I will begin posting the blogs from my experiences on NY Ink. From the ride in to the city, to being on the set, getting tattooed by Megan and meeting most everyone from the show. You’ll also get to hear my “rock and roll” story and see the final work of art.

Although obviously a bit bummed that my segment didn’t air I have absolutely no regrets about it. It definitely wasn’t your typical tattoo experience.

If you’re already a fan of the show and are sad that its over here’s one last NY Ink story you didn’t hear.

One that I’m excited to finally be able to tell you about.

See  you then.

Movies and TV, Music, Thought and Opinion

A Farewell To Davy Jones

I never met Davy Jones. Never even saw him perform in concert for that matter. And yet somehow I still felt a sense of loss when word of his death reached me yesterday.

Quite frankly, before The Monkees I used to think that Davy Jones was just the guy who owned the locker everyone from Popeye to Captain Jack Sparrow talked about. Little did I know he could sing, dance and act with the best of them.

I still remember watching his antics on the show and longed to be like him. The guy with the good looks and boyish charm who could sing anything and woo any woman. Someone who was immortal to me. Until yesterday.

But rather than just post a blurb remembering the show, his records and just saying “goodbye” I’d rather write about Davy from a bit of a different angle. Specifically, from his role as himself on the Brady Bunch forty years ago.

When I first saw the episode with Davy and Marsha Brady it really struck a nerve. In the episode, Marsha had promised her friends that she would get Davy Jones to sing at her prom. She eventually tracks him down to the recording studio and actually manages to get inside and watch him record.

Girl. Look What You’ve Done To Me.
Me, And My Whole World.

As the producer begins scolding her Marsha makes her plea that Davy had promised her he would perform if ever he was in town. Davy, who over hears the conversation, later shows up at Marsha’s house and promises to perform at her prom. He even goes so far as asking her to be his date and gets a kiss for his efforts. And what boy wouldn’t want a kiss from Marsha Brady?

Although fictitious, the storyline of celebrities helping “normal” folks still resonates even today.

Just recently a young man who has been suffering from leukemia asked country music star Taylor Swift to be his date for the prom. Swift was unable to make the date so instead asked him to accompany her to the Academy of Country Music Awards.

We could sure use more people using their celebrity status for noble causes. The world would be a much better place.

I believe Davy Jones was much more than just a singer, a locker or a Monkee. In an odd sort of way I think he may also have been a trendsetter as well.

Godspeed Davy Jones.