Interview, Movie Reviews

Actress Lindsey Shaw Discusses New Film, “Love Me”

love meSixteen-year-old Melissa Kennedy has been missing for almost three months, and the town of Ridgedale is starting to become unglued. Meanwhile, Sylvia Potter (Lindsey Shaw) wants badly to be in love. That’s when quiet, rich kid Lucas Green (Jamie Johnston) transfers to Hampton Prep and sparks begin to fly. But, what begins as a simple love story soon takes a major twist as police begin investigating Lucas’ involvement in the Melissa Kennedy case.

“Love Me” stars Lindsey Shaw (“Ned’s Declassified School Survival Guide”, “Pretty Little Liars”), Jamie Johnston (“Degrassi: The Next Generation”), Jean-Luc Bilodeau (“Baby Daddy”), and Kaitlyn Leeb (Total Recall).

Aside from the mystery and intrigue involved as we discover what’s happened to Melissa, it’s the little things in “Love Me” that actually make this film work for me. Whether it’s the “old fashioned” elements like Sylvia working at a classic movie cinema, friends hanging out on campus or at a diner, the longing to find a meaningful love or the relationship Sylvia shares with her mother, there are human qualities to the characters that make them easy to relate to.

Its also worth noting Shaw’s amazing performance in the film. Her portrayal of Sylvia Potter is refreshing as she runs a roller coaster of emotion as a girl who yearns above all else to be in love. “Love Me” only solidifies Lindsey as an actress on the rise and one that can easily carry a film.

I had the chance to speak with Lindsey about her role and what she liked most about “Love Me”.

What attracted you most to this role?

I really like the genre. When I was younger, I liked a film called “Fear” with Mark Wahlberg and Reese Witherspoon. I loved Reese’s character and that’s what I saw Sylvia Potter as in this script. Along that same story line. There’s something about the twist of love story that really gets me. There were also so many unique elements that you don’t see in teenage love stories. It’s old-fashioned in a way, which was something that I really loved.

There was a lot of chemistry between you and Jamie Johnston (Lucas Green).

Jamie and I are total opposite people on every single front, but I think that helped each of our characters. We really took the time to get to know each other and some of that “first phase” awkwardness really comes across well on-screen. In the movie, Sylvia and Lucas are nothing alike and yet, as soon as they see each other something sparks within them. It was very cool.

How would you describe the story of “Love Me”?

It’s a love story that takes a really dramatic turn when you realize that one of the lovers is actually caught up in his own love triangle. It’s a crazy love story with some murder on top.

Several of your scenes are very emotional. Where do you draw inspiration from for those kind of moments?

It comes naturally. Just being there in the moment and breaking down the scene and the elements. Those kind of emotions are things we all can go through inside. 

What did you like most about the movie?

I really liked the anticipation and the intense feelings before the drama occurs (like the scenes where she’s at the diner). That whole “first love” feeling. It’s naive but beautiful at the same time. That was fun to portray.

What’s next for you?

A horror film called “No One Lives”.  It’s directed by Ryûhei Kitamura and should be released in the next few months.

“Love Me” is available now on Blu-Ray and DVD from Anchor Bay Entertainment and include the following featurettes: “Behind the Scenes” and “Stories from the Set.”

Article first published as Actress Lindsey Shaw Discusses New Film, “Love Me” on Technorati.

1980's, Art, Movies and TV

Get Julie Piekarski on Dancing With The Stars
Julie Piekarski
Julie Piekarski

Last summer, I had the pleasure of speaking with the amazing Julie Piekarski Probst. Although her name may not ring a bell, chances are if you were a fan of “The Mickey Mouse Club” or “Facts of Life” back in the day, you’ve seen her.

Now, the beautiful actress and dancer is embarking on a journey to get on this season’s ‘Dancing With The Stars’ and I’m doing a re-visit of that interview to help her on her quest.

Julie is no stranger to the art of the dance, having honed her chops from a very young age performing in front of huge audiences at The Muny, the nation’s largest outdoor theater located in St. Louis, Missouri. She took time off from perfoming in the mid-1980′s in order to raise a family, but is now ready to enter the biggest ballroom in prime time.

In just the short time that we spoke, I found Julie to be a warm, infectious person with a love of life and the arts. She would be awesome on the show.

Consider this:

1. Julie would be the first Mousketeer to appear on the ABC show, which coincidentally also owns Disney.

2. With another ‘Fact of Life’ alum, (Lisa Whelchel) having made a successful run on the TV show ‘Survivor’, a “Facts of Life’ battle for TV ratings could be in order.

3. As a side note (and in another odd twist of fate) Julie and Lisa were BOTH Mousketeers and first worked together on ‘The New Mickey Mouse Club’.

You can read the rest of my interview with Julie here

Please help me help Julie by clicking this link and letting producers from Dancing With The Stars know you want Julie on the show. You can point them to my article if you like, but let’s make it happen. It would be very cool to say we played a role in getting Julie on the show and then cheering her on to victory!

Here are a few clips from Julie’s career:

Julie on The New Mickey Mouse Club

Here’s  Julie from Facts of Life:

Julie on the show, Quincey M.E

Julie Returns to Walt Disney World:

Books, Guitar World Interviews, Interview, Music

Guitar World Interview – Ingrid Croce Discusses New Book on The Life of Husband, Jim Croce

IGotaNameNearly forty years after his death Jim Croce, the man whose hits include “Time In A Bottle”, “Bad Bad Leroy Brown” and “You Don’t Mess Around With Jim” continues to inspire generations of fans with his music.

Having been the victim of bad record deals over the course of his career, Croce never saw the fortune that went along with his fame. Relegated instead to earning a few dollars a week writing songs while at the same time shopping for clothes in thrift stores. But Jim never lost his passion for music, his wife Ingrid or his son, Adrian James “A.J.” Croce.

Croce, who would have turned 70 on January 10th, 2013, died in a plane crash shortly after a show in September of 1973. In the years since his death, Ingrid Croce has received several requests to help tell the story of the working man’s singer, but all were ultimately shelved when attempts were made to embellish the real story behind Jim’s life and times.

Fortunately, Ingrid (along with current husband Jimmy Rock) has finally released the real story of her late husband’s life and career. The book, “I Got A Name: The Jim Croce Story” is an inspiring and intimate look into the lives of Jim and Ingrid Croce, both of who were working folk musicians in the late 1960’s. From Jim’s early years performing while barely making ends meet, to the partnership and love he shared with Ingrid, to the ill-fated flight that abruptly ended his life, “I Got A Name: The Jim Croce Story”  is an honest, accurate portrayal of one of the greatest story tellers of our time, told by the one person who knew him best.

You can read the rest of my article on the Guitar World or Guitar Aficionado Websites!

Art, Music

Losing Street Cred

HomeYesterday, my friend (and fellow blogger) Kat posted her review of the new Phillip Phillips CD called “The World From The Side Of The Moon“.

I always enjoy reading Kat’s album reviews because she has no bias, and just tells it like it is. She’ll dissect every track piece by piece and tell you exactly what she liked, and what she thought was lacking.

Although her review gave me some insight as to what to expect on his new record, for me personally Phillip Phillips’ music has been “tarnished”; and it’s not even his fault. The blame for it lies with two people: Drew Pearson and Greg Holden, the writer’s of Phillip’s song, “Home”.

“Home” was actually quite a good song, that is before it became fodder. Not only has the song now been played ad nauseum on radio (a travesty into of itself) but its also been used in no less than three advertisements for television shows. I’ve heard “Home” played in its entirety multiple times at the Olympics, on “American Idol”, as the soundtrack for “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” and even as the goodbye song on “America’s Got Talent”. I started out liking it. Now, I HATE it.

Usually, congratulations are in order when something has that much success. But as far as I’m concerned, new songs (and subsequently the artists who perform them) lose a bit of street cred when they allow their songs to be whored out to every Tom, Dick and Harry.

I’m from the “old school” way of thinking, where a hit song needs to have an aura of mystery surrounding it. Something that let you know that it’s not going to be played all the time. So that when it finally is played, you enjoy the listening experience even more.

At first, it was cool to see Phillip performing “Home”, and even cooler when it started making the rounds on radio. But, when it started getting into the regular rotation of television shows and commercials, it drove me crazy.

Case in point. Over the last year, the following could be heard every night in prime-time:

Randy Jackson (American Idol): “You’re going to Hollywood BABY!”

Phillip Phillps Music: ♬ ♬ “Settle down, it’ll all be clear…Don’t pay no mind to the demons….They fill you with fear” ♬♬

*

Howie Mandell (America’s Got Talent): “I’m sorry, the road to Vegas ends for you now!…”

Phillip Phillps Music: ♬ ♬ “The trouble it might drag you down – If you get lost, you can always be found…” ♬♬

*

Ty Penninton (Extreme Makeover: Home Edition): “We’re gonna build you a new house and Sears is going to pay off your mortgage.”

Phillip Phillps Music: ♬ ♬ “Just know you’re not alone…Cause I’m going to make this place your home.” ♬♬

I know what you’re thinking: the placement of the song makes sense. People on ‘American Idol’ are finding their “Home” by living the dream. Others are actually going “Home” on ‘America’s Got Talent’. And then there are the people who are actually getting a physical “Home” on ‘Extreme Makeover’.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not against new songs being used for marketing and merchandising purposes. But I am of the opinion that some period of time needs to pass before they should be used to peddle things.

Great music needs to run its course naturally, otherwise it diminishes it as art.

Interview, Movies and TV

A Slice of CUT!: David Rountree and Dahlia Salem Discuss Unique Horror Film

CUTNothing is as it seems as an ex-con and aspirant filmmaker set out to manufacture a horror film by scaring real people. However, when things go too far and someone actually dies, the pair decide that killing for real on film is the way to make a truly terrifying movie.

The premise for CUT! is a unique approach to the genre of horror film making. Director David Rountree (along with actor and writing partner David Banks) bring forth a one of a kind “suspense thriller within a horror film” and along the way, manage to pay homage to one of the classic horror films of a generation.

With an amazing storyline, an ensemble that includes Dahlia Salem, Sam Scarber, Suze Lanier-Bramlett, Gabrielle Stone and Academy Award winner Victoria Sampson at the helm for sound editing, CUT! is sure to be one of the most anticipated horror films of 2013.

I had the opportunity to speak with both director David Rountree and Dahlia Salem, the beautiful actress who plays Chloe Jo in CUT!.

Director David Rountree

What’s the current status of CUT!?

DR: We were originally planning for a Halloween release, but then we had Victoria Sampson come on board to do post audio. She’s an Academy Award winner who’s work includes films going back to ‘Return of The Jedi’, ‘Pirates of The Caribbean’, ‘Donnie Darko’ and ‘Bad Boys’. She has about 200 films to her credit and won the Academy Award for ‘Speed’. When she signed on we pushed our release date back a bit.

How did you and David come up with the idea for CUT!?

DR: David and I had written a comedy script a few years ago and were looking to start filming it during the summer of 2012. I wasn’t a fan of just sitting around so while we were waiting we came up with the idea of making something while we were in pre-production. We started talking about movies like ‘Blair Witch’ and ‘Paranormal Activity’ and came up with the concept of two guys that live together and want to make a cheap movie just to have fun. The goal was they would be very professional but then as it unfolds, things go wrong.

RountreeWe figured we’d have a quick turnaround time and could get it out there and have fun doing it. So we started planning it and really spent a lot of time working on the opening scene. Once we shot it, our distributor looked at it and was very excited. He told us that if we can do this, we’d have a real shot at knocking it out of the park.

Our production immediately turned upside down and we really set this project into motion. What began as a straight forward horror movie became more intelligent during the process and is now a film that makes you think a little along the way.

It’s become a solid suspense thriller inside of a horror movie.

What’s the story of CUT!?

DR: The original idea of the movie is for the characters Lane and Travis to make a horror film. But when things go bad and someone actually dies, they have to make a decision. The footage they have is so amazing that either they turn themselves into the police for murder or run with this plan.

Tell me about the connection of the film to “The Hills Have Eyes”.

We created the role for Suze Lanier-Bramlett where she plays herself as a former actor turned director. Originally, the plan to have both she and Dee Wallace Stone. Both of them were in the original ‘The Hills Have Eyes’. Dee was involved in another film at the time but we were lucky and her daughter, Gabrielle Stone came on board.

What’s your next project?

DR: I’m working on a baseball story with the Orem Owlz, a minor league team in Utah. I’ve been collaborating with the owner there about doing a story similar to Bull Durham, about a real life of a baseball player in the minor leagues.

Dahlia Salem as Chloe Jo

dahliaHow did you find out about this role?

DS: I was introduced to David Rountree by a mutual friend, Mike Simon (who also plays Adam in the film). David told me about the film and I thought it was interesting and very creative. It was also a labor of love for both he and David Banks and I wanted to be a part of that kind of collaboration.

What did you like most about the script?

DS:  What I liked most about the script was the concept of it being a horror film within a horror film, and it was unlike anything I ever worked on. My character (Chloe Joe) is an accessory to the vision and deception of Travis (David Rountree) and Lane’s (David Banks) plan.

These guys take things to the extreme for the risk and excitement, as well as the potential success they can receive for what they’re creating and getting away with! Chloe Joe I imagine, was attracted to their drive and  goes along for the ride!

What was it like working with David Rountree?

David Rountree is a consummate professional, as well as fun and easy to work with! David is such a good director in that he allows each actor the freedom to create what they want in the moment. It was very raw, and each character in CUT! fits in like a puzzle. I’m really excited to see the end product.

Are you a fan of horror movies?

DS: I certainly am! It’s a fascinating and mysterious genre. I’m a huge fan of John Carpenter’s Halloween, my favorite horror film of all time.

What other projects are you currently involved in?

DS: I just finished working as a guest star on the ABC drama, ‘Body of Proof’. I play an assistant district attorney and there’s a chance that she can return which is pretty exciting. The episode will most likely air sometime in March.

I also do a lot of voice over work. I do narration for a show called ‘Big Rich Texas’ on the Style Network. It’s a different animal all together not being on the camera side. You can be very creative with your voice. I love that kind of work as well.

What do you like to do when you’re not acting?

I love yoga, tennis and teaching acting to children. A friend opened a children’s weekend acting program in Orange County, and I was a guest teacher. To watch kids come out of their shell to create and learn, was such a great experience for me.

I’m also doing a bit of writing, collaborating on a script I wrote loosely based on true events in my life. It’s a “dramedy” and I hope to create it into a TV or Web series. We’ll see, it’s feels pretty challenging!  I have to really commend David Rountree and David Banks in wearing so many hats for CUT! with writing, acting and directing! They truly inspire me.

Article first published as A Slice of CUT!: David Rountree and Dahlia Salem Discuss Unique Horror Film on Technorati.


Art

Channeling My Inner Nerd

spider700When I was six years old I became a HUGE comic book and Spiderman fan. In fact, I’ve still got the huge collection of comics I amassed as a youth stored securely away in boxes that I hope will one day fund my retirement (or at least supply me with a few months worth of Polident). Back then, if a comic had a Spider, a Hulk or a guy on a flaming motorcycle on it, I bought it.

In the early eighties, my friend and I would make weekly pilgrimages to the downtown district to purchase the latest tales of Spiderman, Incredible Hulk and Ghost Rider (among others). This place was one of those cigarette shops that sold lottery tickets and magazines but also had a few swiveling metal racks with comic books on them. It was in front of those racks where he and I would have deep discussions about the important issues of the day: like why we thought Spiderman could beat the Incredible Hulk if the two of them ever got into a fight.

Even into the early 90’s (when I was still a major geek), I’d drive to comic book shops every Friday where new issues had been reserved for me. What was cool about it was comic books at the time cost $1 each. So for a ten-spot, you’d have plenty of superhero whoop ass to last you for quite a while.

I’m not exactly sure when it ended, but I gradually began to lose interest in buying comic books. Looking back, I think the signs may have started when I began noticing that there were no hot chicks in the comic book stores. I mean let’s face it, regardless of what other’s might say; comic books (for the most part) are chick repellant.

Recently though, the current rage of hit movies bringing these heroes to life on the big screen began to pique my interest in comic books again. I had even heard a rumor that the latest issue of Spiderman (#700) was going to be a milestone issue. It didn’t take long for me to decide to channel my inner nerd and go roam the halls of a comic book store again and so yesterday, I made the trip.

Brick and mortar comic stores are quickly going the way of the dinosaur, but thankfully there are still a few in my area. As I walked inside, there was an immediate feeling of deja vu. Walls and walls of old comics, graphic novels and action figures greeted me and a feeling of giddiness washed over this now forty-something year old kid.

I noticed that a group of young individuals (all male – go figure) were blocking the middle of the room and making conversation with each other. Under their arms, each held their weekly fix of comic and I kindly asked them to move out-of-the-way so I could make my way over to where the latest issues were. I have to admit, I loved the feeling that this was going to be the first time I purchased an actual comic book in at least twenty years. A rush of euphoria came over me and I felt kind of, well… nerdy about it!

Sitting there on the rack was the object of my quest: Amazing Spiderman #700. I quickly picked it up and held it in my hands. The number of pages appeared to be less than I remember for a comic book and the artwork had changed quite a bit from the style I was used to from the late 80’s.

And then it happened.

I peered down and noticed that the price of the comic was no longer the dollar I had once enjoyed. In fact, it was far from it. The latest issue of Spiderman was now almost eight dollars!

And that was the moment when “Fiscal Jim” put “Nerdy Jim” in a headlock and made him put the comic back down in the rack. When a comic book costs as much as a Playboy, something is wrong (not that I would know how much a Playboy costs mind you). But you can keep your comics, I’ll just stick with watching the movies.

On my way out of the store, I passed by the gaggle of guys standing around with their comic book bounty again. They were in deep discussion with each other about the conditions required for Bruce Banner to turn into the Incredible Hulk. I laughed to myself because thirty years ago, that was me pondering that same question.

At least some things never change.

Guitar World Interviews

Guitar World Interview: Alex Grossi Discusses Hotel Diablo album, Adler’s Appetite and Quiet Riot

hoteldiabloAlex Grossi is considered one of the hardest working guitarists around. His resume includes working with such artists as Quiet Riot, Steven Adler (Adler’s Appetite), Jani Lane of Warrant, Beautiful Creatures and Dizzy Reed and Gilby Clarke (Guns N’ Roses).

After coming off a grueling World Tour with Adler’s Appetite in 2011, Grossi (along with vocalist Rick Stitch) parted ways with Steven Adler and together with bassist Mike Duda and drummer Mike Dupke formed Hotel Diablo.

The band would soon join forces with producer (and former Guns N’ Roses guitarist) Gilby Clarke and release their debut album, ‘The Return To Psycho, California”, an eleven song arsenal of riffs and grooves that hard rock fans have been longing for. With a worldwide deal with Scarlet Records and Entertainment One in place, the sky’s the limit for Hotel Diablo.

I spoke with Grossi about Hotel Diablo as well as his work with Adler’s Appetite, Quiet Riot and the late Jani Lane.

Check it out Here.

My Two Cents

My Two Cents: The Fiscal Cliff

twocentsIt’s a good thing I saved my final two cents for the end of the year. It looks like many of us are going to need the extra money in 2013.

You’ve just got to love all of the finger-pointing that’s going on in Congress right now regarding the so-called Fiscal Cliff.  Democrats are blaming Republicans for the whole debacle and Republicans are blaming Obama and Democrats for their unwillingness to compromise.

As if the whole Mayan thing wasn’t bad enough, last-minute proposals and late night meetings are taking place in the dead of night to offset rising taxes, crashing markets and double-digit unemployment. Not a good way to ring in the new year.

I know this may come as a shock, but I’m going out on a limb here and say that this whole thing isn’t the fault Obama, John Boehner or anyone else in the House or Senate. Sadly, the real reason for this whole pickle we’re in lies with you, me and everyone else who votes.

We continuously bitch and moan about what’s being done in Washington and see polls that show the approval rating of Congress to be in the teens. And yet, every two years (without fail) we continue to re-elect the exact same people we can’t stand.

I borrowed this doozy from Ballot-Pedia showing the results of the Congressional 2012 Elections. Grab a vomit bag before you read them.

2012Results
That’s right, out of 435 House seats “We The People” voted 349 of them back in. These results show that even though Congress as a whole has an 18% approval rating, we decided that 80% of them deserved to be re-elected.

Even though some of these people spent the last two years riding the Sunday talk show circuit for exposure or ran for president themselves instead of casting important (and necessary) votes for their districts, only 27 of them were doing enough of a bad job for us to get rid of them. Pathetic!

So in 2013, when you’re watching the news or reading blogs that blame Obama or Congress for the mess we are in, consider this chart. Then take a good long look in the mirror and you’ll see where the problem really lies.

Just my two-cents.

Thought and Opinion

Go Jimmy Go 2012 Year In Review

gojimmygoIt’s the end of a very productive year. One that included electing a president and dodging the end of the world. It was also one filled with writing many blog articles  as well.

In addition to my own regular rants about everything from Spiderman to politics, I had the chance to speak with a variety of artists about their latest projects; be it in film, television, books or music.

As I wait out a nuisance December snow storm, I thought I’d take a look back on just some of the highlights I’ve had this year. For me to mention all 213 posts I’ve written in 2012 would be impossible, but rest assured I do love every single one of them!

Ladies to Watch:

I have been extremely fortunate to have met so many wonderful and talented women this year. Here are just a few of the ladies you need to watch in 2013.

ashleywatkinsAshley Watkins: Ashley and I originally connected to discuss her role in the horror movie “Pelt”, one that pays homage to the classic slasher films of the 1980’s. She is amazingly good in the lead role of Jenny, where she runs the gambit from being deathly afraid to hilariously funny. (Hint: The film is available to stream on NetFlix: watch her in the campfire scene).

But it’s Ashley’s performance in the short film “Beside Her” that really had the biggest impact on me. This film runs far, far deeper than just two women involved in a relationship. Ashley is breathtaking in the role of Rachel Moretti. If you get a chance to see this film on the festival circuit, I highly recommend it. I can not wait to see what 2013 brings for her.

Carrie Carnevale: The writer and director of “Beside Her”. I have to admit that I never was a big fan of the so-called “short” movies. I mean, how can you possibly get your point across in that short of amount of time? But Carrie’s vision about the lives of Dr. Rachel Moretti and Sofia Rios changed my mind. As the tag line says: “In one brief moment in time, their love for each other is measured beyond the norms of their everyday lives.” I have to agree. Watch out for Carrie in 2013!.. Now if only I can get her to become a Seahawks fan….:)

Elina Madison: I spoke with Elina a few times over the course of the year. She is one of the coolest, most down to Earth people you’ll ever meet with a huge new year in store! Be sure to watch for her in HUFF! coming out in April.

Gabrielle Stone:  You will be hearing a lot from this lady in 2013. She’s the daughter of Dee Wallace (ET/Cujo) and Christopher Stone (The Howling) and has no less than four movies already slated for release in the new year.

Jenna Stone: Not only is Jenna a great actress, but she and I share a metal connection. You see, she played the role of someone in the crowd at a RATT concert for one of their recent music videos and I was actually in the crowd at a RATT concert back in “the day”. Watch for her in “HUFF” and “Edge of Salvation” coming in 2013.

Inspirational People

lisajeyI started this topic on my blog after I met Lisa Jey Davis. Her story moved me so much, not only because of what she’s been through during the course of her life, but her positive outlook is something I think every one of us needs to have.

Today, Lisa owns her own company, writes blogs and articles for various websites and even records videos with inspirational thoughts for the day.

Lisa is also writing a book on her adventures to be released in the new year and I can’t wait to interview her about it.

Humor

There’s something mysteriously cool about Kimmy Kim and Frutron and their Hollywood is Hard Channel. These talented ladies had me in stitches with their antics (perhaps it’s because I’m a sucker for wedgie videos). I posted just a few of my favorite episodes from their channel to go along with my interview with Frutron. Be sure to check them out!

Musical Highlights

I’ve been a musician for 25 years but never in my wildest dreams did I ever think I’d be writing about, (much less speaking to) artists like John Taylor (Duran Duran), Steve Howe (Yes, Asia), Steve Hackett (Genesis), Lita Ford or Jim Peterik and Frankie Sullivan (Survivor).

DougMarksI also spoke with Nathan East, who for years played bass for Eric Clapton; Steven Adler from Guns N’ Roses (who now has a new band and is the healthiest he’s ever been); Greg Howe (who grew up on the same streets as me in Easton, PA and has a new band for 2013: Maragold) and Doug Marks (the man who first taught me how to shred with his Metal Method guitar lessons).

These, and many other interviews were the ones where my hands were literally shaking as I was dialing the phone numbers. These are the artists whose music had a major impact on me.

Speaking of music, it just wouldn’t be proper if I didn’t give a shout out to two of the coolest guys I met this year. David Banks (an actor, musician and true metal-head who you will be hearing about in the movie CUT!) and Dee J Nelson (a phenomenal south paw guitarist who also has big things planned for 2013).

As a non-professional, uncompensated writer, I hope that you found my articles and rants to be beneficial and had as much fun reading them as I did writing them. Feel free to comment on some of your favorite articles below.

I hope you’re along for the ride in 2013 and wish you all the best the New Year has to offer!

Interview, Movies and TV

HUFF: Charlie O’Connell And Natasha Alam Discuss Horror/Thriller

Huff_Poster

Charlie O’Connell and Natasha Alam have some serious chemistry going on in HUFF, a twisted take on the fairy tale classic “The Three Little Pigs”. O’Connell is creepy in the role of Huff, an unfaithful husband and abusive step father to three teenaged daughters living in poverty in California.

When a drug deal to set him up for life goes awry and the daughters leave with the money, Huff takes out his anger on those around him in a mad attempt to retrieve his loot. His only weakness? An asthma induced need to use an inhaler which may give the girls a fighting chance of survival.

Natasha Alam is amazing in the role of Laci, Huff’s beautiful mistress. Her sexiness and charm is equaled by the way she is freely able to express emotion on-screen during troubling situations; particularly when she is being threatened by Huff.

“HUFF” (being released internationally as “Big Bad Wolf”) also stars Marie Bollinger, Elina Madison and Elly Stefanko.

I spoke with Charlie and Natasha about their experiences working on “HUFF”, a film set for world-wide release next Spring.

Charlie O’Connell

What did you like most about the role of HUFF?

CO: I’ve always loved horror and slasher movies. I normally play a really nice guy or a jock, but definitely not a villain, so getting the chance to do that with “HUFF” was something that I really liked. Also, in some horror movies (ones with a Jason or a Freddy Krueger), those guys wore masks. I enjoyed the fact that I got to play a really evil guy who didn’t wear a mask. I didn’t have anything to hide behind, except for the inhaler that I had to work with.
How was it working with such a great cast?

CO: Everyone did a great job. Elina (Madison) has done a few of these types of movies before and played it like a veteran. Marie (Bollinger) was great as well, particularly in the scene where I’m in the bedroom with the youngest daughter (Elly Stefanko) and she steps in to protect her. That was a great scene.

Were there any challenges to shooting the film?

CO: We were shooting close to Valencia, CA and I remember it was so cold. Those last scenes where I had to run around with my shirt off could possibly have been the coldest days of the year in LA [laughs]. The weather was probably the hardest thing to deal with.

Any funny stories to share?

CO: I’d have to say the scene where Marie carries Elly on a huge, long trek was the funniest.There’s a quick cut in the scene which works perfectly because she just couldn’t carry her anymore. I had already wrapped for the day but wouldn’t leave because I wanted to see it. I remember taking bets on when she was going to drop her. She must have carried her at least 500 yards that day. But that’s the kind of trooper Marie was. And when she finally did get finished, Paul (Morrell, Director) said: “Great! Can you do it one more time?”.. [laughs]

What’s your favorite scene?

CO: Probably the one where the guys come to the door to get the drug money. When it comes to horror movies that may not have the biggest budget, it’s the little things that become the most important: the editing, finding out what works and what doesn’t work, the death scenes. That particular scene flew so well. It was such good violence right off the bat. But that’s what kind of movie this is. It’ a bloody/slasher/thriller. When you see that scene you say, “Holy S%iT! I’m in for something here!”

The scene of you with Shay (Elly Stefanko) near the hay stack is pretty creepy too.

CO: Yes, the crossing from far and then coming up on her! Elly did a great job. It was the first film she’s ever done and she put a lot of work into it.

What do you liked most about seeing the completed film?

CO: One of the things I enjoyed the most was seeing which takes were chosen and which ones were left on the cutting room floor. I really like to see what works and what doesn’t make it.

We also did quite a few screenings of the film at festivals and I found myself crouching at times because it was so creepy. Paul did a great job.

Natasha Alam

What attracted you most to the role of Laci?

NA: It was a great chance for me to really showcase my acting skills and give me the opportunity to do more action and drama.

What was the audition process like?

NA: It was awesome. I felt really good about it. Initially, there was another actor auditioning for the role of Huff who was a lot shorter than Charlie. He was a great actor, but just didn’t look right for the part. When Charlie came in, we complemented each other so well.

NatashaAlamWere you at all inhibited by the risqué’ bedroom scene?

NA: Not at all. Prior to this role, I had worked on ‘True Blood’ which has very racy, skin showing/revealing scenes. That was my first experience into sexiness and  being racy and it made my scenes in ‘HUFF’ that much easier.

How are you able to “turn on the tears” so easily?

NA: Before I actually had a child of my own, I couldn’t feel that emotion and know how to play those kind of roles. It just didn’t feel natural. But, after having my daughter and now having those feelings, it was an amazing discovery. To play a role like this you need to have some kind of experience of what it might feel like to lose someone. For the scenes where Charlie wasn’t letting me go, I based that upon past bad relationships. You usually can dig into your past and re-live that emotion again.

How did you get started?

NA: I was going to school at the University Uzbekistan (my home country where i was born and raised), but civics and mathematics didn’t really agree with me [laughs]. Although I am interested in that now, back then I wasn’t interested at all. I was more drawn to fashion, acting and being a designer; something that was creative. So I was studying at University and at the same time going to college to study fashion design.

After about a year and half, the opportunity came along for me to go to Milan and become a model. I quickly jumped on that and went out to discover the world.

What projects are you working on now?

NA: I just finished a guest-starring role for an episode of ‘Body of Proof’ which was a wonderful experience. The episode should air sometime next year.

I’ve also just finished writing a pilot for a fast paced spy show called ‘Canary’. It’s like Mr.and Mrs. Smith Meets Alias /Kill Bill and Bond movies all mixed together. It’s action loaded and I’m really excited about it.

Article first published as HUFF: Charlie O’Connell And Natasha Alam Discuss New Horror/Thriller on Technorati.