Getting to Know Catherine Mary Stewart.

Actress Catherine Mary Stewart has had a film career that has spanned over 30 years. She has worked with numerous stars in both television and film during her roles in such film as: The Apple, Night of the Comet, The Last Star Fighter, and Weekend at Bernie’s as well as appearing as the original Kayla Brady on Days of Our Lives. I had the opportunity to correspond with Catherine and talk to her about her long and fascinating career in show business.

You’re film debut began with the musical The Apple. What is your background in song in dance? 

I was a dancer before I was an actor.  I performed with a professional company in Canada called Synergy.  When I graduated from high school, I moved to London, England to continue my dance training.   I auditioned for The Apple there as a dancer and ended up with the leading role.  

The cult status for The Apple has grown tremendously as of late. What are your thoughts on this film’s upsurge in popularity?

I think people are entertained by the campiness.  It was created with the idea that it had a good message, great music, and it was a popular genre at the time.  The filmmakers were very serious about making a good movie.   The reaction from the audience is similar to that of Rocky Horror Picture Show.  It is screened all over the country regularly and several times at the prestigious Lincoln Center in New York City. 

When you were Kayla Brady in Days of Our Lives what was it like to be part of such a tight acting schedule? 

Shooting soap operas are the hardest work I've ever done as an actress.  There was a lot of dialogue, pressure to do everything in one take, and a very quick schedule.  It was difficult, but I worked with incredible professionals who were very helpful.

What was the experience of The Last Star Fighter like for you?  

The Last Starfighter was a wonderful experience for me.  It was the first feature film I worked on in the U.S.  Nick Castle was a terrific and supportive director.  This was his baby and it truly was a labor of love.  Lance Guest and I became good friends and remain so to this day.  I think it's a beautiful story.  It's also ground breaking in terms of digital special effects.  Programs that are the foundation of special effects today were created for this movie.

What was the atmosphere of the set of Night of the Comet?  

I remember it being sort of "gorilla" filmmaking.  It was low budget with a crazy schedule.  We shot a lot of nights so places like the shopping mall would be empty.  We also shot during Christmas at a time of day when no one was downtown to create a sense that LA was empty.  I can't imagine that that would be the case today.  The shoot was a lot of fun and a collaborative effort.  We were all in it together.

In Weekend at Bernie’s you are part of the slapstick humor. What was it like to be part of such a zany film?  

It was a lot of fun.  I love physical comedy.  I also get a kick out of the fact that it has such an enduring life.  It's become that sort of genre classic.

The Girl Next Door is a disturbing film that most people would be shocked by. What shocks or scares you?

I'm not one for horror movies.  They really scare me.  I go to movies to be entertained in a happy way.  I also love romance, movies with a resounding message of hope.  I love to cry in movies. 

What was it like to work with Sylvester Stallone as a director?  

I had a very small role in Nighthawks.  It was interesting work opposite Rutger Hauer.  He was very intense and kinda scared me.  I was still pretty new to the biz, so I found it intimidating.  Sylvester Stallone was exactly as you would imagine.  He's quite small, very muscular, and charming.  He let me stand behind the camera with him while they shot the scene where the department store my character worked in, exploded.   That was pretty cool.

What was it like to work with the late Charles Bronson and Christopher Reeve in The Sea Wolf?

I love period pieces.  I did a lot of research about women of that day in preparation for the role.  Charles Bronson had a reputation of being rather stoic and standoffish.  I found him to be a very sweet man under that tough exterior.  It was an honor to work with him.  He and I became good friends until the day he died.  I miss him terribly.  Christopher Reeve was the consummate actor.  He was very serious and I learned a lot from him.  His wife had just given birth to their son and they were both on the set with him.  I know that he endured some sleepless nights during the shoot with such a young baby there with him, but he never let that affect his performance.  For me The Sea Wolf was a privilege.

Do you get recognized often for many of roles you’ve played in your career? If so what would you say is the role you get recognized most for?  

I have die-hard fans for The Last Starfighter, Night of the Comet, Mischief, and Weekend at Bernie’s.  I did a lot of TV mini-series that were pretty popular such as Hollywood Wives, Sins, and of course Days of our Lives.  I'm still doing lots of TV stuff on Lifetime and Hallmark.  I've also made my directing debut, which I LOVE!!! 

After such a successful career in Hollywood, do you have any advice for people who are coming into the business?  

I would say know the business of the business.  There is a good book called Acting as a Business by Brian O'Neil that I think has some useful tips. Stay involved everyday whether it's reading "Backstage Magazine" or taking classes in every area you can think of.  Network, network, network and don't be afraid to ask questions and get advice.  You would be surprised how happy people are there to help you out.  You have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

You have acted in just about every genre of film in your career. Do you have a favorite genre that you feel most in touch with?

One of the best things about this business is getting to live vicariously through the different characters. I love the challenge of discovering who each and every character I play is. It's extremely rewarding. I love the travel. Travel is one of the many fringe benefits of this business.

In another interview you once expressed an interest in directing. What sort of project would you ideally like to work on? 

I have a couple of very good scripts that I am working towards directing.  The script must touch me in a very poignant way.  I must be able to visualize how it plays out in the big picture.  

If you could be involved in any movie throughout film history what would it be and why? 

I love movies from the 30's and 40's.  It was a simpler time in a way, yet the black and white photography was inspiring and the industry was glamorous.  

What are some of your favorite movies?  

I love everything from Bambi to The Sound of Music to Sophie's Choice.   I'm a big fan of foreign films today and/or smaller independent films.  There is a level of intelligence and integrity that seems to be missing from many big blockbuster films today.

What is your latest project that you are currently working on?

  

I am working on a project of my own that I've been developing in hopes to direct.

For more information on Catherine Mary Stewart visit her website at www.catherinemarystewart.com. She can also be found on Twitter @cmsall #CatherineMaryStewart and Facebook: Catherine Mary Stewart.

The Wild Mind of Barbie Wilde

Barbie Wilde is probably best known for her role as the female Cenobite in Hellbound: Hellraiser II. With a number of film roles under her belt, she is now tackling the literary world with her first book The Venus Complex. The story centers on serial killer, Michael Friday, and his erotically charged crimes.

The story is a taught thriller that was surprisingly steamy considering the content being so brutal. The characters are complex and dark.  The erotic nature of the crimes are very steamy and worth reading. I had the opportunity to correspond with Barbie and talk to her about her book and career.

You were the female Cenobite in Hellbound: Hellraiser II. How did you come to get cast in that part?

           

I think that the producers were looking for people who had some kind of dance or mime training, as the received wisdom at the time was that mime artists were more capable with handling the prosthetic makeup process. I was a classically trained mime, as well as an actress, which is why I think that I was asked to audition.

I met with Tony Randel and we had a chat. I actually knew what the word “Cenobite” meant, which was a plus. (It means a member of an order, normally a religious order.) And so I got the part. Pretty simple, as auditions go!

How long did it take in makeup for that role?

The prosthetic makeup process took four hours to apply and we needed half an hour to lace me into the Female Cenobite costume. Of course, this doesn’t take into account the hours of preparation: the casting of my head so the makeup crew could design and make the prosthetic pieces specifically for my face, makeup tests, costume fittings, etc.

What goes through your mind as a performer bringing a role as a scary as a cenobite to life?

So many things... Spencer Tracy once advised actors to just learn their lines and don’t bump into the furniture. (But of course, he was a superb actor who did a hell of a lot more than that on screen.)

The thing about playing the Female Cenobite for me was that the extraordinary makeup really informed my performance. Looking into the mirror for the first time and seeing that blue-skinned, ravaged face, bald head, a pin through my nose, and metal jewelry holding open the bloody wound in my throat really made a strong impression on me. It was an extreme image and it made me feel powerful. Also the way the makeup was glued to my skin made me feel quite claustrophobic, which again, added to the performance in some way. As research, I read Clive Barker’s The Hellbound Heart, the novella that was the basis for the Hellraiser films. The Lead Cenobite in the book was a female, which I found very interesting.

 
You have interviewed a number of famous musicians during your television hosting days. Who were some of the most memorable to speak with?

John Lydon (AKA Johnny Rotten from the Sex Pistols). He was adorable, totally professional and very funny. He was also game for anything. (I interviewed him in a giant net for the TV show Hold Tight.) Totally at odds with his bad boy image.

Iggy Pop and the B52s were great fun as well. There was also the “Elvis” of British pop, Cliff Richard. We’re both big Star Trek fans, so we were able to geek out about our favorite TV show.

The film Grizzly II was never completed but has garnered a cult following. Have you ever been recognized for your performance in that film despite it not being completed?

Well, I’m recognizable in a few scenes, but the big scenes were when I was on stage as the drummer of an electronica band were all long shots, so you don’t see much of me. (Meanwhile, the grizzly bear was feasting on various audience members on the edges of the crowd.)

           

I think that the Grizzly II’s cult status is more to do with the fact that very early on in their careers, George Clooney, Laura Dern, and Charlie Sheen played “Red Shirts” who got munched by the bear in the beginning of the film.

 
What was it like to meet Morcambe and Wise?

They were fabulous. Considering they were icons of British comedy, both Eric and Ernie were very down-to-earth and adorable. I had a lot of fun playing a store mannequin that comes to life and dances with them in their show.

What are some of your favorite films?

Almost too many to mention! Well, recent films that I’ve liked tremendously and would love to view again are Interstellar and Maps to the Stars. (I was lucky enough to see Maps to the Stars in Toronto and David Cronenberg did a Q&A afterwards.) If I had to list a few more, then: Sin City, The Talented Mr Ripley, Casablanca, The Big Sleep, some films by Hitchcock (Psycho, Rear Window, North By Northwest, Dial M For Murder) and any film by Quentin Tarantino.

Favorite horror films would be: Hellraiser (of course), The Haunting (1963), The Innocents (1961), Audition, The Ring, Sinister, American Mary, The Ninth Gate and From Dusk til Dawn. I also like Sci-fi horror like Alien, The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951), The Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956) and The Thing (1951 & Carpenter’s 1982 version).

You were in Death Wish 3. Did you have a chance to meet Charles Bronson?

           

We met on set and we did some scenes together, but we really didn’t have time to chat. His wife, Jill Ireland, was quite ill at the time and every moment that he didn’t have to be on set, he was with her.

What got you started studying mime and working with the SHOCK Troupe?

           

I was in London, England, studying acting, and a friend recommended some mime classes taught by Desmond Jones at the Dance Centre in Covent Garden. I went to some of his classes and eventually was invited to join Desmond’s mime troupe, SILENTS. We worked around London in Fringe Theatre venues and our performances culminated in a week long residency at the Arts Theatre Club in Leicester Square. The maestro of mime himself, Marcel Marceau, came to see us, which was pretty cool.

           

My partner at the time, Tim Dry (Star Wars, Xtro), and I branched out with a double act and then we were asked to join SHOCK, a mime/dance/music group that also featured Robert Pereno, LA Richards and Carole Caplin. We ended up signing a record deal with RCA and released a couple of singles in the 1980s. We also toured a lot, supporting such artists as Gary Numan, Depeche Mode, Ultravox, and Adam and the Ants.

If you could work on any film throughout history, which would you choose?

           

I would have loved to have been Lauren Bacall in The Big Sleep.

What led to the writing of your crime novel The Venus Complex?

           

I’ve always been fascinated by the psychopathic mind and serial killers. I consider myself quite an empathic individual, so knowing that there are humans out there who seem to be incapable of making emotional connections, who regard the rest of us as sheep, really intrigued me.

What I wanted to do with The Venus Complex was to show the serial killer’s mindscape, his motivations, his inner turmoil and his twisted sexual fantasies, which I felt hadn’t been addressed in most of the serial killer novels that I’d read. That’s why I chose to write the book in the first person, which was a bit of a challenge!

Has the reception of your book been positive?

           

I’ve been very pleased that The Venus Complex has received such fabulous reviews from Rue Morgue, Fangoria, etc. Although my lead character, Art History Professor Michael Friday, starts out as a regular guy, he really spirals down into some seriously murderous behavior and politically incorrect rants at the world. Yet people do seem to relate to him in positive ways. And Fangoria has called me “one of the finest purveyors of erotically charged horror around,” which is an amazing accolade.

Michael Friday is a largely unpleasant person with massive anger issues. What drove you to write about a character that seems to have so many problems?

           

As mentioned before, I find criminal motivations very compelling. Ever since I first found out about serial killers decades ago, I wanted to know what made them tick. There is no one answer to that question, so I felt that I had to explore this kind of character in fiction.

 

Did you study criminal psychology prior to writing The Venus Complex?

           

I read 67 books about criminal psychology, forensic techniques, homicide detection manuals, etc. I interviewed a detective from the Manhattan North Police Precinct in NYC, as well as a few forensic psychologists. Also, a friend of mine, who was a professional dominatrix, was very helpful in my research. In fact, her statement to me that her greatest sexual fantasy was to sleep with a serial killer was the inciting incident that kick-started the idea for The Venus Complex.

In your novel, you compare modern civilization to ancient Rome, where people only care for food and entertainment. Is this something you feel as well, or simply the character?

I think that when writing fiction, it’s almost as if you’re doing an acting job. You have to put yourself in the shoes of your character. You have to think as they would, otherwise you wouldn’t be able fool people into believing that the character is real. (Catherine Trammell called this “suspension of disbelief” in another one of my favorite films, Basic Instinct.)

I think that Michael got to the point in his life when he was extremely cynical about humans and their motivations. I am a bit cynical, but not as much as he is.

If your novel were turned into a film, whom would you want to play Michael Friday?

I think that Michael Fassbinder would be a fabulous Michael.

Michael blames violence in schools on movies and TV. What are your opinions about violence in the media?

I am totally against censorship, but I do think that parents should take some responsibility for what their children are watching and the effects that really violent shows might have on young minds. However, saying that, I was really disturbed by some sci-fi movies that I watched as a kid and I didn’t turn out to be an ax murderer! However, I am not a man. Violence seems to be an easy option for men, young men in particular. You only have to observe what is happening all over the world to wonder whether TV, or movies, or video games don’t feed into this adoration of violence.
           

Of course, there are also the viruses of tribalism, “culture” and tradition that feed violence, especially against women.   

Michael goes on long rants at times regarding his distaste for religion, pop culture, and greed in politics. Is the character based on anyone in particular?

           

No, I just made up the character and then let him run with his rants. Although I have to confess, occasionally seeing certain items on the news would spark the inspiration for a “Michael Rant”.

Michael is complex - he hates people one minute then is indifferent to them the next until, finally, he wants to be a “somebody.” Why prompted you to make him care about fame and infamy if he is indifferent or hates the people around him?

I just wanted to make Michael as realistic as possible. He is a pain in the ass, funny, contradictory, murderous, stupid, smart, obsessive, infantile, very clever, sometimes yearning for fame and sometimes desiring anonymity. In other words, a fairly typical example of the human race!

The Venus Complex has a strong main character comparable to Catcher in the Rye and the Dexter novels. Both stories contain a smart character that is disgusted by the mendacity and stupidity of those around him. Was that intentional? Did either story influence you in any way?

I read The Catcher in the Rye years ago and it’s a wonderful book, but I can’t say that it had any direct influence on me. And to be honest, The Venus Complex in first draft form was finished a long time before Dexter hit the TV screens. (It was a bit of a challenge to find a publisher that understood me.) I’ve never read the Dexter novels, so there wasn’t any influence there.

The non-fiction books that made the biggest impression on me were The Order of the Assassins and The Criminal History of Mankind – both by Colin Wilson. As far as fiction is concerned, I loved The Red Dragon by Thomas Harris because he really delved into the character of the serial killer, Francis Dolarhyde, in that book. I’ve always been more interested in the whydunnit, than the whodunit.

Fiction authors that I admire are: Shirley Jackson (The Lottery, The Haunting of Hill House), Patricia Highsmith (The Talented Mr Ripley, Strangers on a Train), Dashiell Hammett (The Thin Man), Raymond Chandler (The Big Sleep) and Clive Barker (The Hellbound Heart, Cabal, Weaveworld) and finally Ernest Hemingway for his economical, muscular writing style.

Is this the last we’ll hear of this particular killer, or will his tales continue in further stories?

People keep asking me about a sequel. I’m giving it some thought…

What projects are you currently working on?

           

I’m writing a screenplay based on one of my short horror stories, “Zulu Zombies”. “Zulu Zombies” was published late last year in the Bestiarum Vocabulum anthology by Western Legends Press and then reprinted in Fangoria’s Gorezone #29.

I’m also putting together an illustrated collection of my short horror stories, as well as co-writing a musical drama for stage and screen.

Barbie Wilde can be found on the following:

Website: www.barbiewilde.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/BarbieWildeAuthorActress
Twitter: @barbiewilde
Youtube: www.youtube.com/barbiewilde

Heather Donahue: From Blair Witch to Writing Niche.

In 1999 Heather Donahue played the lead character of the hit film The Blair Witch Project. After appearing in various independent films and television shows, she put her Hollywood career aside and turned her focus onto growing medical marijuana. This lead to her writing a book about her exploits, Growgirl: The Blossoming of an Unlikely Outlaw. I had the opportunity to correspond with Heather and talk to her about her life and career.

What was growing up in Philadelphia like for you?

It made me very grounded. I especially appreciate that now that I live in NorCal. You can take the girl out of Philly, but you can't take the Philly out of the girl. 

You got your first start in a movie called Raw: Stripped to the Bone. What path led you to your first film?

I've been acting, writing, dancing, since I was a kid. I did that NYU student film just after I graduated with my BFA in theater.

Had you had much experience with improv prior to The Blair Witch Project?

I was a founding member of the NYC improv troupe Red Shag. That was what drew me to Blair Witch, that it was going to be improvised.

About how much of The Blair Witch Project was improvised?

All of it. 

What does it feel like to see that even today people are still referencing scenes from Blair Witch?

I did Blair when I was 23, so I don't know anything else. It just feels like this thing that I know is sort of weird, but has always been a part of my life. 

Are you recognized often for your work?

Weirdly, yes. A blow out and little mascara prevents that when needed.

What was it like to work with the folks from It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia?

Those guys are great and I love that show. I remember being at the first table read in Philly and saying that the show would go ten years. Looks like I was spot on! 

Did you hold onto any thing from Blair Witch after your purge?

I still have the hat.

What inspired you to write a book?

I'm a life long writer and reader. It's been a dream since I was a kid to write a book.

What did you think about the Blair Witch Project 2: Book of Shadows?

I've never seen it. 

What made you decide to grow medical marijuana?

I wanted a change. My life in LA wasn't what I wanted anymore. 

What authors do you find the most inspirational?

The Howe sisters, Jeanette Winterson, Elaine Dundy, Iris Owens

In an interview you once said, “Romance is a castle of lies.” Can you explain that?

I don't remember that, but I'm guessing it was said around the dissolution of my 10-year relationship.

You showed me a wrist tattoo via twitter. What does that symbol mean?

Annica. Impermanence. Impermanence is just another word for freedom. 

Has the reception for Growgirl been positive?

Among everyone in the world? No. Among most readers? Yes. I have been really touched by the emails I've received from readers for whom the book nailed something about their own searches. Their desire for freedom and a life they can live with. 

What types of movies scare you?

Tense, psychological ones like the Shining. 

Do you miss anything about the world of acting?

I like performing, but I don't miss anything about being an LA actress.

What is the best part about giving up your acting career?

The time to write and being able to change my hair whenever I want. 

Do you ever see yourself behind a camera or perhaps in front of one again?

For sure. I'm producing an independent pilot called Grass Valley right now. We're shooting in January. We're putting together a cast of the most incredibly funny people. People who I have massive respect for. Bold, brave, hilarious comedians. 

What project are you currently working on?

It's a sitcom. The working title is Grass Valley. It has many familiar characters from my book, Growgirl. It's an ensemble comedy about family, friends, and freedom, set in the marijuana growing world of rural NorCal. Follow me @aheatherdonahue for updates on that and all the things. 

Heather Donahue can be found on Twitter at @aheatherdonahue as well as her website http://heatherdonahue.com. Her book, Growgirl: The Blossoming of an Unlikely Outlaw, is available wherever books are sold.

Katie Parker: A Star On The Rise.

For the past couple years Katie Parker has become a rising star. In 2011 she starred in the hit movie ABSENTIA as Callie, the main character who is battling with addiction in a Lovecraftian story.  Katie played a very challenging role and impressed a great many people, both audience and critic alike. Katie has also appeared in the films THE FAMILY, OCULUS, and ALLEYCAT. She has shown to be a very talented and capable actress. I had the opportunity to correspond with Katie and talk to her about her life and career.

You received a B.A. in Theater from Christopher Newport University. What was one of your favorite plays you were involved with?

When I was a sophomore in college I was cast as Claire in David Auburn’s PROOF. It was a big deal for me because the 3 other actors were seniors. I was so intimidated by the rest of the cast as well as our director who was the head of the theatre department. The rehearsal process and performances were pivotal to my development as an actor. I fell on my face quite a bit but also had a few breakthroughs. Having a breakthrough as an artist feels like winning an award of recognition. You feel yourself growing, thinking beyond yourself and making bold choices. I think every young actor ends up working on PROOF at some point in their career. It’s a great story with lots of dramatic action and interesting characters. PROOF was a very intimate and special experience for me.

What made you decide to go into film acting?

There was no decision, I just went where the work was for me. I had an opportunity to be on The Young and the Restless and the casting director at the time suggested I pursue a career in film. This was 2008. I wanted to move to Chicago or New York City and pursue theatre but once I had the connection in LA I thought, “Well, I should go there!”

What was it like to work with an actress that was pregnant at the time of filming?

Courtney Bell WAS SUCH A TROOPER! I mean, we dragged that woman on the floor! She was just amazing. Courtney’s a phenomenal actress, pregnant or not, but her emotional capacity was extraordinary while she was pregnant. Everything was right on service. She could deliver in every take.

In Absentia you played a character struggling with addiction. What did you do to prepare for the role?

There wasn’t a lot of time to prepare. I have some family members who struggle with addiction so I’m familiar with their journey towards recovery. That helped. I also thought a lot about what she would wear. Baggy clothes. Courtney and I also talked a lot about the back story of Callie and Trisha and their relationship.

What are some of your favorite movies?

This is always so hard to answer but right now:

Old Boy

Tootsie

Singing in the Rain

Tree of Life

When Harry Met Sally

A Muppets Christmas Carol

What are your future show business goals? Would you ever want to write or direct?

I want to work with exceptionally talented people- actors, directors, writers, cinematographers. I want to work with the best people possible. It’s such a lucky thing to be able to work with professionals, masters of their craft. I will only get better if I’m working with people who will push me.

I’ve been working on a script. Not quite sure where it’s going but I’d love to direct it. I directed in college and learned a lot about actors and how important a specific vision is.

Do you have any good stories from the set?

Our DP Rustin picked up a virus from his son who was a toddler at the time. We were shooting on a sound stage in Laguna Beach CA and all of a sudden Rustin became violently ill and vomited everywhere! Naturally, he had to go home and Mike Flanagan took over. Thing was, he didn’t know how to operate the camera! Everyone was a bit freaked out but Mike really took control and figured it out. He had to! The interrogation scenes in Absentia were shot by Mike. I think he did a really nice job!

What was it like to meet Doug Jones?

Doug is like sunshine. He is so charismatic and kind. He’s a true talent and professional. He really took me under his wing while we were filming and gave me some acting for the camera pointers. Absentia was my first film so I really appreciated and needed the advice! He was nurturing to the whole cast and crew.

You have appeared in a number of horror films. What frightens you?

It frightens me that some people don’t believe in Global Warming. This Earth is all we have and we are destroying it everyday. I think a lot of people think they are invincible. Truth is, mother nature is going to kick our ass one day and it’s probably going to be our fault. It frightens me that some people don’t seem to care.

What do you enjoy doing when not working?

Hiking, reading, yoga, wine, theatre, museums, painting/drawing, dinner with friends!

Show business is incredibly hard to get involved with. Do you have any advice for people attempting to get into the industry?

Make sure you really want it. No, really. You have to want it more than you want anything else in your life. Truly. There is so much personal sacrifice that goes along with this job. That sounds dramatic, but it’s true. You miss stuff. Weddings, funerals, births, relationships, family trips. Especially while you are building your career. I’m sure it gets a bit easier when you have more control. Also, finances are a hit or miss. One year you have no trouble paying your bills, the next.... This industry is all about perseverance. Keep working on your craft, take care of mind and body and just stay in the game.

If you could be involved in any movie throughout the history of film what would it be and why?

This is such a hard question, Ryan! There are too many brilliant films that I would have given my limbs to be a part of! I’ll just say that I think director Steve McQueen is a genius. He understands the human condition, the good, bad, and the ugly. His films are gorgeous and brutally truthful. I want to be a part of work like that. It would be an honor to work with him and act in one of his films.

What are some of your future projects?

I recently wrapped, ALLEYCAT, MOVE ME and had a brief cameo in a short film called TRIBUTE. Projects coming up are, CLOUDLAND, DAISY DELIVERED, SLEEPWALK, SCARE DARES and WHISPERS FROM THE SHADOWS! Lots to look forward to :)

Aaron Mento: What an iPad2 can do.

Many in Hollywood seem afraid to try new things. Thankfully there are people who take the leap where others dare to tread like writer, director, producer, and cinematographer Aaron Mento. Aaron wears many hats in his productions and has produced several short films. His first full-length film STANDARDS OF LIVING was filmed entirely on an iPad2. It is a fun and inventive thriller with themes of humor and dread. It is available to view for free online here: http://www.standardsoflivingmovie.com/. I had the opportunity to correspond with Aaron regarding his work.

You have mentioned in other interviews that you are a Twilight Zone fan. Do you have a favorite episode?
So many of these are great, but maybe “Will the Real Martian Please Stand Up?” I love the whodunit aspect of the episode and it’s also really funny. The episode happens mostly inside the diner, and that kind of limited location writing has always inspired me.

What were the biggest challenges in directing Standards of Living?
I shot the movie myself, and had almost no crew, so stamina and endurance were definitely a challenge. Some takes would last over twenty minutes without a break, so trying to compose a steady shot with the iPad for that amount of time was difficult. We only had the location for two weeks, and everybody had jobs to go to in the morning, so we could only shoot for 6 hours a night. It was a really tight schedule.

What influenced the decision to film Standards of Living using only an iPad?
One day, after writing on my computer for a few hours, my left eye went partially blind for fifteen minutes. I thought I had a brain tumor, but the doctors said it was actually an ocular migraine, which is like having a headache inside of your eyeball. After this health scare, I realized that life was really fragile and it was high time to achieve my biggest goal: I was going to make my first feature film, and I wasn’t going to let any excuses stop me. I decided to use an iPad 2 because it was the only camera that I had, and because I loved the challenge of shooting a feature-length film on something so non-traditional.

What movies influence you most as a director?
I watched PHANTASM a lot before shooting STANDARDS OF LIVING, because it’s so “homemade” and ambitious. I’m also a big John Carpenter fan, and am always re-watching THE THING, ESCAPE FROM NEW YORK, and HALLOWEEN. Low-budget movies with attitude and balls are definitely my biggest influence.

Standards of Living had a very small budget. What were some of the challenges of such a small budget?
I didn’t have multiple versions of the actors’ costumes, so we had to try and get the blood FX to work right on the first take. There wasn’t anybody else responsible for dressing the set, so I had to do all that myself. I also painted all of the artwork in Mariella’s room. Without a big budget, you have to wear a lot of hats, but that also allows your fingerprints to be seen in all levels of the production (for better or worse).

If you could be involved in any movie throughout the history of film what would it be and why?
A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET is probably my favorite movie of all time, so to be on that shoot would be a dream come true. I wish I could have seen that rotating room screw up and accidentally dump blood all over everything.

What lead to the naming of your production company?
Ocular Migraine Productions was named after my health scare, which prompted me to make STANDARDS OF LIVING in the first place. It also serves as a reminder to myself to keep moving forward, to keep climbing that mountain, because it could all end at any second.

What lead to the concept of the “talking peanut” act for the comedian character in Standards of Living?
You’re the only person who ever asked about this, it’s a really good question. I wanted the comedian to be truly awful, and for his “soothsayer” shtick to be awkward and pathetic. Him interacting with a circus peanut seemed like the bottom of the barrel of stand-up comedy. I wanted to drop the audience right into this terrible act at the beginning, and have them think “Oh shit, is this what the whole movie is going to be like?!” Plus, I love the fact that the comedian is supposed to see the future, but he has to look at note-cards to remember his jokes.

How did you find such an interesting cast for Standards of Living?
I’ve worked with Derek Houck (who plays Stu) on other projects, and he was in my thesis film when I was at Loyola Marymount University. Through Derek and other friends, I was able to gather an incredible cast who were game for anything. Everybody trusted that I could make a good movie on an iPad, and I’m eternally grateful that they went along for the ride.

What made you decide to allow your film to be seen for free?
STANDARDS OF LIVING is the first feature film in the world shot entirely on an iPad, but nobody would know that if I didn’t release it right away. If I waited for traditional distribution, or did the festival circuit, somebody else could hear about my movie, make another movie on an iPad, and then release it online first. I’m working on securing distribution down the line, but for right now, I’m glad that people can check out STANDARDS OF LIVING online for free.

Show business is incredibly hard to get involved with. Do you have any advice for people attempting to get into the industry?For filmmakers, don’t ever let “no” stop you from making a movie. There are a lot of people who want to see you fail, so never ever give them the satisfaction. If you don’t have any money, then the only thing that can make you stand out is your own unique voice. STANDARDS OF LIVING takes place entirely in a handful of rooms, and while this was difficult, I also didn’t have anybody telling me what I could and could not do with my movie. Stay true to yourself and make a movie that you would want to buy and re-watch, again and again.

You seem to be a fan of the horror genre. What scares you?
In the EXORCIST, when Father Merrin warns, “The demon is a liar. He will lie to confuse us. But he will also mix lies with the truth to attack us.” That scares the shit out of me.

What are some of your future projects?
I recently finished writing an 80’s action comedy with my buddy Louis Sweeney, who also went to Loyola Marymount University. We’re in talks to attach some actors who we are huge fans of, so that’s been a lot of fun. I’m also writing a slasher movie with a unique hook that I can’t wait for people to see. I’ve also been writing some articles over at RUTHLESS REVIEWS, so be sure to check those out.