Interview with... Alice Amter

For a few years now I've been a fan of the TV sitcom, The Big Bang Theory.
My wife isn't too keen on the show though, so it means I get to watch it in peace.

Over time I've found a commonality with the characters, and in turn, the characters' parents.
Case in point is Alice Amter in the role of Mrs. Koothrappali, who is the mother of Raj on the show.

I recently had the pleasure of interviewing Alice Amter. I hope you enjoy...



1. How did you get involved with The Big Bang Theory?

It was simply an audition, with two female roles at play, Raj's girlfriend and Raj's Mom...
I decided to go for the Mom role even though I was the youngest one of the Mom auditioners because there was a chance the character would recur.....I also had a feeling that there was something very special about this show and a voice in the back of my head said "you have to get this one". I had one audition with casting and then a call back with Chuck Lorre and Bill Prady, then I heard nothing and thought I had lost the part to another actress. I then got the call that I had to go back in again. At that call back there were some new actresses and one actress from the previous two rounds, so I figured it would be me or her. They didn't call right away so I assumed they had given the role to her until my Manager called and told me they had selected me. I was very happy and excited.

2. Have you done other comedy work? As an actress what do you consider to be your strength?

Yes I have but would love to do more. Doing comedy is so much fun. I love to make people laugh. I had a lot of fun shooting "The Good Girl" with Jennifer Aniston and Zooey Deschanel.

I'm very good at accents and creating characters....something of a chameleon.



3. Can you please tell us what’s coming up next for Raj’s parents on The Big Bang Theory?

I'm afraid you'll just have to wait and see....we really have no idea what's next until we get the script.

4. Do you think there’s a chance they’ll appear on his doorstep, rather than on his laptop screen?

A lot of people have suggested this to me, so it seems like the idea would be very well received. Personally I would love for this to happen. I would love to see the Koothrappali's totally enamoured with Pasadena and all things American.



5. Being that your character on The Big Bang Theory appears only on a laptop, do you have much involvement with the live studio audience?

We pre-tape our segments and it plays in sequence in front of the live studio audience so we don't have to be there.
Personally I prefer to tape in front of the live audience because there's so much energy in the room and the applause at the end is nice... We did that in our first episode, it was great!

6. What would be a dream role for you?

I'd love to play Cleopatra.

7. What’s coming up next for you?

I haven't decided yet.



I want to thank Alice for her time with this interview. I found her to be a very nice person, with some very interesting things to say.

For further info about Alice I highly recommend you check out her Facebook fan page at http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Alice-Amter/91554497912?ref=search

What did you think of this interview?
Please comment, or email me directly at mgbouw@yahoo.com.au
Until next time!

Interview with... Fraser Aitcheson

I've interviewed stunt workers before, having just now posted my interview with New Zealand stunt worker Dayna Chiplin. Never have I interviewed a stunt worker/actor/wrestler though.
Until now, of course.
It also helps that Fraser Aitcheson worked on the Blade Trinity movie, as well as the Blade TV series. Which I loved.
Working on Smallville, the A-Team movie, X-Men: The Last Stand, and recently Tron: Legacy, it is with much pleasure that I bring to you my interview with Fraser Aitcheson.



1. Please tell us about your involvement with Imaginarium Of Dr. Parnassus.

on dr. parnassus i played one of the dancing policeman. this was one of the most interesting parts i've had! during filming we displayed dance choreography and delivered our lines while wearing fishnet stockings, high heels and mini skirts. without question, i have a new respect and admiration for chorus line performers!

2. Did you have the chance to meet Heath Ledger on set?

unfortunately, i did not get the chance to meet mr. ledger, but did meet jude law briefly, who was a perfect gentleman.

3. You’ve portrayed one of my favourite bad guys (The Persuader). What was it like filming Smallville?

filming on smallville is always a fantastic time! the cast and crew are great, and easy to work with. as a comic book fan, playing the persuader was simply awesome. for some reason, i always have more fun playing the bad guy, so hopefully the writers find a way to bring that character back.



4. What stunt work did you do for Blade Trinity?

on blade trinity i was a vampire paramedic that accompanied wwe wrestler hhh. our scene involved a big fire fight with blade.

5. What differences did you find between Blade Trinity and Blade: The Series?

on blade: the series, (think i was in the pilot) i was an artist in a tattoo parlor. i got to work with ufc legend chuck liddel which was incredible. anytime i get to work with people who are the best at what they do, it's very enlightening and i try to learn as much as can from them. the difference between blade trinity, and blade: the series is that on features more time can be spent with each scene, where most of the tv series i've worked on shoot an entire episode in under 2 weeks.



6. Stunt Safety must’ve been a huge undertaking on the Punisher War Zone film.

as for punisher war zone, i was only on for a day but acted as a stunt double of sorts for one the actors. i tested the rigging and wires first to ensure everything went smoothly when he was hooked up.

7. What can you tell us about Tron: Legacy?

because tron: legacy hasn't been released yet, i can't talk much about it. it was surreal though to work on the sequel to one of my favorite childhood movies!


Thank you for your responses Fraser. I'm very pleased.
I hope my readers' enjoyed this interview also.

What did you think of this interview?
Please comment, or email me directly at mgbouw@yahoo.com.au
Until next time!

Interview with... Joel de la Fuente

Like many other people, my wife and I are fans of the TV show, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. We've watched it for years.
So when I came upon the chance to interview Joel de la Fuente, who plays Ruben Morales on the show, I was literally jumping up and down.
In this interview I was amazed with his honesty, and marvelled at the passion he has for his work. Both on TV, film, and in theatre.
I hope you enjoy this interview with Joel de le Fuente.



1. Space: Above And Beyond was a show before it’s time. What was it like to be a part of?

Thanks for saying that, Maarten. Working on “Space” was a wonderful experience for so many reasons. Here are two that leap to mind:
-We really felt like we were part of something special. None of us at the time had been a series regular on a television show before. We were all learning together, growing together, making mistakes together. Also, we got to know each other shooting in Australia for ten weeks, so we didn’t know anyone else. Like the Marines we portrayed, we were thrust together from various backgrounds. And we became close.
-I remember being 50 miles from Los Angeles in a desert somewhere at six in the morning covered in dirt, freezing cold, dressed in a modified jump suit with shoulder pads on, firing a machine gun yelling, “Get some!” And I thought to myself, “This is what you do when you’re six years old and start loving acting in the first place, and now I’m doing it for a living.”

2. You’ve built up a steady stream of work over the years. That must be extremely rewarding for you as an actor.

It’s funny. When enough years go by, someone like yourself can graciously choose to look back and see “a steady stream of work,” but at the time, it doesn’t always feel that way!
I feel grateful to wake up every morning knowing that I still pursue what I love doing. I feel extremely fortunate to work with amazing artists with amazing stories and abilities. I love that I can help tell stories that often are remarkable and will change the way a viewer thinks about her life and the world around her. When that doesn’t happen, it’s still fun to hang out with interesting people and have a beer together.




3. What has been your favourite role to date?

You know, this is a very difficult question to answer – not because I’ve necessarily played a plethora of amazing characters, but because we go into jobs so many times the same way any freelance worker goes into a job: we need to work and this next job is what’s going to provide sustenance for us and our families. But then we get there, and the adventure begins. I may have gone into this role not thinking too much about it, but that’s where I met so-and-so who taught me so much about so-and-so, so it becomes a favorite experience. Or this is where I was so terrified of having to do such-and-such, and I ended up learning so much about myself in doing it that that becomes a favorite. Not to be too arty-farty, but there’s always something that will crack my favorite list after a job.
I just finished working a Canon Trade Show. I’ve never done anything like this before. Essentially, I worked a booth at the Javitz Center in New York City playing a cinematographer for an imaginary television show for 11,000 professionals visiting the trade show, and I would give a seven page, single-spaced monologue about all the brand-new cameras Canon makes and why they are ideal for shooting film and television shows. I have never had to memorize anything this long, this obtuse, this difficult. And boring. To do so in order to deliver it to people who don’t really want to pay attention to you and just want to play with the equipment was terrifying, as well.
But it was amazing to have to learn what was essentially a foreign language in a short period of time. The people I was working with were all theatre artists and really nice people. The people working the trade show were amazing, too, and just wanting to create something that worked. The task was not interesting, the job was terrifying and potentially depressing, but when the week was over, meeting that challenge with those people was awesome. A great time. And I learned something about myself and sharpened a skill or two. It will live in my mind as a fond memory.
Okay, that said, here are a few roles that I just loved, period:
-Thavi Matola, “Personal Velocity,” Film: This may be the only time I can remember where I read a script, LOVED it, LOVED the role I was reading for, and got the chance to do it. I haven’t had a chance to play too many interesting characters in film, but this is one, and I’m proud of it.
-Valentine, “The Two Gentlemen of Verona,” Play: I have long admired the New York Shakespeare Festival (otherwise known as “Shakespeare in the Park”), because growing up, all my favorite actors “cut their teeth” here: Meryl Streep, Raul Julia, Kevin Kline, and a gazillion more all worked here as younger actors (and again, later, as stars, but that’s a different story). To play this role and in this venue right after graduating from acting school was terrifying, but also showed me that I could work as a professional actor. A dream come true.

4. Please tell us a bit about what it’s like to work on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.

Unlike “Space” that was a brand new show with unknown actors, L&O: SVU has been a hit show from the day I started working on it ten years ago with a company of actors that are all “stars.” There is a strong sense of what works and what does not, and the shows works like a well-oiled machine. There is great comfort that comes when you know exactly what you need to do to make a scene work and when you know that people will watch it not just today, but next season, too.It’s a real pleasure to work with all the folks there, and I am grateful to have had a small part in such an enduring franchise.



5. What would be a dream role for you?

Over the last few years, I have begun focusing more on creating my own work – either by collaborating with people I have worked with in the past on new projects and more recently by trying to write my own material. I think the more we, as artists, can exercise a level of control over our uncertain lives, we have a greater chance to actualize a “dream.” We can, to a certain degree, make it happen.

6. What’s coming up next?

I recently finished work on a film called, “Brief Reunion” which was shot entirely on location on the New Hampshire/Vermont border. If not for this question, I would have listed “Brief Reunion” under my “favorite roles to date.” I play a guy named Aaron, who accepts an old acquaintance’s friend request on a Facebook-like site despite his friends’ warnings, with terrible consequences. There is currently a website under construction http://www.briefreunion.com/ and a more developed page on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/pages/Brief-Reunion/117582874956291?ref=ts.
I am also scheduled to appear in a Caryl Churchill play, “A Number” to be done in 2011 in New York City. In it, I portray three different characters – a man and two cloned versions of the man.
Finally, I am in a film called, “The Adjustment Bureau” starring Matt Damon and Emily Blunt, which is scheduled to open next March.
If all goes well, you will also see me in this season of SVU! Please check my website http://www.joeldelafuente.com/ for all updates.

7. Is there an event or charity you would like to bring to my readers’ attention?

An excellent question, which I appreciate. Thank you.
Although this event has recently ended, the opportunity to contribute has not.
“The Big Walk” is an event that was sponsored by the alumni association of my alma
mater, the Graduate Acting Program at NYU (the Grad Acting Alumni Association). A fellow alumnus, Victor Williams (who you may recognize from the series, “The King of Queens”) walked from Ohio to New York City to honor a classmate who died of breast cancer and to help raise money to create a scholarship in her name. You can find more information – including the option to give – at the following website: http://gradactingalumni.org/blogs/?page_id=1547



I want to thank Joel for his time with this interview. Again, I was amazed. He's certainly a great guy to interview!

What did you think of this interview?
Please comment, or email me directly at mgbouw@yahoo.com.au
Until next time!

Interview with... Dayna Chiplin

As you know I've interviewed a few stunt people recently, and in this instance I want to bring your attention to a very nice, extremely hard working stunt artist, Dayna Chiplin.
Dayna got her break in the TV series Cleopatra 2525, and has since then moved on to other TV work such as Zena: Warrior Princess, Legend Of The Seeker. Even working on major movies like King Kong, and 30 Days Of Night.
Being stationed in New Zealand seems to have worked for Dayna.
Here's what she had to say.



1. What is it about stunt work that appeals to you?

The creative freedom, the ability to go beyond boundaries, the amazing people on set I get to work with.

2. Did you notice any difference in stunt work between Cleopatra 2525 and Ike: Countdown To D-Day?

For me it was a huge difference, I was full time on Cleopatra 2525 doubling doing fights and harness work etc and on Ike: Countdown to D-Day I just did some stunt driving.



3. What was it like on the set of 30 Days Of Night?

Being on the set of 30 Days Of Night was fantastic but it was a lot of working through the night and sleeping during the day, I did some generic stunt work plus I had a featured acting role as the character Jeannie Colletta.

4. What’s coming up next for you?

At this point in time its looking like working on Spartacus, other than that there is the possibility of a few other options but nothing confirmed at present.




If you'd like to check out more about Dayna please do so at http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1677589/

What did you think of this interview?
Please comment, or email me directly at mgbouw@yahoo.com.au
Until next time!

Interview with... Neil Corbould

Superman, Little Shop Of Horrors, Licence To Kill.
These movies all have one man to thank and that man is Special Effects Artist, Neil Corbould.

I recently had the pleasure of interviewing Neil, who has some very interesting things to say about these iconic movies.
I even tried to get him to spill some beans on the 4th Pirates Of The Caribbean movie....
Enjoy!



1. Your first job was on the original Superman movie. Was this daunting for you at all?

I was only 15 years old when I started work on "Superman The Movie". My uncle, Colin Chilvers, was the special effects supervisor and he gave me a job as the SFX runner. The first set that I walked on to was the Fortress of Solitude! It took my breath away, the sheer size of the set which was built on the original Bond stage at Pinewood. I was put on a dry ice machine at the far end of the set. I heard action and then witnessed Christopher Reeves as Superman flying the length of the stage. It was an image that will stick in my head for the rest of my life.



2. Licence To Kill, The Elephant Man, Gladiator, and Saving Private Ryan. All major films in their own right. How have you approached each production?

On the Elephant Man I was a technician working for Martin Gutteridge. Again it was an amazing movie to work on. Some great names from the movie business worked on that movie including Christopher Tucker, Freddie Frances and Stuart Craig, to new but a few.

On a Licence To Kill I was 1st unit floor supervisor working for John Richardson. A great experience working in Mexico and a large action movie.

Gladiator and Saving Private Ryan where amazing to be a part of, working with two of probably the best directors in the world. Both Steven Spielberg and Ridley Scott are fantastic directors and I am very lucky to have worked with them both on more than one movie. They both know exactly what they want and have trust in me to give them what they want. Tough movies to work on but very rewarding in the end. I have a fantastic crew behind me that produce world class special effects.



3. What differences have you noticed about special effects since you started in the industry?

Technology has moved on a lot since I started in the business and it is part of my job to keep seeking out the latest products and equipment to create the best effects while keeping it safe. I was once told that practical effects would be dead in 5 years, that was 25 years ago and we are probably stronger now then we have been ever. It is great to see new directors wanting to use practical effects more these days.



4. Do you opt for more traditional special effects over the use of computers for special effects in today’s films?

I am a firm believer that a director should use the best tool for the job. The best effect is the one that you don't realize is an effect and this is normally accomplished by using many different types of effects such as practical and digital effects combined. Just when the audience think they know how something is done you change the technique, and if done well keeps them guessing.



5. What can you tell us about Pirates Of The Caribbean: On Stranger Tides?

Not a lot really! I am in charge of the UK side of the movie. We are shooting at Pinewood Studios and around London. It will be full of action.


Argh! Well, I tried to get a scoop there, but to no avail. Haha.
Even so, what an interview!
I'm very pleased with how that all come out, and I thank Neil for his time.
What did you think though? Please let me know.
Until next time!

Interview with... Rob Burman

Interviewing Rob Burman was a dream-come-true for me, honestly.
For all true movie nuts, make-up artistry is really where it's at. For my money you can't go past Rob for his years of experience.

He certainly has a lot to say about the industry.
I know there's not a lot of images in this interview, but there is some really interesting thing discussed.
Enjoy!



1. What does it take to be a make-up artist, working in film?

The industry has changed in so many ways from when I first started out. We used to get several calls a week to do effects no one had ever seen or done before. There were only a few dozen people doing it and the demand was getting high for that kind of spectacle. Throughout the 1980's, we were thought of on par with rock stars in some places. Everyone had long hair because those were the "Artistic" types and they were thought to be the most innovative.
After a while, the industry became more saturated with workers. The quality went down a bit and the "long hairs" were found to be more and more unreliable. They were passed over for more conservative types that looked more like businessmen. Jobs were fewer because Producers were finding it more economical to NOT do expensive effects. When they did opt for the "visual experience" then they started turning more and more to CGI. The age of the "rubber monster" was dead. Yes, they still make them, but not any where near as much as we did in the past. Now, to be in this industry, you need a business degree (To watch over your increasingly difficult finances and business dealings) as well as be a talented designer and craftsman. You need to give the Producers more than they are asking, or paying, for because there is a huge line of others just waiting to take over your position. There are several hundred FX guys just in LA alone. Thousands around the world - and we're all vying for the same production jobs. I was told once, "It isn't the guy that is best for the job that gets it, but the guy that knows how to get the job the best". You need to market the hell out of yourself and be self motivated. If you aren't, you'll wait a long time for a job. Oh, and THEN you have to do good make-up!

2. What has been your favourite movie monster creation?

My favorite thing that I have created personally is usually the thing I'm currently working on. I personally have not created any real lasting designs or characters that everyone recognizes but have worked on numerous ones that are iconic: Ghostbusters, The Thing, The Fly, Star Trek (3, 5, 6, 9 and the JJ Abrams Reboot). As far as monsters in general, there have been a lot of great ideas (Some done poorly but still effective, especially the classics). Rick Baker, Rob Bottin, Stan Winston - they've all done great stuff. Steve Johnson's shop produced some wonderful stuff that was very innovative. I take each on of them on its own merit and have both likes and dislikes about each of them (Of course, I'm an Artist!)

3. What was it like to work on the recent Star Trek movie?

My Brother Barney set out to do the best possible work he could without compromise. I think he succeeded. We had a VERY limited crew and comparatively no money. Barney only got a few hours of sleep at a time for nearly 6 months. I was the chief mold maker and one of his key consultants. I didn't get on set, but every alien you see on screen went by me to mold. I was even responsible for designing new types of ear molds (With Russ Herpich) so we could create seamless Vulcan ears. The detail required for showing a make-up in IMAX is intense and every last thing had to be perfect or it showed up on screen 20 feet tall. In the end Barney deserved the Oscar. He had some tough competition that did exemplary work so I'm glad we were even recognized by the Academy.

4. Terminator 2 has some ground breaking special effects. How did you find this over your other movie work?

Terminator 2 was actually a very short project for me. It was the first time in all the years I had known him that Stan hired me. They were having foam latex problems that they couldn't figure out so they called the expert at the time - Me! I was there for only a week figuring out the problem which turned out to be a very simple matter. In the time I was there I helped to cast the "donut head" puppet of the t-1000 (with the big hole blown through his eye) and the "splatter body" where he is standing after the grenade blows him open, just before he falls in to the molten metal.; then several of the Arnold puppet heads - there was lots going on. I ended up leaving to do an episode of the TV show "The Adventures Of Superboy" where I played one of the monsters that fights Superboy. I was surprised to get the credit since SO many projects I've done seem to not credit me (Ghost Busters, Batman Returns, etc...)

5. What’s coming up next for you?

Right now, I do the occasional commercial (Denny's All-Nighter Unicorn and T-Rex) and some film and TV work but mostly I have been doing Sculpture as art and selling in Galleries and some Art Shows (The Loveland Sculpture Invitational in Colorado). Also I have several commissions in various stages of creation.
Lastly I have been spending time over the last couple of years teaching (both privately and at some schools). I have developed several different classes to cover all levels of "prosthetic make-up" from simple, out of the kit style stuff to more advanced full prosthetics. It is something I like to do and there is a good call for it right now.





Now that would be one FUN course to take!

Thank you Rob for your time with this interview. I simply loved it.
Until next time!

Interview with... Randy Mulkey

I like actors like Randy Mulkey.
Randy has been in the business since the 1980's, and he keeps plugging away at his trade.
In that time he's appeared in shows like Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, ER, and CSI.
Randy had some very interesting things to say, of which I hope you enjoy reading....



1. Please tell us about your involvement with Pensacola: Wings Of Gold.

I worked in all three seasons of Pensacola. Stu Segal Productions in San Diego was very busy at the time, and those of us willing to make the drive were re-cast multiple times in the same shows. Among Stu’s staples were Silk Stalkings, Invisible Man, 18 Wheels of Justice, Tremors, Veronica Mars and more.

In season one I was cast, along with “Future Weapons” host Richard Machowicz, as one of the “Men in Black;” the heavies for the episode. Mac, a 10-year Navy SEAL vet, was doing some acting at the time and he helped me get squared away on the military aspects of the role. We got to do a lot of flying in Stu’s choppers, strapped in with the doors open as we chased the good guys around. That’s one of the things I love about showbiz: all the fun with none of the basic training.

In the second season, I played Badger Wilson in the pilot episode. Badger, the squadron commander, flies his jet into a mountain, making way for James Brolin to move in as the new CO. I got to get strapped into a flight suit and mocked-up cockpit for that one, with tech support from a Navy pilot from the local squadron. It gave me a lot of respect for the job those guys do.

In the third season, I was a flight ops officer on an aircraft carrier working, ironically, with Jim Brolin, having paved the way for him with my “death” in season two. Jim was a lot of fun, carrying the lead in the show and his duties as producer with apparent ease. Throughout my career I’ve been cast in numerous “Guys in Uniform” roles. Somewhere my dad, Colonel Mulkey, is laughing. He’d always told me I could get a job if I’d “just cut that damn hair,” but I don’t think he meant acting jobs.



2. What was it like on the sets of TV shows like CSI, and Cold Case?

CSI and Cold Case were well-established staples by the time I worked them. I was “corpse of the week” on CSI; the one dialogue scene I had was cut. Good payday, tedious makeup. The artists who airbrush the “corpses” and create the face molds that get ripped off during the autopsy scenes are the Michaelangelos of the business.

On Cold Case I played an AIDS survivor and former party boy who’d fallen from grace. The episode was very well written and handled the subject matter with great sensitivity. I consider it my best work. I’d been working on “Angels in America” in class at the time, so much of the work on the one translated to the other.

On these types of established shows, preparation is crucial. You don’t want to be the guy who forces extra takes. Everybody there has been working together for years, and the onus is on you to hit the ground running, blend in with a cast who have been finishing each other’s sentences since season one and look good doing it.

3. How did NYPD: Blue differ from shows like CSI and Cold Case?

On NYPD: Blue I came in near the end of the show’s run. Characters like Andy Sipowicz were icons. As a “uniform,” or beat cop, I was working with Gordon Clapp and Henry Simmons, both unassuming, workaday guys. The whole extended family of the show went out of their way to make day players like me feel welcome. This was the attitude on most of the big shows, like Deep Space 9, that I worked on.

4. How did you get involved in the movie Blow?

I was put on tape for Blow, forgot all about it then months later was called in to meet director Ted Demme. I thought it was a callback, but he just wanted to meet me and welcome me aboard. His premature death was a great loss.

5. Were you familiar with George Jung’s story beforehand?

No.




6. You’ve been involved in production with a criminal element (CSI, NYPD: Blue). What do you think is the fascination with crime stories?

I think it’s human nature to be fascinated with the kind of behaviour we’d never engage in ourselves, and with those who make it their mission to catch the bad guys. Crime stories often have clear-cut good guys and bad guys, and those tend to be very satisfying, dramatic stories. Sitcoms and kitchen-sink melodramas have their place, but real catharsis tends to come from the war between good and evil, the pathology from which it stems, and the heroism it takes to combat it.

7. I’d like to discuss the film, Universal Soldiers. Is it related to the Jean Claude Van Damme Univeral Soldier movies?

Only in that the Asylum used the big budget Van Damme series to piggyback their micro budget knock-off. They fulfil a niche in the market that is very loyal, blogging endlessly about the relative merits of B movies. Like Roger Corman, they have given a lot of young film makers their first jobs, setting them on the path to making their own films with their own vision.



I thank Randy for his time in doing this interview. I also thank him for his very frank, interesting responses. I hope you enjoyed reading this as much as I did interviewing Randy.
All the best.

Interview with... Sonia Curtis

Sonia Curtis came to my attention in the brilliant 1980's film, Monster Squad.
Since then she has gone on to appear in Family Ties, and Boston Strangler: The Untold Story. Sonia is also a writer/producer, and wouldn't you know it, the CEO of Get Real Productions!
http://www.getrealproductions.biz/

Below is an interview I conducted with Sonia.
Of course she's a lovely person, even if imdb.com almost derailed my interview completely.
Just goes to show, I shouldn't use imdb as a sole resource for my interviews.
Enjoy.



1. Monster Squad was a phenomenal success. What was it like to be involved?

It was a blessing really. I was just at the right place at the right time, and got to be in this wonderful cult classic film that so many people have loved. The writing and directing were great as was the cast and although I had a small part I am grateful to be in it.

2. You’ve also done TV sitcom work. What difference did you find between working in TV and film?

Great question! Sit com is fun in that it is a bit like theater since you perform before a live audience, albeit it is much more rushed for time than theater because you shoot a new episode each week. Film is for me a place to go a bit deeper with my work because usually you only shoot one or two scenes at the most per day. In Monster Squad I had several days of shooting the one scene I did as the peasant girl. It took a while because there were stunts and special effects as well as the different angles to cover. Of course the bigger the budget the more time you usually get to shoot, so I was grateful to get the time.



3. As an actor what is more challenging? Comedy or drama?

I think comedy is because you have to have really high stakes and good timing to pull it off. In addition to high stakes you have to remain in truth so it is finding the balance of high stakes without pushing too hard so that you remain truthful. I am currently doing the play "Crimes of the Heart" which is dramedy and it has a nice blend of both.



4. You’ve since worked in Australia, appearing on Whatever Happened To That Guy? How did you get involved?

Actually, that is funny! That is one thing I did not do and I'm not sure how it got up there on the imdb under my name....hmmmm I've never seen it so I guess I will have to contact imdb and figure it out.

5. What did you think of Australia?

See above. I would LOVE to come to Australia! Maybe a work opportunity will present itself soon :)



6. What’s coming up next for you?

I don't know for sure what is next, but I would love to get the film I wrote produced. It is based on my life story growing up in Hollywood, but is mostly a family drama about overcoming obstacles and forgiveness. I want to play the role of Eva which is based on my Mom. I also have a short that I am co-producing with my husband called "Most Precious Blood" about human trafficking that I will star in and he will direct.

7. Is there a charity or event you would like to bring to my readers’ attention?

Yes, Thank you! I like to give to both Childcare Worldwide and Westside Pregnancy Center in Los Angeles. I would also encourage readers to adopt animals from shelters (I have four dogs!) They are so grateful and loving and it is a crime that so many beautiful animals are put down needlessly.



I want to thank Sonia for her time on this interview. It was wonderful to have this opportunity, and I look forward to seeing her future work.

What did you think of this interview?
Please comment, or email me directly at mgbouw@yahoo.com.au
Until next time!

Interview with... Samantha Lockwood

I had no intention of interviewing Samantha Lockwood. In fact, if it wasn't for a sheer stroke of luck I wouldn't have had any point of contact for Samantha.
Then I interviewed Samantha's mother, Denise DuBarry Hay, http://maartenbouw.blogspot.com/2010/09/interview-with-denise-dubarry.html and everything fell into place.

Samantha is a talented actor in her own right, and has even gone on to put writing and producing credits to her resume.

I would also like to direct your attention to Samantha's jewellery line at, www.fleurings.com/
I have provided some images from the website below, and was amazed at the work involved. This is some beautiful stuff.

Fans of Samantha will know of her work on the Heath Ledger movie, Lords Of Dogtown.
I asked about this movie, among other things, to Samantha, and here's what she had to say.



1. What was it like filming Lords Of Dogtown?

It was a great experience. There was a lot of great skateboarding on set. My first day filming was my birthday. Catherine Hardwicke was great to work with.



2. What can you tell us about Heath Ledger?

He was a nice person. You can tell he took pride in his acting work.



3. What can you tell us about working with Danny Trejo?

When we did "Shoot the Hero" Danny made a great impression on me. Danny is thankful just to work, he is not a complainer. He loves his job and because of that he is one of the best actors I've ever worked with. Not only is he a very good actor he was always on time and friendly. He's always cool and chill and he shows up carrying an attitude of gratitude. I really look up to him for that. I wish all people could bring that attitude to work no matter what it is they do. I think he is just grateful for every day and acting is something he does, but it's not the only thing that defines him. He's just a super cool dude. If you watch "Machete" you'll see that.



4. What do you find appealing about acting work?

The creativity, the traveling, the people and the ability to make people learn and feel through stories.



5. Can you tell us a bit about your work on CSI: NY?

I worked on this show with Gary Sinese and he was a very gracious star. He was a good example to other actors and I'll never forget his manner on set.





6. What can you tell us about “That Guy”?

That short film is very funny and shot in only one day. Not only that it is a true story. Peter Winther did a great job directing and Peter Facinelli was really fun to work with as well.



7. What would be a dream role for you?

There are so many. I'd love to do action films because I'm an athlete and an advanced Bikram Yoga practitioner. I would love to do more true stories. One role I look forward to doing is the life story of Mary Pickford, (http://www.marypickfordfilm.com/). That is a film I am currently attached to and it is my next dream role. She is an amazing woman to portray, she was one of the real founders of Hollywood itself. I'd love to do a Bollywood film too, I think it would be fun with all of the romance, dancing and singing.



8. You’ve been known to support Cancer Foundations. Can you please tell us about this?

I enjoy painting and I've donated a lot of art to Cancer Foundations and other Charities. Often times I donate a painting for an fundraising event and the charity will auction it off and make money from the donation.



Thank you to Samantha for agreeing to this interview. I found it interesting that Samantha's mother instigated the interview, and was our point-of-contact. It's not how I usually conduct interviews, but at the end of the day I thought it was a pretty good interview.

If you would like to check out more about Samantha Lockwood you can certainly do so on her imdb entry; http://www.imdb.me/samanthalockwood

What did you think of this interview?
Please comment, or email me directly at mgbouw@yahoo.com.au
Until next time!

Interview with... Denise DuBarry

In the course of locating celebrities to interview for my blog site I have received pleasant rejections, and some down-right rude responses.
That being written I have also corresponded with some very nice people.
Denise DuBarry Hay is certainly one of the nice people.

Working under the name Denise DuBarry, Denise has appeared on TV hits such as CHiPs, The Love Boat, Charlies Angels, and especially Days Of Our Lives.
Please read on and you'll discover Denise is a genuinely nice, amazing person.



1. Being There was a swan song for Peter Sellers. What was it like to be a part of the production?

When I was cast as Johanna Franklin in Being There I had already had starring roles in films, when Hal Ashby offered me the very small role in Being There I had to think about doing such a small role. After thinking about it for 5 minutes, I thought there was no way I could say “No”. Hal Ashby was a brilliant director and the chance to be in a film with the actors involved was a rare opportunity.

2. Did you have much involvement with Peter? What was he like?

I didn’t really have much involvement with Peter.



3. What can you tell us about your time on Days Of Our Lives?

I did a couple of episodes of Days of Our Lives as a guest star playing different characters. The series that I worked on regularly was one called, Black Sheep Squadron about a squadron of marines based in the South Pacific. That was a very fun show to work on, we had real WWII airplanes on the set and because it was a period piece, I really felt like I was in a different place, a different time when I went to work.



4. May I ask, what has been your dream role?

Working with my daughter in a film would be fun!

5. What’s coming up next for you?

I’m producing now. I just produced “Shoot the Hero” (ShootTheHero.com) with Jason Mewes, Samantha Lockwood (my daughter), Danny Trejo and a cast full of great actors. Shoot the Hero is being released very soon. I believe its coming out in the UK and Germany in September & October and in the US in October. I’m not sure what the Australian plans are yet, although I hear there are talks with distributors there.



6. Is there a particular event or charity you would like to bring to my readers’ attention?

I’m involved with an organization that provides shelter and counseling for abused and abandoned children in the US, Olive Crest.


Thank you Denise!
Please keep a watch as I have also interviewed Denise's daughter Samantha Lockwood. I hope to have the interview up on my blog very soon.

What did you think of this interview?
Please comment, or email me directly at mgbouw@yahoo.com.au
Until next time!

Interview with... Lawrence Montaigne

People who know me know that I love Hogan's Heroes. Especially the behind-the-scenes related stories.
So when I had the opportunity to interview Lawrence Montaigne, Hogan's Heroes was going to be one of the questions.
As all as questions about Star Trek, Batman, and The Great Escape.
Lawrence's feedback is not to be missed! Enjoy.



1. What was it like on the set of Star Trek: The Original Series?

It appeared to me as if we were all in a state of confusion. We had nothing to relate our characters to and we were flying by the seats of our pants. I think that Gene was the only one who knew where this whole thing was going.

2. What difference, as an actor, did you find between Star Trek, and the Batman TV series?

Batman had an historical background. You only had to pick up a comic book to research a character and if it wasn't there, at least you were familiar with the characters around you which seemed to make it easy to relate. With Star Trek it was "try this" or "try that" until the director said it felt right.



3. Which do you prefer, comedy or drama?

I've always preferred comedy but with a face like an ugly Jack Palance, I didn't have much choice. The few comedy parts I did land (The Flying Nun, Hogan's Heroes, etc.) they were a piece of cake.



4. What was it like on the set of Hogan’s Heroes?

I can't speak for other actors but the particular episode in which I played Sergeant Steinfeld, although the role was fun, the conditions under which I was working were physically taxing. We were shooting on the back lot of Desilu in Culver City in the heat of August. I was wearing a winter, German uniform, including a topcoat. The temperatures were in the nineties and the regular cast was in the habit of goofing off and doing retake after retake. No one took into consideration that the new guy on the block was melting right in front of the camera until I finally blew my stack and we all settled down to getting in out of the heat.

5. I’m a big fan of the show so would like to ask, what can you tell us about the Hogan’s Heroes cast?

I think I've covered it!



6. The Great Escape is an iconic film. What was it like to film?

In my autobiography, A Vulcan Odyssey, I stated, "Every actor should have A Great Escape." I meant it. Not only was it a great learning experience but it was a key to the kingdom. I no sooner arrived in the U.S. after the release of TGE, than the doors to every casting office in L.A. opened up to me. Unfortunately, most of the cast has passed on but working with such a renown group of actors was a blessing for which I shall be forever grateful.

7. What’s coming up next for you?

Lunch, if I live that long.

8. Is there an event or charity you would like to bring to my readers’ attention?

My wife, Patricia, and I are avid animal lovers. Every day we learn of some horrible abuse or neglect of pets and it drives us up the wall. If you can adopt a pet or give a dollar to any humane society, we would thank you from the bottom of our hearts.


Lawrence has a brilliant website all of his own, www.lawrencemontaigne.net/
It's well worth checking out if you're interested in knowing more about Lawrence's work.

I thank Lawrence for his time and responses. I certainly got a really kick out of them.

What did you think of this interview?
Please comment, or email me directly at mgbouw@yahoo.com.au
Until next time!

Interview with... Debbie Dutch

I always love interviewing horror genre actors because they're always so enthusiastic about their work.
And none more so than Screen Queen Debbie Dutch!
I want to thank Debbie for her time with this interview. Debbie goes into incredible detail about her work, and it's a very fascinating read.
Hope you enjoy.

1. You’ve been titled as a Scream Queen. How do you feel about that?

I LOVE IT!!!!!I feel eternally youthful because I have to keep up with the modern rhythm of the entertainment world.My fans r loyal til the end,appreciate me, my work,& art & respect who I am!It's given me the GREAT opportunity to meet so many beautiful people,work in wonderful projects for the media,(your interview included),travel,appear in fabulous shows across the country& make some nice money.It is an honor & a privilege,& I want to repay my debt of gratitude by helping the next generation to make their Dreams Come True...I also want to add that when I first was crowned a "Scream Queen" it was the "APEX" of this HOT TREND.I was in w/the ORIGINAL Scream Queens!We also had Tee Shirts,Coffee Mugs & trading cards not only w/our picture & signature on them,but also our lip prints!#

2. What about the horror genre appeals to you?

I've ALWAYS LOVED the Horror Movies since I was a little girl.Bella Lugosi as Dracula & Boris Karloff as Frankenstein have been great influences.Halloween has ALWAYS been my Fave Holiday!I LOVE dressing up & creating "Horror Intriguing Alter Egos &Persona's"!!!! I'm fascinated & scared by Death & the Unknown.I love anything super natural or Ghosts & Spirits from the other side.I believe that there is a connection between life & Death,a fine seemingly invisible line,"Beyond the Border"!

3. Can you please tell us about your modelling work?

I modeled 4 PLAYBOY mag in the late 80's,& then of course 4 the Horror Mags,VAMPIROTICA,SCREAM QUEENS ILLUSTRATED,SCREAM BEAT,PLATINUM & Movie mags,"Celebrity Skin","Cinema"(in Europe),"FEMMES FATALES"& many sets of trading cards.I also modeled extensively for a graphic artist, Larry Barsky who owns the company "Art Asylum"I posed 4 many Movie posters & Box Covers.1 of my High lights was posing 4 the famous photographer,Levon Perion.I'm also in his book.I have to give adulation to a great celebrity photographer,Jon Cottam from London & was honored to b in his London Photograph exhibit!I also currently model frequently w/Debbie D a celebrity Scream Queen Internationally in our "The Double D's" production company.We've had pictorials in 5 Issues of the popular mag,"Celebrity Sleuth""GIRL-GIRL POWER",& I've appeared in a solo layout in "Woman 2 Woman" &"Women of Fantasy"Celebrity Sleuth Issues.I also do custom modeling 4 Fans & various Companies.My modeling career continues I very much enjoy the varied & creative wardrobe,Hair & make-up.I remember working w/David LaChapelle,the well known famous photographer & music Video director for Elton John & many huge Rock Stars & being wardrobed in an Authentic 70's disco cat suit all in champagne gold & rhinestones from Paris.Size 0,(very rare)4 an Elton John Music video,"Good-Bye Yellow Brick Road" that premiered @ CAESAR'S PALACE when Elton John played there.Definitely a "Golden Memory".It was SO MUCH FUN!!!!& GOT PAID WELL!!!

I was on the COVER of SCREAM QUEENS ILLUSTRATED,DRACULINA,(a pictorial interview by Peter Evanko & published by Hugh Gallagher),SCREAM BEAT,& VAMPIROTICA,as a Model!




4. Have you done much work at conventions?

I've done a lot of conventions,but not as much as I could because I'm still very active working & pursuing my acting work & teaching Yoga.It would remove me from my immediate arena by traveling & "taking off".However,there are several cons that I appear @ regularly!Kevin Clement's,The CHILLER THEATRE,1 of the Best Horror Cons in the World,"The SuperMega Show",Ken Laurence Director,Definitely a FAVE on the East Coast,also Gary Lyon's,"The Gotham Collector's Shows",in N.Y.C.& Mickey Sinardi's "Showstopper's Stars Spectacular" here in L.A. & MOST RECENTLY A new cool con,"THE L.A.ROCKIN'COMICON"Produced by Cindy B!I've appeared in many other Conventions 2 name a few:FANGORIA,GLAMOURCON,EXOTICON,REZNHEDZ,(Chicago)COMICON(SanDiego), The Collector's Show,By CREATION ,SCI-FI HORROR CON,The BIG SHOW,& MONSTERS AMONG US.They're ALWAYS A BLAST!!!I get 2 see so many friends & fans both new & old,devoted to the sci-fi/horror genre.I party & have fun & almost always get a new gig from appearing since many Directors who r putting together new projects come looking for actors!Cons r a Fabulous event to continue to fulfill my mission as an actress,make money & have FUN!& Most importantly LIVE my life from my heart & express my love & appreciation for making my Dreams Come True!Another thing I LOVE about conventions,they always take place in a Beautiful Hotel & I LOVE TO STAY IN HOTELS!!!!!Room Service,Free Champagne,Big Beds w/chocolate on my pillow b4 I go 2 sleep,wake up calls,everything fresh & new, towels,sheets,etc.,luxury Bath Tubs,swimming pools & make-up mirrors in the vanity room!---

5. What would be a dream role for you?

My Dream Role is "The Hollywood Warrioress"!It's a role that I created from an inspiration 4 a photo shoot w/Jonas Mohr from Europe 4 the European edition of Penthouse & Cinema magazine.He was doing a pictorial story on the top "B" movie starlets in the U.S.A. & I was chosen 4 the article!He asked me what persona am I known as?I said that it seems I'm always a Femme Fatale being pursued by "Bad" entities,both human & non-human & I'm either killed or I kill them!My weapon of choice is usually a sword,so I consider myself a Warrior!We shot under the Hollywood sign,& the rest is part of my destiny.I've been modeled as the "Hollywood Warrioress"as an action statue,been in the Hollywood Christmas parade & was filmed in Alexander Lehr's,"The Dream of Alvareen" playing the Warrioresss!I've created a screenplay soon to b produced on the silver screen starring as the "Hollywood Warrioresss"!This character is my alter-ego.I practice Buddhism & chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo to attain World Peace & the happiness of all humanity. I translated my faith & breathed this life force in2 this character.I believe in having faith & overcoming all our obstacles,being victorious over our unhappiness,making the Impossible Possible. & making our dreams come true & never b Defeated!This is my mission & also The Warrioress's!I can share this experience w/ others so that they can be encouraged to challenge & win in their lives 2!She also falls in love & shows the power of our heart & a woman's sexuality.It is a multi-faceted role & demonstrates the power,love,compassion,truth,justice,purity,vulnerability & eternity of a woman in the modern world combating against the Demon of evil,the age-old battle.

6. What’s coming up next?

My most recent feature film release is titled,"Vampiress:Lady of the Night"Directed by Philip Cable.I star in it & am Associate producer!I love my role as Danielle,a prostitute who becomes a Vampire!It received a rave review by Brian Kirst of the well known horror website,www.horrorsociety.com.I also was on their talk radio show.Vampiress will be screened nationwide in various film festivals & will be on sale on Amazon.com!i also just finished filming the 2nd episode of "Destiny,the Vampire Mermaid" in which I have a Guest Starring role w/Debbie D who plays Destiny. The episode is titled Death In The Dark and it was directed by William Pietrzak, screenplay by Bob Statzer. We filmed in a studio castle w/authentic wardrobe & props.It is an interesting Vampire story w/a unique twist,beautiful woman,Handsome Count Dracula,sex,blood ,sword fights & mystery.I don't want to give away the plot,I want it to b a surprise!I play an historical Pirate,Mary Reid & carry a big sword. It was an Amazing acting experience!Everyone on the movie is GR8!!!!!There's also a new book published about me,"Debbie Dutch,A Scream Queen in Pictures"!It's published by Michael Enoches & is beautifully illustrated!It's on sale on Amazon.com.Also,pls check out my website,www.DebbieDutch.com orchestrated by Andy Neal a talented artist & producer.I want to thank all my friends & fans & especially you Maarten 4 giving me this golden opportunity to share my experience.thank-you from the bottom of my heart!I send all my love & Blessings & hope 2 meet u someday in person,Debbie Dutch




Thanks again to Debbie for all her correspondence, and kind words. They're always appreciated.

What did you think of this interview?
Please comment, or email me directly at mgbouw@yahoo.com.au
Until next time!