Interview with... Micha Bergese

These days everyone seems to be talking about the Twilight movies, without any real acknowledgement to the great vampire movies which came before it.
It's my pleasure to be interviewing Micha Bergese, who played a role in Interview With The Vampire: The Vampire Chronicles.
I would be remiss to not mention Micha has since directed Shaolin Monks in The Shaolin Wheel Of Life.
Currently Micha is extremely busy with his own production company, Micha Bergese Productions.
http://www.michabergese.com/

What Micha has to say about his career to date certainly is interesting. I hope you enjoy.




1. You’ve done TV and film work. What is your preference?

Quite frankly, neither - I never pursued film or TV work but took it on, when offered - I like(d) the challenge and for that reason I did it. Really, I am a 'live performance' person however, I love watching films and adore the art of film making. (Can't stand TV though).

2. Please tell us about your work on Interview With The Vampire.

Having worked with Neil Jordan in 'The Company Of Wolves' the needle on his compass pointed into my direction - which gave me the opportunity. I loved the work on this film and of course, I admire Neil's work. I was involved with the Paris section and had a great time while staging and choreographing the theatre scene in the Paris Opera. Everybody was simply brilliant to work with especially Kirsten Dunst (still a child then but a child with magic, inspiration and aspiration). Brad Pitt - brilliantly cool, relaxed and personable - and man! could he deliver. Antonio Banderas had the emotional strength of a bull and bull-fighter put in one with the power of a tsunami - breath taking. Cruise had to learn a triplet of the waltz-steps, liked his private space and many re-takes - which is fine and Christian Slater was not on the set when I was. My performance as a vampire was 'messing about' in a controlled and somewhat crafted manner - we had a ball.

3. What do you think is the appeal of vampires on film?

Because it's the only place where you see the guys for real.



4. Please tell us about your work outside of film.

Phew - where do you want me to start. I'm 65 now and never stopped working in the dance, circus and music world since I was 18 I worked (and still do) as a performer, choreographer, artistic and creative director as well as producer, running my own company - Micha Bergese Productions.

5. What’s coming up next for you?

I am working on the 4th incarnation of Jeff Wayne's 'The War Of The Worlds' as creative director, am trying to get a new show on the road, 'Temptation' with the Medieval Baebes and am producing/directing a clutch of aerial show for P&O Australia's Pacific Cirque.

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

Yes, I support the Red Cross and the Samaritans - both in the UK




I sincerely thank Micha for all his time and efforts on this interview.
I'd love to know what you think, so please feel free to post a comment below.
Until next time.