Interview with... Kiran Shah

As you know, I'll interview pretty much anyone in the movie industry.
If I think my readers' will get a kick out of it, I'll post it.

Rarely though do I get the chance to interview some interesting characters, and you'd be hard-pressed to find someone more interesting than Kiran Shah.
Enjoy!



1. How did you become involved in stunt work for movies?

The first film I did ‘The Candleshoe’ I was standing in for a young girl called Sara Tamakuni. On Location Bob Anderson spotted me and asked me if I would like to do stunts for Sara and I replied Yes. From there my stunt life started.

2. You were Elijah Wood's body double for The Lord Of The Rings films. What was this like?

I really enjoyed working with Elijah Wood and all the other actors. We all got on well and had fun.



3. To date what has been your favourite production to work on?

I have enjoyed working on all the films I have done. The favourites have been ‘Dark Crystal’, ‘Legend’, ‘The Lord of the Ring, ‘The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe’ and few others.



4. You've appeared in many varied productions over the years. What requirements have there been for you, as an actor?

The requirements on varied productions as an actor are first is to enjoy what you do, two the actors should be able to pick up things like fights, horse riding and so on, three learn about your character and most of all have fun. Where else can you get to play with toys learn new skills etc.




What did I tell you? You've got to love the Ewoks!
Thank you to Kiran for your help. It's very much appreciated.

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

Interview with... Tom Egeland

And now I bring you a very interesting Star Wars interview.
It's my honour to bring to you, my interview with Tom Egeland.

1. How did you get involved in The Empire Strikes Back?

During high school I worked as an extra on a few Norwegian movies. When the US movie company needed extras at Finse, the Norwegian movie company called all the extras on their list and asked if we wanted to participate.



2. Some of my Australian and US-based readers may not know Dekkaraika. what can you tell us about it?

I have no idea what that word or name means? I even tried to google it to no avail.

The ever reliable www.imdb.com has Dekkaraika listed for Tom Egeland's name. It's a talk show he was on once.

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2261501/



3. In 2008 Night Of The Wolf was released, based on the novel and screenplay you wrote. What can you tell us about this?

During a live discussion programme on Norwegian television where several prominent politicians are present, a group of Chechens take up arms. Shockedviewers witness a dramatic hostage situation - and the terrorrists demand that the TV-channel broadcast every minute of the bloody drama. Outside the studio the police are working hard to resolve the situation, but it soon becomes clear that not everyone involved are who they pretend to be, and that powerful people in the East will go to drastic steps to conceal the true story behind the tragedy.

4. How did you find writing the screenplay, over writing the novel?

Two different worlds. A novel is the author's domain. A movie is a teamwork. In the novel, the author decides everything. Writing a movie script, you're really the director's (and producer's) right arm. It's fun to write a movie script, because you have to think visually, but you have more control over your material when you write a novel.

5. What's coming up next for you?

July 29th I'm publishing my next novel: "The Lies of the Fathers", an epic drama about four generations of men.


Thank to Tom for allowing me the chance to interview him!
Hope you all enjoyed.
What did you think of this interview? Please comment, or email me directly at mgbouw@yahoo.com.au
Until next time.

Interview with... Alan Flyng

With this interview I have to say, "I'm flying."
If you caught the obscure Chopper reference there, you're a true movie buff.
Okay all jokes aside, this is an interview in my series of Star Wars interviews.
I bring to you, my interview with Alan Flyng.



1. It must be an exciting job. May I ask, how do you get to be in the Costume and Wardrobe Design department for movies?

Over the years as an actor, I made a lot of friends amongst the technicians – wardrobe as well. I had a lot of experience of tailoring and costume making too, as I had performed extensively in theatre and light entertainment, providing my own, as well as others’ costumes, when budgets did not allow for rental or makes. It was as a result of working at the National Theatre (now the Royal National Theatre), that I met a designer, David Perry, who asked me to work with him on a film commissioned by Channel 4, called ‘Giro City’. I left the National and that was the start of my work behind the camera. I must have been good, as I went from film to film, learning more with each project and working my way up as I went. I still performed in shows and cabaret, but rarely thereafter in front of the camera again.

2. The Hornblower series had some elaborate costumes. Were they original, made for the productions, or did you have to locate them externally?

The Costume Designer of the Hornblowers was also the very same John Mollo of Star Wars fame! We had met and become friends whilst working on ‘Revolution’ – the Al Pacino film. John is acknowledged as a world expert in militaria and uniforms pre-1900, and he commissioned the making of historically accurate uniforms through the costume house, Angels, in London. Much of the crowd costume came from there - some of which were original - as well as assorted other costume resources and collections.
During the course of filming, it was necessary to make for actors and actresses, which was a task I undertook in Menorca and again in the UK. Speed was often of the essence and it was financially not worth getting things made at huge expense when I was in the Costume Department already.

3. What differences did you find for the wardrobe between movies such as Hornblower, and Garfield 2: The Tale Of Two Kitties?

Garfield 2 was a rather strange experience for me and definitely not the usual way films are made! I had an emergency call from the costume department to come in and remake certain uniforms for the exterior Buckingham Palace sequences, as the antique rented originals were too long in the body and arms for the extras engaged. Then, all of a sudden, it became obvious that costume purchased in L.A. for Billy Connolly and the American lead were not fitted prior to shipping and time was too short to buy again. I was asked to drive to York in the North of England in time to meet Billy as he flew in and to fit and remake his suits for the first few days of filming. He was due to shoot the next day and I worked through the night altering his Morning suits and their stunt doubles to fit and also the suit the principal actor needed for his first shot in a car. It turned into a 10 day scrabble with hardly any sleep to do all that was needed, but I succeeded in remaking Billy’s entire wardrobe in the time allowed, as the results on screen prove!
John Mollo, on the other hand, took great care and research to be certain that what was made was perfect for filming, down to having Orders of Merit embroidered in India in bullion wire to having buckles for soldiers’ cross straps cast and engraved. A master of his trade indeed! The makes I did on the production were to cover the wrong measures sent by agents for actors turning up after we had shipped our stock, or if we needed extra doubles for stunt work or destruction.

4. What was it like on set for Star Wars: Return of the Jedi?

I have said on other occasions that my involvement on ROTJ was minimal, due to the fact I tend to do what is required with the minimum of fuss and so finish my work quickly! I had little time to remark much on the atmosphere, apart from the fact that I was stepping into the shoes of another and rescuing the role within the scheduled period set aside to complete. I think there was a slightly tense expectation that it would take longer than it did and a feeling of relief, attested by a sea of smiles, when I completed with no problems. The crew members I knew already were pleased to see me and made me welcome immediately, as I was fitted (firstly in the wrong outfit, as seen in the Polaroid out there on the web) and in front of camera in double quick time. There must have been anxiety I would also not be able to complete, as I was replacing an actor originally cast who had been unable to perform and a lot was riding on my performance at what turned out to be a pivotal point in the movie.

5. What’s coming up next for you?

I designed a movie with Tim Spall, Honor Blackman, Rhona Mitra and James Callis called ‘Re-Uniting the Rubins’ last year, directed by Yoav Factor, which will be released this year, but I have been asked to redesign the opening sequences due to script changes requested by the Producers – so I will be doing that next. Otherwise, I have plenty of public appearances booked and look forward to meeting as many other fans, geeks and nerds like me, as possible! That is what makes the whole experience so enjoyable – people with a passion and a welcoming smile! I have just come back from a wonderful convention in Denmark, which was fantastic and am next appearing at Bournemouth for Sci-Fi Collectors South with a very impressive list of guest signers, which I know will be great fun! I will then be signing at London Film and Comic Con at Earls Court 2 in July, which will probably be the largest convention of the year!

Thank you for your invitation to be interviewed and I wish your readers all the best in their quest to meet and sign and collect whoever and whatever interests them from the Star Wars legacy!

I hope you guys enjoyed that one. I sure did.

Thanks to Alan for his help with the interview. I couldn't have done it without you! :)

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

Until next time.

Interview with... Christopher Malcolm

My Star Wars-related interviews garnered a lot of feedback, most of which was positive (always a positive). :)
This interview is a doosy too.
I present to you, my interview with Chistopher Malcolm.



1. What can you tell us about being on the set of Force Ten From Navarone?

F10FN was a bore, the only pleasure was filming in Jersey. I was on the shoot 8 weeks and in the final cut I think all you saw of me in the film was my hand! Complete waste of time.

2. As with Force Ten From Navarone, Highlander, and Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back were also action films. Do these movies appeal to you?

Action movies were what was being made, I took what jobs were available. My favorite action pic though was one you don' t have here "King David" with Richard Gere, in that one I play Doeg who kills the priests in the Temple and meets a nasty end being dragged by his neck behind a chariot, great stunt which I did and enjoyed very much. That film also starred the great Edward Woodward who passed away recently.



3. What was it like filming Absolutely Fabulous?

Abfab was fun, the episodes are filmed in front of a live audience which can be nerve-racking, but both Jennifer and Joanna were brilliant at warming them up which made everyone relax and enjoy. My character was never more than a foil for the girls, but I didn't mind and I was always pleased to be asked back.

4. What can you tell us about Spies Like Us?

I can tell you nothing abot SLU as I don't even remember doing it!

(Christopher is credited on IMDB.com as being "Jumpmaster" in Spies Like Us.)



5. As an actor, how do you find filming such diverse movies like Star Ways: The Empire Strikes Back, Spies Like Us, and Labyrinth?

I feel very lucky to have appreared in many films in that period and a few good ones. I loved doing Highlander, Rustlers Rapsody, King David, Reds, and Ragtime, they were all great locations and working with the best in the business, stars like James Cagney, Warren Beatty, and Directors like Bruce Beresford and Milos Foreman.

6. How may I go about asking for your autograph?

You can write to me for an autograph but it will cost you €20, please include a stamped self addressed envelope, A4 size. Addressed as follows

Christopher has asked that you can contact me directly via my email address.
If you're after an autograph you can send the request on to me, and I will send it on to Christopher.
This is to protect Christopher's home address.
I hope you understand.

So there you go. Talk about an interesting interview!
Thank you to Christopher for taking the time for me. I really do appreciate it.

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

Interview with... Harvey Goldenberg

M*A*S*H, CHiPS, Kojak, Mr Belvedere, and the Golden Girls.
What do these shows all have in common?
Yep, Harvey Goldenberg.



It's my honour to bring to you an interview I did with Harvey a while back now, which I'm now posting here for your reading pleasure.

1. You’ve appeared on some huge TV shows, from MASH to Chips, to Mr. Belvedere. What can you tell us about them?

Prior to CHIPS, I appeared on the Marlo Thomas comedy series THAT GIRL! twice. It was a good formula series similar to MY LITTLE MARGIE and I LOVE LUCY in that the leading woman was always getting into trouble and needed a man, her father, her boyfriend or husband to get her out of it. Marlo was pleasant and the mood around the set was easy going.

CHIPS was another series I did twice. Neither Erik Estrada nor Larry Wilcox was ever one to approach. That was on either episode I did. But Gregory Harrison on FALCON CREST came up and introduced himself. Really nice.

I did MASH twice. I was also originally supposed to do the part that eventually became Klinger. After they realized that the part could become a regular, they released me. (I never got to the set.) They hired Jamie Farr for the long running part and the rest is history. As I said, I did the show twice. The first time I worked with Wayne Rogers. He was also very friendly and personable and introduced himself. In fact, a couple of years after he left the show, I met him at a local International House of Pancakes when he'd become an entrepreneur, had vineyards and a number of other investments and he remembered my name and chatted as though we were old friends.

On the second MASH, I again played the Captain Kaplan, the dentist, this time getting out of the army. Alan came on the set, but never contacted personally with the new guy. He just wanted to get the scene right. Who could blame him? He had a lot of pressure on him.

MR. BELVEDERE was a pleasure. While I was never palsy-walsy with Christopher Hewett, he gave me a medal of St. Genesius, the Patron Saint of Actors and Actresses. The second time I did the show, since he lived in the area, he and his driver would pick me up on the way to the studio. What many people didn't know was that Hewett had a terrible case of arthritis and walking was very difficult for him. But he never once let anyone know or let it interfere with his performance. Ilene Graff the series co-star and Bob Uecker were both very open and pleasant to be around. I was one of the few actors in Hollywood who got along without a car. Like Blanche DuBois, "I have always depended on the kindness of strangers" ...for a ride. Ann B. Davis "Alice" from THE BRADY BUNCH, Jerry West, an LA LAKER, now an exec with the corporation, Kathleen Freeman who played the vocal coach in SINGIN' IN THE RAIN among others all drove me home. See, it doesn't hurt to look pathetic.

On GOLDEN GIRLS, Rue McClanahan was charming and acted like an old friend. Estelle Getty was nervous about her lines. Betty White was quiet and sat by herself, I think knitting or doing needle point and Bea Arthur appeared when called and like a magician's assistant disappeared afterwards.

2. As an actor which do you prefer, drama or comedy?

As an actor, I like to work. It doesn't matter what they give me. Am I funny? Yes. Can I do drama? I'm no Olivier. Hey, where is Olivier today? But I can be low key and into the part and believable.




3. What was it like filming the movie, The Malibu Bikini Shop?

Like the film, the production of MALIBU BIKINI SHOP was not so well organized. I wasn't hired until the morning of the shooting.They had hired Kathleen Freeman to play the wife. They couldn't find anyone old enough who could do comedy who could play her husband. Even though she was fifteen years older than I was, I said, "Don't worry, I'll look old enough." And yes, I did look it. Bruce Greenwood who has become a minor star recently appearing as the U.S. President in NATIONAL TREASURE: Book of Secrets was very outgoing and easy to be around.

4. Besides TV, what other productions have you been involved in?

You can check http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0325522/

5. Are there any events or charities you would like to bring to my readers’ attention?

I have been a sporadic giver, but never important enough to be invited to attend charity or fund raising events. Sorry about that.



So there you go everyone. Talk about interesting hey?
I thank Harvey for his time and patience with this interview.
What did you think of this interview? Please comment, or email me directly at mgbouw@yahoo.com.au
Til next time.

Beethoven's Big Break

This movie was a lot of fun!

When my 2 year old son is sick all he wants to do is sit on my lap and watch TV.
I don't need a reason like sickness, to spend all day watching TV. :)

On a recent Sunday morning my son was unexpectedly sick, so I popped on the TV and this film was on. It's the 6th in the series.
Again, it's a lot of fun.



Here's the movie poster.
Now, just because it's the 6th in the series and it's gone straight to DVD, don't let that discourage you from watching it. Especially if your son is as crazy about dogs as mine is.



Each time Beethoven was on screen my son would point to the TV and mumble what I can only imagine is babytalk for "puppy."

Don't fool yourself into thinking this is the same dog as in the previous movies. The jokes are all the same though, but there's a reason for that.
Here's the trailer.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A4MhB_1s96E



The Dad in this movie is Jonathan Silverman, who I'm sure you remember from that great TV sitcom, The Single Guy. It starred Ernest Borgnine, so of course I loved it.

Eddie (Jonathan Silverman) is an animal trainer for a movie studio. His son wants a dog, but he doesn't.
Soon enough they get a dog, and it's Beethoven.
And soon enough Beethoven gets cast in a movie, and the hijinks that occur get written into the movie.



Writing the script is Lisa (Jennifer Finnigan), who moves in with Eddie and his son (and Beethoven) because of a writer's block. And because she has the hots for Eddie.

And why not? In real life Jennifer's married to Jonathan, and they have a child together.

Here's Eddie's son, who wanted Beethoven so badly. Billy is played by Moises Arias. He does a pretty good job.

Of course his co-stars really help too.

My son loved the puppies, by the way.

The movie director at the studio, Stanley, is played by Eddie Griffin. I thought this was a strange casting choice as I'd only ever seen Eddie Griffin in adult-based comedy.
It works really well though.

Another delight to watch is Patricia (Rhea Perlman).
You're probably looking at this photo and thinking Rhea's wondering what she's doing in this movie.

However it seemed to me that everyone who was in this movie wanted to by there. And they loved every second of it.

Even Sal (Stephen Tobolowsky), who wants to kidnap Beethoven and hold the movie studio to ransom.

If Sal doesn't get what he wants he's going to have Bones (Joey Fatone) sing old N'Sync songs to them. :)

Just kidding.

I give this movie 8 out of 10. If you're going to watch it you know what to expect, and you get it.

With a few surprises along the way.

And I'm not just referring to Caesar Milan either.

What did you think of this review? Please comment, or email me directly at mgbouw@yahoo.com.au

Ghost Rider

In the summer of 2004-2005 this movie took over my life. I lived and breathed this movie.
It was shot in Melbourne, right next to where I worked in fact.
I remember being able to sit in the cafe on Level 9 and look out the window to the West Gate Bridge, underneath which sits Central Studios.
One day after work I even hoofed it over there. At the time the road leading to Central Studios was a dirt road, and completely closed off to the public.

I did get to see a lot of this movie being shot though. More on that later.
Here's the trailer
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=olVb_LuHQtI



And here's the movie poster.
From the poster it looks like a good movie, yeah?
That's the thing, it looks good. It actually looks great.

The script and dialogue really let it down though.



Sony Pictures threw a bucket load of cash into the special effects for this movie, and to their credit it paid off dividends.
However the one real rule of movies is, "if the script is shit, the movie is shit."
I so wanted this movie to be the blockbuster it was meant to be. But the script......



Nic Cage does a commendable job as Johnny Blaze. The guy clearly loves the story of Ghost Rider. He even has a Ghost Rider tattoo on his shoulder.
The special effects guys actually had to computer generate the tattoo out of the image for a few scenes in which Nic Cage is walking around with his shirt off.
That's how much he loves the character.



Along for the ride is Peter Fonda, as Mephistopheles. Basically he's the devil.
And the Ghost Rider is his ticket to claiming 1,000 souls.

You don't really need to follow the plot to enjoy this movie. Just watch the special effects.
And try to ignore the dialogue.



As the love interest we have Roxanne Simpson (Eva Mendes). The movie follows Roxanne's story word-for-word with the comic books. However in the comic books Roxanne is a blonde white woman.
Eva clearly isn't.
Don't let that worry you though. Eva shines in each scene. She's clearly a delight to watch.
Despite the poor dialogue she's been given, she still brings across humour, poise, and drama.



When I read that Blackheart was going to be played by Wes Bentley, I was rapt. I thought we were in for a real treat.
After watching the film though I cringed at each of his scenes. It's not that I didn't like the character. He's the bad guy, I'm not meant to like him.
However I'm not also meant to want him off the screen asap.




Now, Sam Elliott plays Caretaker, and here's where the fun begins.
Sam clearly loves this part, and makes it his own. I loved every scene he was in.
In fact if they did away with Ghost Rider and called this movie, Caretaker, starring Sam Elliott, I'd be very happy.

Another person in the movie whose scene I enjoyed was Mitch "Hollywood" Davies' cameo. After the helicopter jump stunt by Johnny Blaze, Comics R Us' very own Mitch is seen going burk-o at Johnny, in a thunderous applause.
Top work Mitch!

Now if only I'd wagged work that day I could've been in that very same scene!



Here we have Roxanne again. See the look on her face? She's clearly read the dialogue of the screenplay.




I seem to recall in this scene, Sam Elliott stating that if they screwed with his lines, he was going to hit them over the head with that shovel.




Along with Ghost Rider, Eva Mendes, and Sam Elliott, another drawcard is the amazing motorcycle Ghost Rider rides.
Just check it out!
Sony knew what was going to bring in the crowds, and that was some wicked visuals. Just look at this bike and I dare you to tell me you're not impressed.

I had the pleasure of seeing this motorcycle on set whilst they were filming a scene at the corner of William and Collins Street one evening. The bike was huge!

At a QnA session at ACMI a year before the production came to Melbourne the director, Mark Steven Johnson, told everyone they'd built 6 motorcycles. 2 of which weren't functional and were purely there for the purposes of destroying.
The chassis also caused the motorcycle to overheat at times, which caused problems as well.
Looking at the front wheel I felt sorry for the crew who had to wheel it around Melbourne.



Here we have Eva, and Mark Steven Johnson. MSJ also directed Daredevil. Of which he was pretty much criticised. Until the director's cut came out on DVD.
Now THAT's a good version.

I had the pleasure of meeting Mark Steven Johnson on set one evening (having been invited with a choice few from the local comic book store, by MSJ himself, purely "to watch a huge explosion.").
Like Nic Cage, MSJ has a great love for the Ghost Rider. From what he was saying and the work he put into this, he gave it his all to make this a great film, and to give the fans the movie they were after.
He's also a very cool guy.



One of the coolest scenes in the movie (some people think it's stupid but I staunchly disagree) is this scene.
Purchase or hire the DVD and decide for yourself. I thought it was great.
Ghost Rider (Widescreen Edition)



I thought I'd end this review with this image.
Do you want to watch the movie now? :)

I give it a 7 out of 10. Let down only because of the script. The special effects and stunts are just incredible. You really need to check it out for these factors alone.
What did you think of this review? Please comment, or email me directly at mgbouw@yahoo.com.au
Until next time.